Advanced Training Program

Mockingbird Improv’s Advanced Training Program (ATP) is for graduates of our Improv Essentials core training series or other experienced community members looking to advance their improv skills. Class meets once a week on an ongoing basis and is tailored to the needs of the class. Our expert instructors work with our students to identify areas to strengthen and craft the class to address those needs. Goals are set at the start of each enrollment period (approximately every two months) and the curriculum is designed to work towards those goals. Students receive a lot of individual feedback and are supported in working on their specific goals as improvisers.

Program Details

Class schedule: Class meets every week on Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:00 PM in our Liberty Station location.

Performance opportunities: Students will have regular monthly performance opportunities; for the public on Thursdays and “internal” class shows performing for other ATP groups.

Other program features: Students can attend all Mockingbird Improv shows for free. Students also receive discounts on electives and workshops.

Membership is $95 a month. Billing is automatic and can be cancelled at any time. No minimum enrollment period.

Eligibility: Students are expected to have completed or be on track to complete Mockingbird Improv's level 5 class or equivalent training.

Entry to the class is by audition. Auditions are approximately every two months (see upcoming date below) and are used to ensure students have adequately grasped the concepts taught in the Improv Essentials core training program. RSVP here.

To inquire about eligibility, placement, or anything else pertaining to class, contact our Education Director at jackie@mockingbirdimprov.org

Yew Tree Group

Focus: Amber will work with the class to establish personal and group improv goals and bring exercises, drills, and ultimately forms to the group that will help hone these skills. While Amber’s personal preference is for slow, organic, grounded, realistic scenework and narrative genre work she brings her decade of longform improv experience to help students discover their passions and interests. You will receive honest feedback and constructive criticism in a relaxed and fun environment. Amber believes our primary responsibility as improvisers is to bring the human experience to life on stage so be prepared to bring yourself and your unique life experience to class.

Amber Largent: Amber has been doing theatre since she was 11 years old and has a BA in Theater with a Minor in Dance from UCSD. She has been doing Longform improv since 2016 having completed Finest City Improv’s training program that year. She has participated in 11 Camp Improv Utopia retreats and has taken hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of workshops and classes. Amber has performed with over 20 groups in festivals around the country as well as in Scotland and Ireland in shows as varied as improvised clown and Tennessee Williams to JTS Browns and Deconstructions. Her performance style is infused with physicality, three-dimensional characters, and emotional vulnerability. She is recognized locally as a supportive and insightful teacher, coach, and director. Amber is a Native Californian with ancestry dating back to time immemorial but she currently lives in South Park with her two cats and over 200 potted plants. 

Willow Tree Group

Focus: Character and relationship are at the core with an emphasis on following the fun. Classes are focused on performance skill and unlocking physicality for character formation. The goal is to unlock student’s authentic selves on stage and create the supportive environment necessary to find comfort in vulnerability. Josh examines the needs of his students and adapts his lessons to create a customized experience for each class. Josh’s teaching style is caring, energetic, and dedicated to the growth of his students. 

Josh Rowland: Josh has studied improv at Finest City Improv, National Comedy Theatre and the Magnet Theater (NYC). He has studied clown with Tommy Galan, Tallie Medel, Chad Damiani, Jet Eveleth, Kristen Schier, and Eric Davis. He also studied Meisner Technique at LA Acting Studio. He is known for his energetic and supportive play which blurs the line with clown. His mission is focused on following the fun in a safe, supported environment.