Press Release Improv at the Brooks - Oceanside Theatre Company

Laugh and Learn with Improv at the Brooks North County’s New Home for Improv

Oceanside Theatre Company launches Improv at the Brooks to bring improvised comedy to North County

(Oceanside) July 11, 2023 – Oceanside Theatre Company is excited to announce the launch of Improv at the Brooks, a multi-faceted program of improv classes, workshops and performances. The aim is to build an improv community that fosters creativity, confidence, and well-being by making Oceanside Theatre Company at the historic Brooks Theater North County’s new home for improv.

Improv at the Brooks will offer a variety of opportunities for anyone interested in learning improv, regardless of their experience level. The program currently features drop-in classes on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, where participants can learn the basics of improv through very fun games and exercises.

“These workshops are always the highlight of my week. I always make new friends, laugh a ton, and leave in a better mood. Chris provides a super encouraging, supportive environment that welcomes folks of all experience levels to come and play!” said Lane Allison, a regular to the classes.

Starting on July 23, Improv at the Brooks is offering a 7-week Introduction to Improv class where students can dive deeper into the principles and techniques of improv. A Level 2 class will be offered in September. In addition, Improv at the Brooks will be featuring occasional workshops from local and visiting improv teachers with a wealth of knowledge.

Improv at the Brooks is also producing improv shows in the Brooks Theater’s studio space which have been very popular. The next improv show on July 22 will feature the Penguin Posse, a team of improvisers made up of performers from American Improv Theatre and Irreverent Improv, who will be performing a very fast-paced, interactive brand of improv comedy made up completely on the spot by the veteran performers.

Alex Goodman, the managing director of Oceanside Theatre Company said that he hopes Improv at the Brooks will become a hub for improv comedy in North County creating a space where people can learn and grow. “Improv is not only about comedy, it is also beneficial for personal development,” he said. “Improv can help improve creativity, confidence, collaboration, problem solving, and so much more.”

Chris Shurland, an Oceanside Theatre Company board member and the primary instructor for Improv at the Brooks believes improv is for everybody. “You don’t need any experience to enjoy it – just come with an open mind, a willingness to try new things, and especially a desire to have fun,” he said. Shurland is confident that once people try improv classes, they will come back for more. “When I wandered into a drop-in class at Second City 15+ years ago, I was hooked. I never thought I would end up teaching and performing improv nationally and internationally. I particularly love the sense of community at so many improv theaters,” said Shurland. He hopes to develop that same sense of community at Improv at the Brooks.

For more information about Improv at the Brooks, to sign up for classes or buy tickets for shows, visit OceansideTheatre.org/events-shows/improv-at-the-brooks.

About Oceanside Theatre Company

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC), the resident professional theater company operating the Historic Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, is a focal point of the Oceanside California Cultural District (OCCD). OTC’s mission is to produce professional theatrical, visual art, and musical productions for the entertainment and enrichment of the community, present educational opportunities in the arts for children and adults, and provide a safe, state-of-the-art public venue for expansion of artistic endeavors in North San Diego County and greater Southern California. OTC produces a four-show mainstage theater season in the 198-seat venue, as well as a Music Series, play readings and various other events in the adjacent black box theater, Studio 219. An important part of OTC’s mission is inspiring and sharing the arts with local youth through the Youth Theater Arts Program, which includes Summer Theater Camps and Youth Theater Arts Outreach in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside during the school year. To learn more visit www.oceansidetheatre.org.

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