Chicago-style Program (Long-form Improvisation)

The long-form program can be the first step in the path to performing at Late Night at the Worx. However, performing is not the only reason to participate you might simply want to have fun, and meet creative people, explore some self-development or improve acting skills. This program is based on the principals of improvisation developed by Del Close and Charna Halpern at the ImprovOlympic in Chicago. The program takes you through a series of five classes:

Beginning 1 - Patterns and Agreement

Prerequisites: None

This class explores two of the most fundamental elements of improvisation: recognizing and creating patterns (an essential part of long-form improvisation) as well as agreement and adding information (the most important part of all improvisation).

Beginning 2 - Group Improvisation

Prerequisites: None

This class explores how to improvise in a group setting. The exercises in this course will focus on having all of the students improvising together at the same time. You will explore knowing when to lead and when to follow, committing to the group's energy and trusting your fellow players.

Intermediate - Scene work

Prerequisites: Beginning 1 or 2

This class will focus on the elements of scene work with an emphasis on two person scenes and character work.

Long-form Improvisation

Prerequisites: Beginning 1, Beginning 2, and Intermediate

This class will focus on putting elements together into a longform piece. You will study elements of long-form such as editing techniques, openings and group games. Students will also learn about different styles of long-form such as the Deconstruction and the LaRonde.

Performance Improv

Prerequisites: Long-form Improvisation

Each class will rehearse as a performing group for the six week duration of the class. They will learn an established improv form, and present that form in performance at ComedyWorx. Each group will get at least two performances together.

All classes run six weeks and cost $125. The schedule for the next session of classes can be found on the registration form (which you can download below).

There are three ways to register for our either these Chicago style workshops, email worxshops@comedyworx.com, call our workshop hotline at (919) 605-5233, or submit a registration form.

Download a Chicago style/Long-form registration form.

Information on the Short-form program at the Worx Training Center.