Secret Improv Society
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Narrative
6 week program

Narrative

Develop the skill to craft clear, engaging improvised stories, focusing on building strong scene foundations, objectives, conflicts, and story structure. Practice pacing, transitions, and ensemble storytelling techniques to create rich and captivating narratives in both short and long forms.

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About this program

Stories are the way our mind makes sense of the world, and improv is not different. A scene without a narrative structure is just a series of disconnected events. This program aims to instill students with the ability to recognize and to spontaneously generate the throughline of a story arc in each scene, game, and story they improvise. From protagonists, objectives, obstacles, and consequences to audience expectations and how to fulfill or subvert them for dramatic and comedic effect, this program will help you understand the power and freedom of a strong narrative.

What to expect

All classes are 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. We create an informal, playful, and welcoming atmosphere, essential for improvisation. Students will play simple games to develop the necessary skills to be present, creative, and cooperative. Most games are played standing up in a circle or moving around the stage, and students can determine their level of mobility. Games are respectful and fun, and they respect the player's space. Come prepared to move freely, and bring water or snacks if you need them. There is a 7-11 right next door. Wear layers you can remove as you warm up.

Prerequisites

Must have completed Foundations or equivalent work in another school.

Course Content

Shelton Theater

$320 tuition · $295 Early Bird through July 2

Available
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  1. Session 1

    Who, What , Where

    Learn to discover and create the foundational dimensions of narrative, the protagonist, the location, and the object of desire. Practice techniques to establish the platform clearly and convincingly.

  2. Session 2

    Objectives and Conflicts

    Approach narrative from the perspective that a story is a sum of the choices a character makes in the pursuit of an objective. From winning a tournament game to conquering the heart of a forbidden love. Objective create the spine of narrative

  3. Session 3

    Story Structure

    Compelling, cohesive stories are not a straight line from beginning to end. Explore techniques and concepts that can guide you in maintaining a persistent storyline while allowing the story to twist and turn unpredictably.

  4. Session 4

    Genres

    This workshop opens the door into the wonderful world of genres. Students review and explore different types of stories and the way they can be brought to life on stage without props, costumes, of special effects.

  5. Session 5

    The game of scenework

    learn to identify and create the game within a scene: a pattern of behavior or circumstance that creates an expectation in the audience that you can grow, explore, and reverse for comedic or tragic effect.

  6. Session 6

    Long Form

    Take your narrative skills to the next level by exploring long-form improvisation, where the scenes come together to tell a single, long, complex narrative that puts all your improv skills to the test.

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