RFT Traveling Improv Workshop

So you want to be an improvisor?

Learn the basics of improv from one of Rapid Fire Theatre's world class instructors. This class will teach the fundamentals of listening, accepting, creating collectively and taking risks.

All new students will begin at this level.

No previous experience required.

The workshop:

Overall Objectives:

familiarize participants with basic improv concepts
share RFT philosophies
create a workshop atmosphere of trust, acceptance and a sense that there are no wrong ideas or offers
evaluate participants utilizing criteria outlines in curriculum
inspire participants about what improv has to offer

Terms:

Accepting, advancing, blocking, canceling, wimping, commitment, commenting, talking heads, physicalization, offers, waffling, gagging

Skills:

listening, physicalization, spontaneity, accepting, making and receiving offers, making partner look good, using first offer, being in the moment, letting go of own ideas, creating collectively, intro level character (as inspiration for scene work), intro level story structure (beginning, middle, end) intro concept of tile/ complication/ conflict and taking risks/ move toward danger.

Target:

Suitable for delivery to students from Grades 4 – 12.
School or youth group setting.

Improv Workshop

Suggested Class Outline

(represents 2.5 hours of instruction - can be reduced to accommodate shorter sessions)

Overview of RFT and Theatresports™
Discussion with participants about expectations (yours and theirs)

Warm Ups

Pass the clap
whoosh
Big Booty

SPONTANEITY

Yes Let's
Yes Let's And...
What are you doing (gets participants out of their heads, censoring, overthinking - by forcing physicality)

Listening and Accepting

Word at a Time (also tie in to letting go of your own ideas and the challenges of creating collectively) (Stress importance of connecting with partner and physicalizing the story)

Making and Receiving Offers

(Segue with a demo of how physical offers make Word at a Time easier, discuss importance of making clear offers, accepting that they may not be interpreted as sent)

Passing Presents (pairs pass mime presents back and forth - A hands gift to B without naming it; B thanks A and names it - inspired by how it is given, attitude of giver, weight of gift, etc.)
Arms Experts (each player is given the opportunity to try each role, focus on offers each player can make, how they affect the scene)
Finishing Picture in Circle (participants gather in circle, one person, A, goes into the centre and strikes a pose. B goes in and strikes a pose that will complete the picture that person A started. A thanks B and leaves B, holding same position. Person C comes in and creates a new picture building on B's pose. B thanks C and leaves, and so on. Focus on how clear offers are easier to build on, and how much an offer can change with different interpretation.

Note - these are suggested games, and may be varied depending on the instructor.

RFT Pricing Structure

In most instances, RFT can provide on-location workshops for $250 per hour (priced reductions for each additional hour after the first) within 100 km of Edmonton and $300 per hour within 500 km of Edmonton. Additional travel is possible but must be negotiated. Per diems, accommodation and travel expense, if required, billed separately.

General Guidelines:

In Edmonton: $1,050 for 5 hours; $2,000 for 10 hours; Three-player improv show : $1,100 for 60-min show

Outside Edmonton: $1,100 for 5 hours; $2,100 for 10 hours; Three-player improv show : $1,500 for 60-min show

Alberta Foundation for the arts Artist in Residency grants will cover 50% to 75% (depending on travel) of expenses for residencies of five hours or more. For more information please visit http://www.affta.ab.ca/artists-and-education.shtml