Workshop Information and Registration

We have a great line-up of workshops for you! The descriptions are below and then you can register on the form below that.

All workshops are on Saturday, April 5, 2014 and will meet at the Central New York Playhouse, on the second floor of Shoppingtown Mall near the Macy's entrance.

11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

1. Storytelling - led by Scott Austin
In this session, workshop participants will focus on true stories. We will start with familiar improv activities getting to the truth of comedy. By the end of the session, everyone will have an outline for a moth-type story. Please bring a notebook and a pen. 

2. Physical, Vocal and Emotional Choices - led by Stephen Peters
Discover physical, vocal, and emotional choices to help play the scene. All too often, we fall into the habit of over plotting, explaining, or fumbling with the who, what, where, and why. Instead, turn off the editor in your head and do something. This workshop will begin with exercises that focus on using movement and emotion to find a strong point of view. This will also help throw out those familiar characters and surprise yourself with something new. After finding a movement and emotion, use it as your personal road map to discovery. The moment you're lost, return to your map and recommit. Using physical and emotional choices will help bolster confidence. No longer will you have to worry about where a scene is going. Instead, find a voice, check in with your partner, and play.

3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

1. Rules? Where we're going, we don't need rules - led by Ken KeechThis workshop will deal with identifying why improv "rules" exist and breaking free of traditional improv constraints. We will focus on taking physical and emotional risks, establishing non-traditional realities, and generating scenes through dialogue with an audience. Participants should be non-beginners and ready to experiment.

2. The Art of Second Beats and Heightening - Led by John Forrest ThompsonJFT will give you the tools to help you habitually make smarter, more interesting choices for your second beats of scenes. This workshop will help you move away from the urge to follow simple linear plot and help you take your improv to a whole other level. As a bonus, your first beats will also become better!