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-Ages 8 to 18 Go to FAQ's on the left for more information. Call
630-364-0550 or email
education@noblefool.org
with questions.
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WHY IMPROV? By Jock L. Schloss
As little as 10 years ago, one of the most reoccurring questions people would ask me was: “Why should I learn Improv?” Which would usually be followed by: “I like having a script!” or “I’m not an actor.” Now, in 2008, with more and more theatre schools requiring it in their curriculum, and many businesses bringing Improv workshops into the workplace, this question is asked less often. Improvisation is now officially recognized as a theatrical art-form, and many theatrical & casting directors have said that having Improv experience is a big plus in their decisions whether or not to cast a particular person. Although people have “Ad-Libed” since the early days of Vaudeville, Improvisation as we know it today, was developed by a teacher of children’s theatre named Viola Spolin, in the early 1920’s. She was introduced to the idea of games and storytelling as a teaching tool, while a student of Neva Boyd. Deciding to use games to help teach her young students spontaneity, teamwork, and basic acting skills, she developed the first true “Theatre Games” out of the common recreational games used by her mentor Neva Boyd. Since that time, these theatre games have been developed from their use as tools, into performance based Improvisation by people such as Viola’s son Paul Sills (the founder of Second City) & Keith Johnstone, who many think of as the father of modern Improvisation. The late great Improv Guru Del Close once told me that he believed performing Improv increases your I.Q. Although that opinion has never been proven, it is true that Improv does use a part of your brain that many people let weaken, due to society’s common dependence on pre-planning. Theatrical actors are especially vulnerable to this weakening, due to “script dependence,” which can result in character portrayals that are “unbalanced” or ”missing something.” As a result, if an actor loses his/her place, or can’t remember the next line, many end up looking like a deer in the headlights, not having a clue how to cover, and waiting for his/her fellow actor to save them. Improv, however, strengthens that part of the brain, and helps to create characters which ring true. But it doesn’t stop there. Improvisation has broken it’s chains to the theatre. Today it is used in: Fortune 500 businesses to help their employees to be sharper and better at their jobs, Recovery centers to help in the treatment of addictions, Education to help students understand what they are learning, and even social work, to help people get a deeper understanding of themselves. So these days, if someone asks me “Why Improv” my response is simply: “Can you think of any good reason why not?”
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KIDS IMPROV: COMEDY Ages: 8 to 12 Classes: Mondays, 4:30-6:30 pm February 9-March 16, 2009 Showcase: March 16 at 5:30 pm Tuition: $175 Instructor: Jock L. Schloss Love to laugh? Do people say, "You're so funny…YOU SHOULD BE A COMEDIAN!" This class is all about laughter, sketches, standup and funny characters. Students develop and perform original sketch comedies while developing their own style and learning comic timing. Participants will also have the opportunity to try out stand up in a safe and supportive environment.
TEEN IMPROV: COMEDY Ages: 13 to 18 Classes: Mondays, 7:00-9:00 pm February 9-March 16, 2009 Showcase: March 16 at 8:00 pm Tuition: $175 Instructor: Jock L. Schloss Love to laugh? Do people say, "You're so funny…YOU SHOULD BE A COMEDIAN!" This class is all about laughter, sketches, standup and funny characters. Students develop and perform original sketch comedies while developing their own style and learning comic timing. Participants will also have the opportunity to try out stand up in a safe and supportive environment. Students currently enrolled in the Improv Classes will have the opportunity to audition for the new Improv Touring Company for ages 13-18. More information will be available at the first class.
NFT IMPROV TOURING COMPANY!! Ages: 13 to 18 Students currently enrolled in the Improv Classes will have the opportunity to audition for the new Touring Company. In addition to the weekly workshop, selected talent will attend additional rehearsals. The Company will perform monthly at Noble Fool Theatricals as well as tour local schools and events. Audition times and more information will be announced during scheduled classes. Additional rehearsal days and times to be determined based on availability of performers. If selected, participation fee is $50 to cover costs.
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