Improv Basics

Course Description

Taught by Domenico Gemoli. When you sign-up for a course, you get free entry to our Friday shows and our Sunday workshops. That's a savings of €30 per week! The earlier you sign-up, the earlier you save! This introductory class is perfect for complete beginners, you do not need prior experience in acting, comedy, or improv. In fact, trying to be funny usually doesn't work in improvisation. Letting the funny happen spontaneously is normally where the laughs come in. We create a fun and supportive atmosphere in our improv classes where students learn improv's core principle Yes-And: listen, accept and support. This physical and playful class teaches you to switch focus from an overthinking mind to a reactive mind that focuses on the present moment. Exercises and games are done together, in pairs, with the whole group, or anything in between. You start off as strangers on day 1. After two hours, you’ve bonded together in a silly, laugh-inducing memorable way. A 2-hr improvisation class starts with some silly and fun improv warm-up exercises to loosen the body and mind. We move on to skill-based exercises and finish off with improvised games and scenes where we apply the skills we've learned. All courses and workshops are in English and in Amsterdam. In Improv Basics you will: · Remember you were an expert improviser when you played as a child · Become aware of the over-thinking mind’s need for control · Retrain your brain to quiet the inner critic · Surprise yourself when you stop thinking and see what the present moment produces · Learn how to play improv games with a single word as a suggestion · Learn how to actively listen and follow your scene partner(s) · Understand how body language, gestures and tone are key to communicating · Practice vocal techniques for better projection and pronunciation · Get energized after 2 hours of lively improv exercises and games · Impress friends and family at your very own graduation show on October 13th, 2023! If necessary in case of any government mandated lockdown restrictions, this course will go online. If we do not have enough sign-ups a week before class starts, we will have to cancel and refund those who have already signed up.