What we’re about
Looking to learn about improv? You've come to the right place! This workshop is for beginners and intermediate improvisors. Now, if you're reading this, you're thinking of taking the plunge and trying out this workshop. But I bet you're worried that you're going to have to be hilarious right off the bat. Happily, nothing could further from the truth. Actually, our main rule for the class is "Don't try to be funny- it comes later on its own."
What do we do? We focus on listening, accepting offers, and creating a story with a beginning, middle, and end, in a low-pressure environment. You’ll work in small groups and pairs to gain the skills you need, and when you're ready in scenes in front of the class with side-coaching. The work on recognizing negativity and the blocking of other's offers will change your life.
Why improvisation? You will be better, stronger, faster than before! No, seriously, you will. I'm not saying you'll hit enlightenment right off the bat, mind you... But it will help you be a more positive person, and one who listens to others before speaking. And that's gotta be a good thing, right?
*Note* Please use at least your REAL first name when you sign up to help us with organizing the workshop and learning your name. And a real photo helps, too. Thanks!
Where? Classes are held near Yoyogi-Koen and Hatsudai at our blackbox studio/theatre, called Studio Gokko. ("Gokko" means “make believe” in Japanese.) After taking six classes, improvisors have the opportunity to perform in Student Showcases at the studio every few months.
Who? Anyone interested in learning improvisation. Classes are taught by TCS Director Chris Wells and other members of the Improvazilla Show cast substituting when necessary.
What if you’re an experienced actor or improvisor? The invitation-only Advanced Scenic Improv Workshop is for higher-level improvisors and actors. It focuses on long-form improv with open scene work and narrative storytelling, though we also do some games each week because they're fun and instructive. We focus on genre work and narrative structure, characters, acting skills, space work, and finding the funny in the truth of a scene. If you have improv experience and would like to apply for an experience exemption, head over to the L2 Workshop Meetup: https://4142298.xyz/TCSlevel2improv/
More info on TCS and the Improvazilla Show can be found here: www.improvazilla.com
Participation English Fluency Requirement - All native-level English speakers are welcome! And don't worry about your improv experience level- this is a class for all levels- from beginners to experienced players. But if you aren't fluent in English this is NOT the class for you.
I don't mean you have to be a native speaker, though! We always have several non-native speakers in the class who have no problem communicating in English and we love them. I just mean that if you want to take this class to "practice" your English, you should try something else. We want people genuinely interested in improv here.
日本語を話す人々のために！Another option if you speak fluent Japanese would be to check out http://junimai-impro.com for excellent classes in Japanese taught by TCSj founder Jun Imai, author of several books on improv, and Japan's pre-eminent teacher of improv and acting. There you can find workshops in improv, acting, mask work, and more.
Who takes this workshop? Anyone interested in unleashing their creativity, or getting over a fear of public speaking, or just people looking for a good way to de-stress after work and have fun. We get people from all walks of life: teachers, stock brokers, computer engineers, students, musicians, you name it!
Workshop Cost
Workshops are ¥2,000 paid on the night for the 2-hour classes, ¥3,000 for 3-hour workshops, or ¥4,000 for a 4-hour intensive. Be sure to check the schedule here before coming, and RSVP if you can. After the class, we sometimes head over to a nearby restaurant, the Hoff, for a drink and some conversation.
Student Theatresports™ and Maestro™ Showcase Shows
We have a spacious black box theatre in which to perform intimate and relaxed student shows, every few months. These are for students who have taken at least six classes to can get up and show what they've learned in front of a friendly audience of invited friends and family.
A different mix of randomly chosen players join together for each scene in Maestro™, invented by Keith Johnstone, author of Impro for Storytellers, and one of our mentors. Or teams are decided on the night for Theatresports™, a faux competition show. It's a fun, relaxed atmosphere and everyone learns a lot while having a good time. For more details, check out the description on the show night!
Weekend Intensives
We sometimes have 3 to 4-hour weekend intensives for those who can't come on weeknights, or simply want to get more training in during the month. Check the schedule each month to see when they are, as the days vary depending on other program content.
Improv Jams
On occasion we have a 3 or 4-hour jam in which students can really burn through a bunch of scenes. This isn't a regular workshop, and it's 90% performance, so it's required that new improvisors to have at least 16 hours of instruction under their belts before they participate. (That's two months of lessons.) It's a lot of fun and a great way to gain improv experience!
Line Group for students:
Impro Dojo Student Line Group
Facebook Group for students:
We have a FB group for Studio Gokko improvisors where we post articles of interest, homework, and chat about the world of improv. Request to join here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TSCStudioGokkoImprovisors
