A Taste of Improv: Drop-In Classes
First and Third Tuesdays, 7:00 PM
Free First Time
$10 Regular Price
Join in on the fun with our drop-in improv class taught by Chicago-trained improv teacher, Chris Shurland! Develop your creativity and spontaneity through playful exercises and games. Classes meet the FIRST and THIRD TUESDAY of every month at 7 pm in Studio 219 of the Brooks Theater. The first class is free, and subsequent classes are only $10. Reserve your spot or drop-in for your laughter-filled experience.
Level 1: Improv Fundamentals
September 18 - October 30
Mondays, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
$175 OTC Student / Early Bird Until 9/4
$195 Regular Price
Ready to let go, connect, and unleash your creativity? Join us for a fun journey of laughter, spontaneity and endless possibilities as we explore the fundamentals of improv in a supportive environment. Students will learn the fundamentals of improv through a series of engaging exercises, games, and scene work as each week builds on what was learned the previous week. We will focus on building trust, sharpening listening skills, gaining confidence to think creatively in the moment, the concept of Yes And…, and so much more. Not only will you have a ton of fun, you will build self-confidence, soft business skills, and meet new people!
Level 2: Character Development and Scene Work
September 16-October 28
Saturdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$175 OTC Student / Early Bird Until 9/4
$195 Regular Price
Build upon the foundations established in Level 1 and delve deeper into the art of improvisation as we learn how to build fun and engaging scenes. You will learn to create and embody memorable characters with an emphasis on the importance of building strong relationships within scenes. You will also learn how to make strong choices to heighten scenes. The final week of the 8-week class will be a show for friends and family.
Prerequisite: Level 1 – Improv Fundamentals or the Equivalent
Workshop: Snapping Into Characters
September 23, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$30 OTC Student / Early Bird Until 9/4
$35 Regular Price
Elevate your character development skills in this intensive improv workshop, designed to equip you with a variety of effective tools for instant character creation and immersion. Gain the ability to see the world through your character’s eyes as you bring them to life. You will be surprised with what you can create at the snap of a finger.
Prerequisite: Completion of Level 2 of an improv program or feel comfortable with the basics of improv and scene creation.
Instructor: Chris Shurland
Chris Shurland is a Chicago-trained improv teacher and performer currently based in Oceanside. He had the good fortune to be trained by some of the nation’s best improv teachers when he completed the training programs at Second City, iO, and Annoyance Theatres as well as numerous workshops and classes across the U.S. and Canada in improv, clowning, and physical comedy.
He has since gone on to perform with several independent and house teams in Chicago, the Bay Area, and Southern California. He also teaches beginning-advanced improv classes and workshops nationally and internationally. Chris can currently be found teaching and performing at theaters and festivals with Irreverent Improv, Chicago-based duo Legends of Public Access, Bay Area-based duo A Couple of Tools, as well as with Finest City Improv’s house team Banker’s Kill and San Diego independent team Indiana Slack.