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Improv 101: Introduction to Improvisational Comedy
Learn the beginnings of Chicago-based, long form improv. Students will learn how to create scenes based off of audience suggestions. They will learn:
- the fundamentals of 'Yes, And'
- how to support scene partners' ideas and energy
- and how to make strong character choices.
At the end of the session, students will take part in a graduation show on the Push Comedy Theater stage.
Improv 201: Foundations of the Harold: Game and Second Beats
This course builds upon the fundamentals and skills learned in 101. Students will learn the beginnings
'The Harold'
a long form improvisation structure developed by Del Close. They will learn how to identify the 'game' of a
scene
and how to heighten these games to develop 'second beats'.
At the end of the session, students will take part in a graduation show on the Push Comedy Theater
stage.
Improv 301: The Harold: Openers and Group Games
This course continues the Harold work started in 202. Students will delve more deeply into 'The Harold'
structure.
They will learn a series of 'openers' and 'group games' that will complete the Harold format. Openers are
used
to derive inspiration from the audience's suggestion while group games are multi person scenes that break
up
the traditional 2 person scenes.
At the end of the session, students will take part in a graduation show on the Push Comedy Theater
stage.
Improv 401: Advanced Harold
Now we put it all together. Students will combine the skills learned in the previous courses for an in
depth study
of The Harold. This course will delve deeper into the form, focusing on editing scenes, individual and
group
commitment, as well as the components of 2-person, 3-person, and group scenes.
At the end of the session, students will take part in a graduation show on the Push Comedy Theater
stage.
Improv 501: Improv Studio
***THIS COURSE WILL CAP AT 16 STUDENTS*** This course focuses on giving students individual attention to
their
strengths and weaknesses. We will also break down the different components of improv scenes and the choices
that
improvisers have and make within those scenes.
At the end of the session, students will take part in a graduation show on the Push Comedy Theater
stage.
Pre-Teen Improv at the Push Comedy Theater
Don't miss out on the fun!!! Sign up your kids, grand kids, nieces, nephews, even the stinky neighbor kid
from
down the street for Pre-Teen Improv at the Push Comedy Theater at the Push Comedy Theater.
This class is open to children ages 8 to 12. Students will explore the key elements of both long and
short form
improvisation. The children will play numerous improv games which will serve to develop and enhance their
public-speaking,
social and team-building skills.
This class will be conducted in a non-judgmental environment where the students will build
confidence, make friends
and most importantly ... have fun
The session concludes with the students performing in a graduation show on the Push Comedy Theater
Stage.
This is class is $150 for new students and $140 for returning students.
New students also receive a free tshirt.
Pre-Teen Improv Studio
Don't miss out on the fun!!! Sign up your kids, grand kids, nieces, nephews, even the stinky neighbor kid
from down the street for Pre-Teen Improv at the Push Comedy Theater.
This class is open to children ages 8 to 12 who have previously taken at least 2 sessions of Pre-Teen
Improv
101. Students
will explore the key elements of both long and short form improvisation. The children will play numerous
improv
games which will serve to develop and enhance their public-speaking, social and team-building skills.
This class will be conducted in a non-judgmental environment where the students will build
confidence, make friends
and most importantly ... have fun
The session concludes with the students performing in a graduation show on the Push Comedy Theater
Stage.
This class is $150.
Musical Improv 101
This is what you've been waiting for! The Push Comedy Theater brings you MUSICAL IMPROV!!!
This course offers an introduction to long form musical improvisation. We will cover the basics of
how to work
with music while learning how to create two person musical numbers, placing them together to create a 15
minute
thematic musical show.
Additional focus will be on sound exploration, movement, stylization, and accessing voice. Prepare to
challenge
yourself while having a ton of fun! This course culminates with a graduation show.
Musical Improv 201
This class is focused on building a long form Musical Harold. It will improve upon the concepts and skills learned in Musical Improv 101, with a focus on finding deeper relationships and themes to bring to life through song.
Musical Improv Studio
This course builds on what is learned in Musical Improv 101 and 201. We will work together on creating new
forms
and building skills for more varied and interesting scenes and songs.
Together, we will create a thematic musical form that will be the structure for our graduation show.
Improv for Teens
Jump head first into the wonderful worlds of sketch and improv comedy. This class is open to teens from
the ages
of 13 to 18. Absolutely no experience is needed. Students will explore the key tools behind both long and
short
form improvisation. We will play numerous games to help you sharpen your mind. We will then use improv as a
springboard
for writing basic comedy sketches- like those seen on SNL. We strive to create a safe, non-judgmental
environment
where teens can build confidence, make friends and most importantly... have fun.
At the end of the session, students will take part in a graduation show on the Push Comedy Theater
stage.
Sketch Comedy Writing 101
Dive head first into the wonderful world of sketch comedy! Whether you're a seasoned writer or someone who
rarely
picks up a pen, this class will teach how to get the funny ideas out of your head and onto the page. In
this
class we will examine the various types of sketches, learn how to generate funny ideas and then turn them
into
a sketches ready for the stage. This class is open to everyone, no writing or comedy experience is ready.
At the end of the session, students sketches will be performed on the Push Comedy Theater stage by
some of Hampton
Roads finest actors.
Sketch Comedy Writing 201
This course builds upon the fundamentals and skills learned in 101.
At the end of the session, students sketches will be performed on the Push Comedy Theater stage by
some of Hampton
Roads finest actors.
Standup 101
Learn how to perform stand-up comedy!
Learn about the often-overlooked basics of stand-up comedy and the nuances of fine tuning your act
from almost-jaded
veteran comic Hatton Jordan.
This class focuses on learning three skills:
- HOW to craft an original set,
- HOW to host a show like a pro
- HOW to market yourself so club bookers will want to pay you.
This course culminates with YOU and the others in your class performing your set at your Grad Show at the Push Theater.
The class will be a 6 week course ending with a graduation show at the 90 seat Push Comedy Theater.
Acting 101
This foundational course introduces the basic principles of acting through improvisation, monologue, scene work, and technical methods in voice, physical action, and text analysis. It involves fundamental skills and techniques with an emphasis on physical/vocal awareness, spontaneity, concentration, and truthful response.
About Us
The Push Comedy Theater is a 90 seat venue in the heart of Norfolk's brand new Arts District.
There is limited parking on the street and in the lot directly across from the theater.