Improv at the Brooks

Improv Level 2: Character Development and Scene Work

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

May 11-June 29; Saturdays, 10 am – 12 pm

$175 OTC Student, $195 Regular Price

Level 1 Improv Fundamentals

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.

May 6-June 24, dark Memorial day 5/27

Mondays, 7-9 pm

Improv Comedy for Kids

Improv Comedy for Kids 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. Six week class runs April 30 – June 18, with no class on May 14 or June 11.

Improv Comedy For Teens

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. April 27-June 8, Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30 pm, Ages 12-17. Taught by Jacob Reiss.

Mixed Nuts: An Improv Jam (June 18)

Mixed Nuts is an improv jam where anybody who shows up gets to play! Each session starting at 7 pm, we will have a brief workshop. Then we will break everybody into random teams to mix it up and perform improv. All levels are welcome to join in this super fun and supportive environment. Registration: $10.

Mixed Nuts: An Improv Jam (May 21)

Mixed Nuts is an improv jam where anybody who shows up gets to play! Each session starting at 7 pm, we will have a brief workshop. Then we will break everybody into random teams to mix it up and perform improv. All levels are welcome to join in this super fun and supportive environment. Registration: $10.

A Taste of Improv: Drop-In Class December 3

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. As of 2024, classes meet ONLY the FIRST 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.

 

About 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.

 

 

A Taste of Improv: Drop-In Class November 5

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. As of 2024, classes meet ONLY the FIRST 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.

 

About 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.