307 W. 26th Street New York, NY 10001 (212) 366-9176

Join Our Mailing List
Switch to LA Site

Improv 301 — Harold Structure

Monday 7-10pm starting Apr 14, 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.

No class May 26th.

Gavin Speiller

speiller, gavin
Gavin has been writing, performing and directing shows at the UCB Theatre since 2002. He 's studied under a number of fantastic teachers including Ian Roberts, Michael Delaney, Billy Merritt and Kevin Mullaney. Gavin currently performs improv with the UCB house team 1985 as well as improv and sketch with the independent group Rogue Elephant. He can also be seen in a number of video projects, commercials and as a member of the UCB Touring Company. Gavin loves college basketball and Yoohoo.

Student Feedback

"Gavin was always encouraging and gave great constructive criticism always with a smile on his face. Gavin helped us to get a good grasp of the basics."

"Gavin creates a fun and relaxed environment that is essential to Improv 101."

"Gavin was awesome. He created a very positive learning environment and was great with explaining everything."