September - October 2010
Through the Laughing Stock program, BATS Improv offers free improvisation classes to people living with HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, cancer, and other chronic, life-threatening illnesses. (Partners and caregivers are also welcome.)
The classes focus on strengthening quality of life through humor, physical activity, group interaction, risk-taking, and imagination games. It is a safe and confidential environment for participants to learn the basics of Improv. It's not stand-up comedy or drama therapy; it's an improvisational theatre workshop for folks with all levels of performing experience.
Upcoming Classes
Beginning Impro Series
with Lisa Klein and Ann Feehan
Four Saturdays, 12:15 – 2:15 pm: September 25 & October 2, 16 & 30
(please contact us for locations)
This is an introduction to improvisation and can be a refresher course for students who
have come to Laughing Stock in the past or who have studied improvisation with other
groups. The course is designed to maximize fun in a “no fail” situation. Take one, two,
three or all four classes!
Lisa Klein will be teaching on September 25 and October 16th. Lisa Klein with her
multitude of skills (improv, acting, directing, dance, and puppetry) brings her playful self
and generous spirit to Laughing Stock... Come find your playful self as she encourages
daring in a there is "no failure atmosphere".
Ann Feehan will be teaching October 2nd and October 30th. Ann Feehan has improvised
for over 15 years - with Jim Cranna and at BATS Improv, where she performed with the
Sunday Players. Currently she coordinates the BATS Improv Laughing Stock program.
Ann has taught improv for 9 years, studied acting with Jean Shelton, and worked in
commercial casting for 5 years.
Song Improvisation
Specialty Class with Joshua Raoul Brody
1:30 – 4:00 pm, Saturday, October 23, 2010
Open to all levels (please contact us for location)
Anyone can make up a song! Starting with the simplest baby steps, the class progresses
gradually until, by the end, you'll be making up solos and singing duets and choruses.
Joshua Brody is BATS Improv's musical director and also accompanies True Fiction
Magazine, Three For All, and other local groups, and has been teaching at Laughing Stock
and elsewhere for decades.
Taking the Audience on a Journey
Specialty Class with William Hall
1:30 – 3:30 pm, Saturday, October 23, 2010
Open to all levels (please contact us for location)
In improv we learn to tell a story with our partners in the scene. William specializes in
helping players to have fun and to recognize when their partners are having fun. The next
step? Learn what it is that the audience wants – a story that takes them on a journey; a
journey to fun and laughter and/or to dramatic heights and meaningful resolutions. Let no
meaningful offer be left behind!
William Hall is the co-founder of BATS Improv has an international reputation for teaching
improv, especially mask workshops. His diverse background ranges from comme
delle'arte to commercial acting as well as clown training to corporate training.
ADVANCED IMPROV CLASSES
With Gerri Lawlor (and other guest instructors)
Saturdays: 1:30 – 3:30 pm, September 18; 2:30 – 4:30 pm, September 25, October 2, 16 & 30
This regularly scheduled Advanced class meets about twice a month, primarily with coach
Gerri Lawlor. Gerri is BATS Improv Company Member and has been coaching Laughing
Stock for almost 10 years. Topics that have been covered: characters (big but believable),
genre work and performance games. Admission to the Advanced Class is by permission of
the coach. Newcomers should first contact BATS about coming to a Specialty class.