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.

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.

form school
with sean mulvihill

Saturdays 4:00 - 6:00 PM, January 18th - March 8th (no class 2/15)

This seven-week elective will introduce you to three different improv forms! Each form you will learn builds on each other and is specialized to help improvisers hone specific skills like tag-outs and focusing on character/relationship.

  1. Monoscene: Just like a sitcom, you and your audience will really get to know and love characters who come in and out of a single location for an entire set.

  2. Slacker: Don't waste your energy creating new scenes! Be a slacker--tag outs only!

  3. Pretty Flower: Combing skills from the Monoscene and the Slacker, you'll be able to create rich characters with flashbacks and exposition a la a Wes Anderson movie or an episode of Family Guy.

Form School students will also get to perform in a show at the end of the seven weeks!  Pre-req: Level 3 and up or equivalent training (email jackie@mockingbirdimprov.org to inquire about eligibility)  

Sean Mulvihill, Artistic Director of the Exuberant Theatre Company, starred a in number of successful improv comedy shows at the Broadway Comedy Club in New York City. He performed on a team, The Bullpen, which performed the Pretty Flower aka The Spokane at the Magnet Theatre in NYC for an extended run.  He worked with highly-esteemed improviser Colin Mochrie on documentary film about applied improvisation, ACT SOCIAL, which won the 2021 Film Heals Award at the Manhattan Film Festival.

Sketch Writing 201
with Jacob Rozansky

Saturday Jan 4 - Mar 8, 11am-1pm. (No class Jan 18 & Feb 15)

Sketch Writing 201 is for students with basic sketch-writing experience looking to enhance their skills. This course dives deeper into advanced techniques like character development, punch-up, and refining sketch structure. Students will collaborate closely, workshop drafts, and learn how to adapt scenes for live performance. By the end, participants will have multiple polished pieces and a solid understanding of how to turn comedic concepts into stage-ready pieces. 

Prerequisite: Completion of a multi-week Sketch Writing course - inquire to check if your prior training qualifies: adam@mockingbirdimprov.org.

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.

Sketch Writing 101
with Adam Raichel

Sunday Feb 16 - ApR 6, 4-6pm

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 class covers the essentials 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. This class is geared towards all experience levels and open to those brand new to sketch writing.

Prerequisite: no experience needed.