Workshops and Master Classes

See below for our latest workshop offerings! All single-day classes taught by outstanding instructors. Don’t see an instructor or a topic you’ve been yearning to learn from/about? Reach out to our Education Director to let us know how we can better serve your improv education!

Most workshops are intended for intermediate and advanced improvisers and require you to be currently enrolled in a level 3 improv class or higher or have prior equivalent training, however some classes deviate from this standard so please check the class description below. For more details you can reach out to our Education Director about eligibility.

Expressive Arts Workshop
with Jackie Bookstein

Sunday, Dec 8, 2024 @ 10:30 AM PST • Starting from $20.00

Tap into your own creativity through ALL the art forms! In this workshop we'll use the spontaneity and  imagination that we bring in "normal" improv and apply it to color, poetry, movement, and of course, theater. This workshop needs NO prior training in the arts, it's about meeting ourselves where we are and using the framework of different art modalities to play and express.

What is Expressive Arts? Expressive Arts uses creativity and imagination to help us tap into playfulness and self expression. When we make art, be it drawing, dancing, singing, acting, or writing poetry, we are igniting our imagination and our play mind.

About the Workshop: This workshop is mostly play-centered with a bit of extra time for self reflection. You will be guided through a number of arts-based exercises, starting with a check in to allow participants to bring in whatever they wish into the space and then go through a variety of exercises that engage us in movement, writing, and acting, all using improv to explore these tools of expression.

No arts background is needed! Expressive Arts allows us to express ourselves through any and all of the arts forms without needing technical skills in any. It is a low skill high sensitivity practice - no arts training needed to tap into our imagination and play.

This workshop is led by Jackie Bookstein, current student of the Expressive Arts Institute where she is getting a Masters degree in Expressive Arts. This study builds on her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Dance with a minor in Theater. Jackie taps into her 18 years of experience with improv and six years of teaching improv to bring the community an improv-based dive into imagination. For more information on the Expressive Arts Institute and the practice of Expressive Arts please enjoy the linked video.

Winter Boot Camp!

Sat & Sun, Dec 21 & 22, 2024
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

During the break from regular classes we are holding a weekend-long improv intensive to spruce up the holidays and make sure we don't get rusty! Doing a TON of improv all at once is a great way to get into the creative flow state that makes improv so much fun. Let's end the year on a high note with a day of laughs, good company, and spontaneous creativity!

Class includes:

  • Three different teachers throughout the weekend: Jackie, Whitney, and Lennie

  • Four and a half hours of instruction each day on some of the most important improv topics, plus a one and a half hour lunch break (see registration page for full schedule)

  • Option to join both days or just one

  • Sunday students will perform in a show that evening

Pre-req: completion of a level 1 improv course or higher

Inclusion Pricing Available: If the full price is a barrier for you to join class, please see our EDI page for half price options - 2 inclusion spots available on a first come first serve basis.

electives

Multi-Week Special Topic Classes. Most electives are intended for intermediate and advanced improvisers and require you to have completed a level 3 improv class or higher or equivalent experience, However some classes deviate from this standard so please check the class description below. For more details you can reach out to our Education Director about eligibility.

Sketch Writing
with Jacob Rozansky

Saturday Oct 26 - Dec 14, 11am-1pm. (No class Nov 30)

Have you ever thought, “I wonder whether I could write something funny that could be performed over and over on stage, or even filmed?” Yes you can! This introductory-level class covers the basics of comedy and sketch writing from skill building and idea generation, using beat sheets, scene structure, and editing. In-class exercises and homework will be emphasized to ensure that the bulk of the class is dedicated to learning through doing.

Prerequisites: none.

Jacob Rozansky is one half of the comedy group Dad Skeleton. With over seven years of experience writing, producing, and performing live sketch comedy, he has developed San Diego’s sketch scene through writers’ rooms, community events, and audition opportunities. Jacob’s work has been showcased at local theaters and comedy festivals across the region.