The workshop will utilize techniques developed by Annie Loui in devised theatre and contact improv with the purpose of creating grounded meaningful connection with a scene partner. Players will be encouraged to move the “mask” beyond the face and encapsulate the entirety of the nervous system. The result of exercises in this workshop promote narrative as a bi-product, meaning when the connection between improvisers leads, the story naturally unfolds in the imagination and the inner play.

In this class, Hudson Valley Improv founder and actor Samantha Jones (Rabbit Rabbit/Netflix, Murder at the End of the World/FX, etc.) introduces her in-depth acting technique designed specifically for improvisers. This class is a crash course of her signature moves — the same ones she uses on stage and in front of the camera — to bring a performance that's not only deeply funny, but unforgettable. Samantha Jones is an actor and the founder of Hudson Valley Improv, a conservatory-style training center built on her original Improv Empowerment methodology. With over 30 years of experience as an improv direct/teacher, Sam has developed a distinct approach to training that bridges serious acting technique with the spontaneity of improv — equipping performers to bring depth, truth, and unforgettable presence to every scene.

Discover the thrill of commanding the stage alone. Led by Michael Short—Blind Tiger’s Artistic Director and creator of his own solo show Legion—this workshop teaches you how to instantly spin up multi-character scenes using rapid physical and vocal shifts.

The best part? Solo improv is the ultimate training ground for ensemble play. By mastering self-reliance and sharpening your comedic radar, you’ll return to your team as a fearless, hyper-adaptable scene partner.

Populate the stage, trust your gut, and become your own favorite cast. All experience levels welcome!

Do you love puppets? Do you love long-form improv? This workshop teaches puppetry manipulation, character development and long-form puppet performance improvisation. Learn the basics of hand and rod “Muppet style” puppetry, vocal characterization, and improvisational scene work with your new puppet character.

Students will have a better understanding of how to become the character they are playing and will be able to apply these teachings to their work in the world of acting, improv, puppetry and beyond. The experimentation of puppetry can be used as a means to free the artist or performer and help create interesting characters. You will have a blast and walk away with your very own practice puppet and a new found skill. Open to all.

So often in longform formats, we find ourselves rushing to make something happen, reaching for a hilarious or outrageous plot twist, driving the scene (or being driven), or worrying about how various plotlines will come together. The secret to the 2x2x2 format is to train your brain to leave all of that behind, and allow an intertwined world to emerge from a series of randomly paired, 2-person scenes, each inspired by a different one-word suggestion. In this workshop, we'll work the three essential muscles of this magical format: radical listening, intuitive trust, and co-discovery. Participants will also have the opportunity to try extended scenes with side-coaching to help them slow down and truly co-create their piece of the larger story.

While on stage, your brain and body are alive and full of energy. As you play, your energy builds and needs somewhere to go. It can be easy to let that energy take over your mind, your words, or your feet and lose sight of the scene and the world you and your scene partner are creating together. In this workshop, we will work on focusing that energy on slowing down, connecting with our environment, emotions, and scene partner to create beautiful, organic scenework.