Improv at the Brooks

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 will take place 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.

Save the Dates: Feb. 6, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 12, Dec. 3

Mixed Nuts is an improv jam where, very similar to an open mic, improvisers of ALL levels can come together, randomly be placed on teams, and perform for each other in an extremely supportive environment. We will start off with some short-form improv games and move on to put everybody on one-night-only long form teams. Join us to do some play, connect with other improvisers, and have FUN!

Save the Dates: April 16, May 21, June 18, July 23, August 20, September 24, October 22, November 19, December 17

An improv class for ages 8-12, with a minimum of 6 students, and maximum of 10. This is an introductory course that allows students to have fun learning the skill of improv. Through icebreakers, games, scenes. and short-form, the students will learn how to think on their feet while understanding how to respect each other’s contributions on stage. We will build on the lessons each week, with potentially performing for the parents on the last class which is May 28, 2024. Taught by Jason Russo.

Teens can now connect, and unleash their inner creativity on a fun journey of laughter, spontaneity and endless possibilities as they learn Improv Comedy in an extremely 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. It is a great opportunity to connect, learn invaluable communication skills and teamwork. Taught by Jacob Reiss.

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! Taught by Chris Shurland

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. Taught by Chris Shurland
Prerequisite: Level 1 – Improv Fundamentals or the Equivalent

Continue your improv journey by learning advanced tools and techniques to captivate both yourself and audiences with the worlds you craft onstage. From exploring diverse improv forms to developing skills needed for seamless teamwork, this class will elevate your improv to new heights. Dive deeper into the art of improvisation and create genuine moments of connection and laughter. Students will perform in a class show upon completion of the course. Taught by Chris Shurland.
Prerequisite: Must have completed at least 2 levels of an improv program at any theater.

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.

Instructor: Jason Russo
Jason Russo has been an active performing artist for close to 30 years, and has worked in PA, NYC, Los Angeles, and Oceanside. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, Russo has had extensive training in scene study, theatre history, dance and movement, voice and speech, improv, Shakespeare, and the Meisner Technique. Recently, along with Improv Director Chris Shurland, Jason and his team have started OTC’s first ever house improv team, North County Improv Squad. They are excited to be performing together, and have currently been selling out shows at Studio 219 in Oceanside.