ComedyWorx Program (Short-form Improvisation)

This program is the first step in the path to performing in the ComedyWorx show. However, if you are not interested in performing there are many other reasons to participate in this program including simply having fun, meeting creative people, and enhancing acting skills and many important life skills. In addition to training performers, our instructors have led many corporate team building and confidence building programs. This program consists of one workshop (Intro to Improv) and then participation in our internal ComedyWorx practices first as a trainee and then as an Associate. Advancing from the workshop to trainee and associate performer is dependent upon your performance skills, ability to learn, and commitment to the Worx. The Intro to Improv workshop is open to all the other steps in the process require the recommendation of the instructor.

Intro to Improv - Beginning Improvisation and Introduction to Games

Prerequisites: None

If you're curious about improvisation this is the place to start. In this workshop you will gain some insight into how improvisation works, learn theater games, do some scene work and have lots of fun. This workshop give you the basics while improving your self-confidence, spontaneity, problem solving, and ability to work as a team. It will also help you overcome stage fright and creative blocks. At its conclusion you will be able to decide if short-form improv is for you.

Students will warm-up to 1) build energy, 2) establish focus and 3) get everyone in the group on the same page with exercises such as Zip-Zap-Zop, Whoosh Bong, Bunny, Superheroes, Beep and others. The basics of scene work are presented, since in improv, the performers are totally responsible for creating the story...on the spot.

Also introduced are the concepts of "yes and" and avoiding questions in scenes. Participants learn to establish the who, what, and where of the scene. Students learn that trust, teamwork, & confidence are crucial to improv. This workshop also explores choices, reacting in scenes, basic character work, basic scene reality and basic scene mechanics.

This is a comprehensive hands on course where student participate in exercises, games and have lots of fun. This workshop lasts six weeks/one night per week. Tuition is $100, total for all six weeks.

The next scheduled workshops will begin (Wednesday nights unless otherwise noted):

April 23, 2008
June 10, 2008 (Tuesday nights)
July 30, 2008
September 17, 2008

Trainee: Intermediate Improvisation

Prerequisites: Intro to Improv

The goal of this workshop is to determine if you have the attitude, learning skills and commitment to perform improv. You will learn as a trainee with the ComedyWorx show's Associate troupe. In addition to the Associate troupe instructor each participant will be assigned a personal mentor who will assist them by providing notes (critique) and encouraging them to participate in the various workshop activities. Students will learn advanced skills including scene work, mime, and music, some of the intricacies of the essential games, the roles of various performers, and the ComedyWorx format.

Trainees must attend a second Intro to Improv workshop (with a new instructor) and participate in the associate (Thursday night) practice. The time spent as a trainee depends on your progress. There is no charge for attending the second Intro to Improv Workshop, participating in the associate practice, or mentoring. Participants are expected to attend ComedyWorx shows to learn by observing and provide some of the support functions necessary for the shows. This is the best improv training deal in the country!!!

Associate: Advanced Performer Workshop

Prerequisites: Trainee

The goal of this program is to produce associate performers for limited involvement in some of our ComedyWorx shows. Your mentor and the Associate Troupe Director must recommend you to become an Associate performer.

As an associate performer you would participate in our permanent Thursday night (7 - 10 P.M.) workshop/practice led by Senior ComedyWorx resident performers/instructors. It includes advanced skill training, instruction in all aspects of the ComedyWorx show. There may be live performance opportunities but that is not guaranteed. Associates will receive regular notes at weekly practice and comprehensive periodic reviews. There is no charge for attending Associate:Advanced Performer Workshop. Participants are expected to attend ComedyWorx shows to learn by observing and provide some of the support functions necessary for the shows. This is the best improv training deal in the world!!!

The only way to participate in the ComedyWorx (Short-form) program is to register for the Intro to Improv workshop. There are three ways to register for Intro to Improv Workshop, email worxshops@comedyworx.com, call our workshop hotline at (919) 605-5233, or submit a registration form.

Download a ComedyWorx Program/Short-form registration form.

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