DCM Workshops 2016 (June 22-June 25)

[kevhines]

In the next two posts I will list the DCM workshops that are being offered this year!

To sign up for these classes you MUST have a login and password for the UCB system. If you are signed up to be a performer for DCM you should already have an account. If you are a UCB student you definitely have an account.

Make sure you have an account by going here:
https://dashboard.ucbcomedy.com/

The pre-reqs for all classes are "Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 201 or out-of town DCM performer." unless stated otherwise.


How much do they cost?
All workshops are $50. These classes are NON-refundable, so make sure you are aware of the pre-reqs before you sign up. The system won't stop you from signing up, even if you don't meet these pre-reqs.

When do they go on sale?
After Memorial Day. Erik Tanouye, the School Manager, will post a schedule for when he will post classes (last year he spread it out over the week, at different dates and times). If you are following us here (on this message board), on Facebook, and on Twitter @UCBclassesNYC you should see him announce that schedule and then you can make sure you are by a computer to sign up at the right time.

What kinds of workshops are being offered?
A lot of great improv workshops as well as a few sketch and character writing workshops.
Writing classes may required you to bring in material to the workshop. Read those descriptions!

Explain the pre-reqs to me
Ok. If you are a UCB Student (in NY or LA), then you must have completed the listed class. If you are from out of town, and are performing in the Del Close Marathon, you can sign up for any class. The UCB Pre-req should let you know the minimum ability expected to feel comfortable in that class.
Most classes have a pre-req of "Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 201 or out-of town performer." so if you are current a UCB student you must at least be enrolled in Improv 201 (classes having already started by DCM). If you are from out of town you just need to be a performer at DCM, and have an account. If you are a performer you should already have an account but I talked about that at the very top of this post.

Remember: follow @UCBClassesNYC or this thread to know when these classes will go on sale.

[kevhines]

The pre-reqs for all classes are "Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 201 or out-of town performer." unless stated otherwise.

Tuesday 3:30pm-6:30pm (June 21st)

As If with Will Hines

Some drills about acting truthfully. Instead of naming the game, we'll name the "as if" -- meaning "I played the waiter as if he were a drill sergeant."


Wednesday 2:30pm-5:30pm (June 22nd)

On Game with Michael Delaney

Cover game principles and dyanmics with one of the premier improv teachers.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 401 or out-of town performer.

Wednesday 3:30pm-6:30pm (June 22nd)

As If with Will Hines

Some drills about acting truthfully. Instead of naming the game, we'll name the "as if" -- meaning "I played the waiter as if he were a drill sergeant."

Drawing From Life with Erik Tanouye

We'll focus on exercises and techniques for bringing our own lives, attitudes, ideas, and experiences into our improv and Harolds.

60 Scenes!! with Kevin Hines

The best way to get better at performing improv is by doing a lot of scenes. In this class the goal will be to run 60 scenes. (note: The last time Kevin did this class he only got 45 scenes in, but he refuses to change the name.) Minimal notes, slight side coaching - but lots of reps. We'll discuss any trends I see and you'll get comfortable playing short strong scenes and work at avoiding early pitfalls.

Well-Behaved Women with Nicole Drespel

This is a workshop for women improvisers who always follow the rules, never step on any toes, and are maybe too concerned with the greater good and not screwing up. Learn to unleash your inner monster without betraying what you value. Please note: this class may not involve an analysis of the Laura Thatcher Ulrich quote that title is based on but it COULD.

Pre-req: Woman-identifying students who have either completed Improv 401 or are out-of town performer.

Make Shit Up with Patrick Noth

Truthful performing at the top of your intelligence is a must whilst making shit up.

Learn to Love A Rope with Geoff Garlock

Tragedy+time=comedy or so they say. So let's put that to the test. A class where the focus is trying to write comedy about the painful things that have happened in our lives (breakups, divorce, depression, death in the family etc). Let's try to make hilarity out of the shit mountain that is life.
Students should bring one sketch to the workshop that is based on something real/sad that they are trying to tap into

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Sketch 101 or out-of town performer.

Magical Momentum with Lydia Hensler

This class is for performers who are comfortable with The Harold. We will be focusing on looking at the Harold as a full piece and the role momentum plays in creating unforgettable Harolds.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 401 or out-of town performer.

Character Generation Bootcamp with Natasha Vaynblat

Leave with an arsenal of tools to generate characters.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in any multi-session UCB Class or out-of town performer.


Wednesday 7pm-10pm (June 22nd)

The Straightman Workshop with Achilles Stamatelaky

This workshop will teach you how to play yourself and react honestly while still keeping the scene alive with fun, top of your intelligence moves. Perfect for improvisers who get stuck in argument, players who constantly find themselves playing weird unjustified characters, and everyone in between.

THE SPOKANE with Ben Rameaka

The Spokane! This long form will allow you the pleasure of immediate gratification. Through gifting, listening and support you can see character development appear before your eyes using tag outs, cut toe, and cut backs all built around a central narrative. The Spokane (sometimes called the Delicate Flower, sometimes the Family Guy) is a long form structure that travels in real time along a single scene while cutting to (and cutting back from) various specifics about certain characters as we learn more about them through the original scene. Imagine the hub of a wheel with several spokes extending from it. The form allows us to see and do exactly what we are talking about while continually returning to a grounded scene that facilitates more and funnier behavior.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 401 or out-of town performer.

I heart third beats! with Lydia Hensler

This workshop will focus on removing the the fear and hesitation going into third beats and maintaining joy and momentum at the end of your show while playing game and looking out for connections.

Organic Scenework with Keisha Zollar

Organic mindset, building organic scenes and transitions. Bold fearless, clear choices

Sketch Heightening with Damian Chadwick

Heighten and explore your sketch game faster and further. We will watch and discuss some examples of sketches that heighten well, and talk about ways to quickly establish and explore a game. Bring a sketch of your own that you think could benefit from heightening more or in different ways. Bring enough printed copies of your scene to do a table read.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Sketch 101 or out-of town performer.

Impression Improvement with Frank Garcia-Hejl

This workshop will focus on impression tips and exercises to help you develop stronger impressions using character philosophy and improv skills to avoid empty reference based impressions. We'll also focus on facial and vocal techniques to help you lock into impressions easier.


Thursday 3:30pm-6:30pm (June 23rd)

Shut Up and Move with Dave Theune
We hear "Show, don't tell" a lot, but are we taking it to heart? Get ready to move in this fun workshop that focuses on being patient (quiet) at the top of your scene and eventually being patient (quiet!) throughout your scene. We'll use silence and music to make simple, fun, and funny scenes. By keeping your mouth shut and your ears and eyes open, you can find things in your scene you never knew were there.

Reality Base with Billy Merritt
Keeping your scenes grounded in reality is the foundation of game play.
It keeps you from trying to invent something funny.
This workshop will focus on the who and where in you scenes, using flash memory exercises, scenes as yourself, and grounding notes focusing on using your 'truth filter'.

Use Your Life with Alex Berg
When we improvise, we should be remembering and discovering- not inventing. In this three hour workshop from Alex Berg (UCB LA), learn techniques to make using details from your own life on stage easier and more effective.

As If with Will Hines

Some drills about acting truthfully. Instead of naming the game, we'll name the "as if" -- meaning "I played the waiter as if he were a drill sergeant."

Connecting with a Partner with Zack Willis

This workshop is for those who find themselves missing things their partners do and say or talking about someone who isn't in the scene or looking in any direction but their partners' when the scene isn't going well. We will focus on tuning into each other so that our games always involve the way these people interact.

Character Lens for Improv with Frank Garcia Hejl
This class will focus on developing strong POV and Justification for characters in improv scenes and exploring "If This Is True What Else Is True?" scenarios to define and explore stronger character games.

The Characters in Your Life with Chrissy Shackelford

Most people in your life are ridiculous and stupid - they think Vin Diesel is the greatest actor in the world or they're the type of person who is only happy when attending a music festival. This workshop will focus on taking inspiration from the real people in your life and turning them into original character pieces/monologues. The workshop will use improv and writing exercises to boil down the "game" and point of view of someone you know and find exciting specifics to bring them to life.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in any multi-session UCB Class or out-of town performer.

The Spokane with Ben Rameaka

The Spokane! This long form will allow you the pleasure of immediate gratification. Through gifting, listening and support you can see character development appear before your eyes using tag outs, cut toe, and cut backs all built around a central narrative. The Spokane (sometimes called the Delicate Flower, sometimes the Family Guy) is a long form structure that travels in real time along a single scene while cutting to (and cutting back from) various specifics about certain characters as we learn more about them through the original scene. Imagine the hub of a wheel with several spokes extending from it. The form allows us to see and do exactly what we are talking about while continually returning to a grounded scene that facilitates more and funnier behavior

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 401 or out-of town performer

Historical Monoscene with Nicole Drespel

A monoscene workshop that will focus on setting the scene in a time and place that looks nothing like our present world. Learn how to fudge the details collectively and still build a world that feels cohesive, interesting, and vaguely plausible.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 401 or out-of town performer

Do You Think This Is Funny? with Geoff Garlock

Focusing on writing sketches we actually think are funny and unique vs just writing a sketch that is serviceable
Please bring a sketch to class with enough copies for a table read

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Sketch 101 or out-of town performer.*


Thursday 6:45pm-9:45pm (June 23rd)

Introduction to UCB-Style Sketch Writing with Beth Appel
Learn the basics of Upright Citizens Brigade-style sketch comedy writing (including core concepts, vocabulary, and simple formatting), with a focus on using "game" to turn your funny ideas into sketch ideas. Every student will leave with (at least) the first page of a brand new sketch. No preparation or previous writing/comedy experience necessary!


Thursday 7pm-10pm (June 23rd)

Pirate, Robot, Ninja with Billy Merritt

Find out what you're good at and what you need to work on using the Pirate, Robot, Ninja formula.
Are you more analytical, or impulsive?
Doing multiple exercises, we will create the process of finding out what kind of Improviser you are. Allowing you to strengthen your strengths, and then , safely, work on what you perceive to be your weaknesses

Component Game Theory with Alex Berg
The Game of the scene is what's funny about the scene- but how does it work? Break Game down into it's component parts in order to gain a better mastery of this fundamental concept, and you'll find the amount of moves available to you opens up considerably.

Harold Foundation with Johnny Meeks

In this workshop we'll focus on two foundational concepts of the Harold: 2 person scene work (the first beat) and initiating with bulletproof ideas from your opening. We'll aim to get rid of trying to find footing in the second beat instead of playing game. Work less, play more.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 301 or out-of town performer.

YOU Decide What This Workshop Is with Drew Difonzo Marks(12max)

Come in with your weakspot, the note you or your team keep getting, and we'll work on it. You name it, we do it. You get your own focused time, then the next person up. Absolutely everybody (hopefully) will choose what technique they wanna work on and then we do it all.

Efficient Improv with Marcy Jarreau

This workshop will focus on how to get the most from your ideas by initiating them efficiently. We will focus on pulling the premise that got the laugh and initiating succinctly. We will also work on tagging in with purpose and how to start your 2nd beats with game out of the gate.

More Characters with Chelsea Clarke
Using physicality, observations, and imagination we will spend this workshop working on getting memorable characters into our improvised scenes. An opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone by committing hard to a wide variety of characters.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 101 or out-of town performer.

Let's Get Boring! with Zack Willis

This workshop will get us comfortable with embracing the boring, mundane, vanilla, bland parts of our scenes. Base reality in real life is pretty dull, so for us to build it believably, we shouldn't be afraid from committing to boring old real life. And in the end, the more grounded a reality is, the easier it is to spot an unusual thing.

Keep It Simple, Stupid with Brandon Bassham
A workshop focused on eliminating unnecessary bullshit from your sketch and getting to the funny stuff. Please bring a sketch to class with enough copies for a table read

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Sketch 101 or out-of town performer

[kevhines]

The pre-reqs for all classes are "Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 201 or out-of town performer." unless stated otherwise.

Friday 1pm-4pm (June 24th)

First Three Lines with Brandon Gardner

The first three lines are the most important part of your scene. In this workshop we'll slow down the start of scenes to get you on the right track early and help you identify habits that are making your scenes harder than they have to be.

Pirate, Robot, Ninja with Billy Merritt

Find out what you're good at and what you need to work on using the Pirate, Robot, Ninja formula.
Are you more analytical, or impulsive?
Doing multiple exercises, we will create the process of finding out what kind of Improviser you are. Allowing you to strengthen your strengths, and then , safely, work on what you perceive to be your weaknesses.

Simplifying Game with Alex Fernie

People seem to be really scared about the idea of "playing the game." This workshop will focus on demystifying that term and helping you play scenes that play game in real, honest and fun way. We'll cover creating fun and clear games in scenes, ways to heighten that are interesting and surprising, and support from the back line. If you feel terrified every time your coach asks "so, what was the game there", we can work on that!

Pulling the Premise with Todd Fasen

In this workshop we’ll focus on breaking down monologues in openings to look for funny ideas, so that you can start your scene with a strong premise and clear a path for a quick and easy game to play. You will also learn to be better humans.

Acting in Improv with Mary Holland

A workshop focused on developing emotional commitment and strong acting in scene work.

True “Yes, And” with Adam McCabe

A scene workshop to help with active listening, slowing down, getting out of your head and getting the most out of every line. You will leave this workshop CHILL and CONFIDENT.

Slow Down & Dig In with Casey Feigh

There is so much information in every line. Stop talking past it and start using it. We'll learn how digging into commitment, being real and believing in the world you've created will help any scene. This actor-focused workshop uses the skills featured in This Show Is Not Funny, a monthly show at UCB Sunset (L.A.)

Be Present. Let Active Listening Lead You to Simple Game. with Don Fanelli

Traditional and non-traditional exercises to enhance your awareness of your scene partner at the top of the scene and embrace and explore the truth of the moment.

Finding Funny Fast with Drew DiFonzo Marks

This workshop will focus on how to find a funny thing in your scene quickly and efficiently. No more wasting away for 2 minutes hoping the game finds you, in this class we will seek it out and destroy it. (Not really, just getting to clear comedic premises within a few lines of dialogue)

IDIOT-PROOF YOUR SCENES with Ari Voukydis

By the end of this workshop you will have the tools to survive even the most disastrous, scene-killing walk-on and know how to protect your scene from enemies foreign and domestic.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 301 or out-of town performer.

Be More Specific!! with Madalyn Baldanzi
Come learn how to insert specifics into your sketches to make them more uniquely in your own voice AND funnier. Please bring a sketch with you.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Sketch 101 or out-of town performer.


Saturday 11:45pm-2:45pm (June 25th)

Surprise Yourself – Advanced Techniques in Scenework with Kevin Mullaney

Don’t be an improv robot! Learn practical ways to add a little controlled chaos into your scenes. Change the subject, state your opinion emphatically before you know what it is, make up a long story in the middle of a scene, over react to mundane things, exit or enter a scene without a reason. If these things sound like a bad idea, this workshop is for you. Real life situations are messy and unpredictable, so maybe, just maybe, your scenes should be as well.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 301 or out-of town performer.

Saturday 12pm-3pm (June 25th)

STRAIGHT-MAN BOOTCAMP with Ari Voukydis

If you think that the straight man cannot easily be the funniest, most dynamic, character-driven part of the scene, then I invite you to take my workshop whereupon I will prove you wrong, to your astonishment and delight.

Character Building on the Fly with Jeff Hiller

Playing a version of yourself is a great way to play "real" in a scene, but the great thing about improv is that you can be any type of person in the entire world! And sometimes a scene calls for a British Nanny who spent some time in prison, so you've got to be ready to play Nanny McChainGang! This workshop will help you discover all of the tools you have at your disposal to creating interesting and indelible characters with a unique, game-focused POV.

Instinctual Improv with Terry Withers

Work on improvising without self evaluation or thought. This workshop will focus on working instinctively within scenes and relying on your subconscious mind to pick up on and follow patterns, relationships and the flow of the scene.

Ladies Only with Marcy Jarreau
Focusing on getting your ideas off the backline, how to deal with being cast as mothers and wives and other issues female students have to navigate.

Pre-req: Identify as a Lady AND have completed or currently enrolled in Improv 201 or out-of town performer.

UCBASICS with Chelsea Clarke
Brush up the basics of ucb improv, even if it's been awhile since your last class! Focusing on agreement, support and fun. Ever wish you could go back to 101 and have another crack at exercises focusing on the basics? Then this is for you too.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in any multi-session UCB Class or out-of town performer.

Sketch video writing with Zack Phillips
This class will focus on writing sketch for video--tailoring scripts to work as web videos within specific sketch video formats, and generally learning to punch up your scripts. (Note: this class focuses only on the script-writing phase, not pre- or post-production.)
Please bring a sketch with you.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Sketch 101 or out-of town performer

Keep It Simple, Stupid with Brandon Bassham
A workshop focused on eliminating unnecessary bullshit from your sketch and getting to the funny stuff. Please bring a sketch to class with enough copies for a table read

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Sketch 101 or out-of town performer

Voicemail Opening with David Barton Harris

Voicemails suck. But the voicemail opening is pretty rad. From a single suggestion it utilizes overlapping character work to develop rich scene ideas. In addition to its power to create specific premises, the voicemail opening is an excellent exercise for practice playing grounded characters with clear points of view.

Intuitive Engine Starter Class with Andrew Secunda
Based on Secunda's legendary "Building the Intuitive Engine" course, this class will focus on sparking the internal drives for your scenes off simple suggestions and subtle moments to help ease the weight off your logic brain.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in any multi-session UCB Class or out-of town performer.

Saturday 3:30pm-6:30pm (June 25th)

Active Justifications with David Barton Harris

Have you found yourself in a rut playing the robotic straight man?
This 3 hour workshop will focus on identifying the unusual and then taking responsibility for justification and representation of it as a group. Don’t blame; justify.

The Improvised Play with Brandon Gardner

This workshop will be a crash course in improvising comedic one-act plays.  We'll combine techniques from improv, acting and playwriting to create truthful, dynamic scenes connected by a logical story.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Improv 301 or out-of town performer.

REALITY REALLY with Ryan Karels

If your funny ideas aren't sticking and your scenes aren't taking off, you may have left real reality behind. A better awareness of social norms and the weird truths of human existence can make all the difference to give your moves momentum. Playing things real isn't boring; it's a filter through which funny comes into focus.

Let’s Get Going with Abra Tabak

This workshop will encourage you to make strong choices at the top of scenes and fully support your scene partner’s choices so we can get scenes going and have fun! Be ready to push yourself.

Journey to Fun with Morgan Grace Jarrett

Are you the designated driver for all your scenes? Do you always play the straight man? Are you unsure of how to get crazy and let loose in your Improv? Join me on a journey to discover what the heck is blocking you from having fun and playing more!! You will leave this workshop w/ specific tools and a focus on how to open yourself up to this weird world!!

Pre-req: out-of town performers ONLY!

Be More Specific!! with Madalyn Baldanzi
Come learn how to insert specifics into your sketches to make them more uniquely in your own voice AND funnier. Please bring a sketch with you.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in Sketch 101 or out-of town performer.

Developing Characters!!!! with Leslie Meisel
Have you ever been interested in developing your own characters but not sure where or how to start? In this workshop we will have fun exploring ways to do that! Through exercises, improv and pitching ideas you will begin to get on the path to creating original and exciting characters..

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in any multi-session UCB Class or out-of town performer.

Monologue Jokes with Mike Scollins
Focus on late night style joke writing with Late Night with Seth Meyers writer, Mike Scollins. Enrolled students will be expected to arrive with 10-15 pre-written jokes. Joke setups will be sent to registered students by Tuesday, June 21.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in any multi-session UCB Class or out-of town performer.

Character Workshop with Justin Tyler
Sick of putting off writing your own scripted characters? Take this workshop and get started. Come with ideas and leave with your own original character piece. Characters Welcome.

Pre-req: Completed or currently enrolled in any multi-session UCB Class or out-of town performer.

[ryanjfaucett]

Thanks for posting! Question.. The "More Characters" workshop with Chelsea Clarke (Thurs 7p-10p) says " we will spend two days working on getting memorable characters" but it's only listed on one day. Should we plan on a 2nd day for this one or just the one?

Thanks again!

[kevhines]

Thanks ryanjfaucett - this is a one day version of a normally 2 day workshop. I'll edit the description so it doesn't say two days.

[ryanjfaucett]

Sweet! Thanks Kevin!

Ryan

[tanouye]

[tanouye]

[tanouye]

[tanouye]

These workshops will be posted to @UCBClassesNYC on twitter when they go online if you want the fastest access.