By Sonnjea Blackwell
Holy guacamole! It's that time again... a whole new round of Held2gether improv classes is starting up in the next week or two. There's Intro to Improv Comedy, Improv Comedy Level 2 and Long Form Improv. And this weekend is the June 1/2-day Intro to Improv Intensive, which is totally sold out. You see what happens when you dilly-dally? I try to give you plenty of notice so you don't miss out on things, peeps, but I can't come over to your house and click on the links and sign up for you. You really have to do some things yourself.
What I can do for you is give you the run-down on the classes so you know what's what. In case you haven't noticed, that's what I do. Cuz I'm a giver.
So. Intro to Improv Comedy is, as the name cleverly implies, an introductory class to improv comedy. In the Intro class, Darren covers the basics - agreement, commitment and information - in a bunch of really fun improv games and exercises. It's designed for people who haven't taken improv before, or people who have taken improv a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, or people who have taken improv at other improv schools. All the "big" improv schools have their own methods and just because you've completed 87 classes at 2nd City or UCB doesn't mean you know the basics of the H2G format (which is essentially Groundlings-based), so rather than be frustrated in the Level 2 class, it's usually best to take the Intro just to get the H2G style down pat.
Lots of people just hang out in the level one class forever because it's so much fun. Unlike improv schools elsewhere, there is no pressure to "move up or get out."
One more thing: no acting experience is required, and most of your fellow students will have none either. Having said that, improv is not stand-up, and you will be playing characters in games and scenes. Don't freak out! It's fun!
Improv Comedy Level 2 is the intermediate Held2gether improv class. After taking Level 1 a few times, you'll probably be ready for Level 2. Darren will let you know when he thinks you're ready for the big times! The Level 2 class focuses on strong characters and building relationships in scenes and exercises. It's a big leap from the Intro class, but there are plenty of people who take Level 2 over and over as well, and they will be delighted to help you out and make you feel at home.
Long Form Improv is a whole different ball of worms. It's by invitation/instructor permission only, and it's getting into the more advanced areas of improv to create a 30-minute long, totally improvised "play." It's hilarious! And totally worth the work it takes to get to this level!
1/2-day Intro to Improv Comedy Workshop is, well, a half-day intro to improv comedy workshop. Are these names fabulous or what? Anyway, in four hours you'll get an intensive intro to improv and you'll be doing scenes by the end of the day! It's a hoot!
You can sign up at the website. If you have any questions about the classes or which one would be right for you, email Darren. He'll be more than happy to guide you in the right direction. Cuz, you know, he's a giver too.
