Workshops

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For over thirty years, Gary Jacobs has led improvisation workshops that create a fun and supportive atmosphere for participants with no improv experience to explore the joy of co-creating with others. Through fun, easy, movement-based exercises, students get in touch with their inner artistic self, and interact to create pieces that reflect the unique balance and harmony in each of their souls. It is not uncommon for students to be surprised and delighted by the pieces they co-create. Come join the fun and experience the joy of artistic co-creation.

Sunday, July 10, 2016 from 3 - 6 pm at Movement Culture, 435 E 9th St, Tucson, AZ 8570.

Tuition $15. To reserve a space or get more information, click here or call us at 202-258-6888.

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Gary Jacobs is founder of The Center for Narrative Improvisation and Precipice Improv Theater in the Washington, DC, area. He has taught improvisational theater all over the U.S. and internationally and is author of the upcoming book The Third Wave of Improv. During his 36-year career in improv, he apprenticed for 10 years with Second City director and teacher Michael Gellman, coiner of the term "long-form improv."

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Attend a session of one of The Center's ongoing improv classes for free − taught on Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. by artistic director, Gary Jacobs. In the class you can participate in lively, fun theater games and exercises that stimulate your imagination and exercise your creativity in a supportive atmosphere - or simply observe if you prefer.

The classes are located two miles from downtown Bethesda at the Precipice Rehearsal Space, 5520 Oakmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20817. Audit space is limited, so please reserve a place.

"Going to improv class is a highlight of my week, and no, I’m not a recluse! As a bonus, the class has given me the confidence to speak in front of others when the need arises. Think wedding toasts and presentations. I’m so glad I found this class!” – Julie S

For reservations and further info call 202-258-6888 or use our contact form.

Improv-For-Everyone Workshop

8-week semesters
8 Monday nights
start any Monday in February or March
$240

“Class was a great release. I think my inner comic genius started to eek out! Overall it was a blast!” Lauren K

For those who have never done improv, this class is for you. Open to everyone, regardless of experience, this class is designed to gently and playfully bring out your creativity in a completely supportive environment. Students take this workshop to:

have fun in a playful atmosphere
get in touch with the artist within
learn communication/presentation skills useful in work situations
experience personal growth
develop acting skills
co-create extended scenes and one-act plays

Improv And the Writer Workshop

Taught Once a Year at

The Writer’s Center
4508 Walsh Street
Bethesda, MD 20814
www.writer.org
$200

Call 301-654-8664 to put your name on a list to be notified of the next class.

James Joyce said that writing is “the most ingenious torture ever devised”. But, what if it doesn’t have to be? Some writers report that when writing they enter another world, where words and ideas flow easily and writing problems evaporate. This course reproduces that experience using improv exercises to teach you to fully engage your material on an emotional level, while bypassing the roadblocks of your internal critical, and accessing your wellspring of creativity.

Designed for both writers and actors, this workshop helps you gain greater access to your imagination. While writers find it helpful in stimulating their creative impulses, you needn’t be a writer to benefit from the expansion in your creativity. Call 202-258-6888 to find out when this workshop is being offered.

Advanced Workshop

Principles of Improvising Entire Plays including Sophisticated Scene Work, Character Work, and Narrative Techniques Ongoing

All Year
Thursdays at 7 pm and Saturdays at 3 pm
$240 for 8 weeks

"I so look forward to every class. They are, of course, fun; but, they are also challenging, thought-provoking, insightful, sometimes frustrating, but always entertaining. The camaraderie is incredible. The support from my classmates makes it possible for me to take risks and succeed (more often as time goes on)....Gary’s approach to improv is what makes this possible. His encouragement and mantra (anyone can improvise) and his coaching are so supportive, providing an an atmosphere conducive to learning how to improvise a play and, as Gary says, to “make great art.” Does it work? Absolutely. In the short time I’ve been in Gary’s class, I’ve noticed that the quality of our work has dramatically improved...” – Mark Bleich

Students who complete the Improv-For-Everyone and Advanced Workshops are eligible to apply for enrollment in Precipice’s play-improvising and performance workshop. This workshop meets twice a week and provides students with the opportunity to participate in 8-12 performances a year in a 150 seat theater. Students receive intensive and personalized improvisation training that encompasses playwriting, directing, character work, and advanced scene work. For further info and to obtain an interview to determine class eligibility call 202-258-6888 or use the form at the page bottom.

About the Teacher

Gary Jacobs has been teaching, producing, and directing improv for 33 years. He now teaches internationally, as well as on both the East and West Coasts. In April of 2009, Gary taught workshops in Auckland, New Zealand at the Covert Theater and in Christchurch, New Zealand at the Court Theater. His last eight workshops in Bethesda, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and Ventura, California, and Little Washington, Virginia, were sold out. He also directs Precipice Improv Theater, Flashbang Improv, Fling Improv, and Blank Slate Improv.