Learn the basics of improvisational theater (acting) in a small, relaxed class.  Course material includes theater games, skill building exercises, and related acting exercises.  Improv Basics is the perfect way to explore improv. Upon completion of the class students will be ready to move on to intermediate level work focusing on longer scenes and multiple scene stories (improvised plays).

We focus on Improv Theater and trying to create strong characters in detailed situations. There is no need to be funny and no pressure to make people laugh. Humor may arise out of a scene or may not. The quality of the scenes is in character depth. Essentially, we focus on creating live theater minus the script. A well-done scene is one where no one would believe the work wasn't scripted.

This class is designed for the complete beginner and for those with some prior  improv training. The class provides solid preparation for the Pan Theater audition process.

Class Focus:

The games and exercises used in the class will help performers develop their expressiveness while learning the basics of building characters and stories.  Students will acquire a deep understanding of the elements of a good improvised scene and a strong understanding of the basics of improv.

• How to be a Better Improviser- Dan Goldstein

• Kiss the Lizard- Fantastic Article- Doug Kassel

• What's Talent and How Do I Get Some? - Doug Kassel

• The Rules of Improv Part I - David Alger

• Making Sense of the Merkle - Doug Kassel

Topic   2:  Being in the space and not trying/ finding actions / finding impulses /not judging

Topic   3:  Building a location and creating a character

Topic   4:   Games and Focus

Please follow-up online registrations with an email providing name, phone number, preferred email address, class session you are registering for and prior theater/improv training (if any).

Email contact info to Pan Theater.

To register by check/mail:

Please mail your class deposit along with the following information: your name, phone number, email address and theater/improv training background if any. An email or phone confirmation of class registration will be made within 48 hours of receiving a class deposit.

Mail to:

Pan Theater

1611 Telegraph Avenue, #702

Oakland, CA 94606

For class related questions call: (415) 261-1641

Deposit and Tuition Policies:

All class deposits and tuitions are nonrefundable. However they can be transferred with prior notice. The remaining balance, if not paid in advance, is due before the first class begins. Class tuition is nonrefundable once class begins.

Transferring Deposits and Tuition:

Class tuition can be credited or transferred to a friend or family member provided the instructor is notified by the third class. Your friend or family member may take the next session  of Improv Basics (good for one year- not transferable a second time).

Join our email list for future classes schedules & class related info: Join our email list

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Email- pantheater@comcast.net : Phone- (415) 261-1641