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Improv 301 — Harold Structure

Wednesdays 1-4pm starting Apr 16, 2008
Prerequisites: Completion of Improv 201
Cost: $325

This course introduces students to the long form improvisation structure known as “The Harold,” developed by Del Close.

In the first four weeks, students will study “Group Games”, scenes that involve multiple performers. Instruction will focus on teaching students a number of different ways to approach performing these group scenes. They will also study a variety of “Openings”, which are stylized methods of using an audience’s suggestion to generate enough content to support a half hour long improvised performance piece.

In the second four weeks of the course, students will put all of the techniques learned in Improvisation 101, 201, and the first four weeks of 301 into action by putting together fully formed Harolds.

This course meets for three hours a week for eight sessions. At the end of the course, students will take part in a class performance at the UCB Theatre. Graduation is also contingent upon students seeing at least two improvised shows at the UCB Theater before the end of the course.

Class Size: 14 Students

Improv 301 - Harold Structure

Learn about openings, group games, and 3rd beat connections and put it all together to perform your first Harolds.

Prerequisite: Completion of Improv 201

Maximum class size is 14.

Shannon O'Neill

o'neill, shannon
Shannon O'Neill is a veteran performer at the UCB Theatre. She has studied improvisation and sketch comedy under a plethora of teachers including, Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, Michael Delaney, Billy Merritt, Kevin Mullaney and Armando Diaz to name a few. You can watch her Friday nights with The Stepfathers, or at various college campuses with the UCB Touring Company. Shannon has no shame.

Student Feedback

"Shannon is super encouraging and clear. The tools she gave us and her vibe made me less scared and more trusting."

"Shannon gave specific notes with out making anyone feel inferior or inadequate. Her positivity and hilarious examples gave the class a great atmosphere that improved the class chemistry"

"Shannon knows how to make us feel comfortable with our own intuition & in working with others."

"She can really read the energy levels, strengths, & weaknesses of the class really well and tailors the class to them."

"Shannon was an amazing improv teacher. I wanted to vomit the first class and Shannon eased everyone into it, made it fun but still learned the structure of the scene."