David Razowsky is the author of the best-seller, A Subversive’s Guide to Improvisation, Moving Beyond “Yes, And.” He studied, performed, taught, and directed at Second City with Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, and Keegan-Michael Key, among others. He served as Artistic Director of Second City Hollywood before turning his attention to teaching his methodology worldwide.
He developed a simple approach to improvising: Your present awareness is the only thing you need to create compelling, smart, truthful, and surprising scenes. Period. No games, no preconceived premises, no ideas, no ego. All that matters is now.
To learn more about David Razowsky, visit his website.
Master classes
with David Razowsky
Exposition is your friend! June 8th, 11:30AM - 2:30pm
Getting bogged down in the “who, what and where”? How much info is too much info? When have you had enough so you can “start” the fun part of the scene? It’s all in recognizing the feelings exposition offers you. Become aware of the feeling of being present, and you will suddenly know where you go next.
GET IN FOCUS: June 8th, 3:30 - 6:30pm
What are you focused on when you begin a scene? What great offers are you missing because you’re building a story instead of a relationship? Learn how paying attention to your heart and your breath leads to strong scenes and surprising dynamics.
POINT OF VIEW and STAGE DYNAMIC: June 9th, 11:00am - 6:00pm
Point of view is the bedrock of every relationship. You state your point of view, and your partner says theirs. Sounds easy, right? But how often are scenes derailed because the actors don’t hold onto their points of view or mindlessly add unnecessary details that throw the scene off course? Recognizing, maintaining, and evolving a point of view creates confident and exciting scenes.
Your awareness of the power of where you are on stage is vital to great scenework. The dynamics between you and your partner are defined not just by your dialogue but by where you are on stage when speaking. Each inch of that stage is there to help you better define your relationships, build tension, and make surprising discoveries. Explore the hidden treasures that lie beneath your feet.
electives
Multi-Week Special Topic Classes. Most electives are intended for intermediate and advanced improvisers and require you to have completed a level 3 improv class or higher or equivalent experience, However some classes deviate from this standard so please check the class description below. For more details you can reach out to our Education Director about eligibility.
Sketch Writing 201
With ADAM RAICHEL
Have you ever thought, “I wonder whether I could write something funny that could be performed over and over on stage, or even filmed?” Yes you can!
Sketch 201:
Mondays, 7-9pm March 25th - April 29th (6 weeks)
In Sketch 201 we will explore different sketch writing tropes such as fish out of water, center and eccentrics, etc., as well as overall sketch show concepts such as runners and interstitial material and connections. The goal of the class will be for each student to develop multiple polished, performable sketches.
In-class exercises and homework will be emphasized to ensure that the bulk of the class is dedicated to learning through doing.
Prereq: must have taken a sketch class with us before, or have equivalent experience (email Adam to inquire)
IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE IN SKETCH WRITING WE DO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO CATCH UP:
Accelerated Intro OPTION:
2 Mondays, 7-9pm: March 11th and 18th (PLUS March 25th - April 29th)
In two weeks of jam packed classes we'll catch you up on everything you need to know for the Sketch 201 class. This introductory crash coarse covers the basics of comedy and sketch writing including:
Skill building and idea generation
Using beat sheets
Scene structure
Editing
Workshops
See below for our latest workshop offerings! All single-day classes taught by outstanding instructors. Don’t see an instructor or a topic you’ve been yearning to learn from/about? Reach out to our Education Director to let us know how we can better serve your improv education!
Most workshops are intended for intermediate and advanced improvisers and require you to have completed a level 3 improv class or higher or equivalent experience, However some classes deviate from this standard so please check the class description below. For more details you can reach out to our Education Director about eligibility.