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Improv 101 — Improv Basics

Saturdays 12-3pm starting Sep 27, 2008
Cost: $325

Students will learn the fundamentals of long-form improvisation. Core concepts covered include using character agreement to make your scenes succeed, developing character, character status, object and environment work, “playing at the top of your intelligence,” and heightening (finding ways to make your scenes get funnier from start to finish).

This course also introduces the specific vocabulary of the UCB Training Center.

This course meets for 8 sessions that are each 3 hours long. 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: 16 Students

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."