Tomorrow will be my last DSI Comedy Training Workshop at UNC (Carolina) for 2010 — I cannot say enough about the opportunity to share Improv as an Artform with MFA students in the Professional Actor Training Program. I am reminded daily why I do this work and how valuable the skills are as a foundation for any artistic expression. In 6 intense days 8 new students were exposed to Harold.
I’ve been directing Improv and offering classes in Comedy Technique for 13 years, but Fall 2009 I proudly crossed one off on the old bucket list — I was asked to teach the Art of Improvisation for 10 MFA students in the Dramatic Arts program at UNC Chapel Hill. Instead of a full semester we met 3 hours per day for 2 intensive weeks. It was an incredible experience to work with these 10 truly talented and studied performers, actors who ALL (at least by the end of the process) BELIEVED in my work and the church of improv.
Today I officially start my SECOND year of IMPROV 101 for MFA Students at UNC. I’m working now to offer improv and comedy writing modules at multiple North Carolina schools for programs in 2012.
As a proud Carolina Alum (1999), I was jazzed to offer another improv workshop at UNC Chapel Hill this week, excited that my workshop had hit the front page of The Daily Tar Heel, and just thrilled to have the writer (Colleen Volz) communicate the life skills that an improv class can help students develop.
Select Improv Life Lessons
Stay in the moment
Actively listen to your partner
Don’t be afraid to fail