Improv classes for all ages begin in January at Orcas Center

||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER |||

Kyle Duncan Graham and Orcas Center are offering a series of improv classes starting this January. Sign up at
www.orcascenter.org; click on events and classes and then classes. For all sessions, wear close-toed shoes and bring a
bottle of water. The five-week session costs $150, and we are offering two subsidized pricing levels at $120 and $90.

IMPROV 1 – Foundations of Improv
In this Foundations of Improv class, we will focus on the core tenets of improv: to say yes to the action, to listen closely,
to work as a group, to discover organically, and — most importantly — to have fun. Games and group work will be
shared and enjoyed by all participants in the class and by the end of the five-week course, you will have the tools you need to not only become a great performer but to become an even better human being.

Whether you’re a seasoned improviser, new to the stage, or are interested in improv as a tool for personal enrichment,
this class has everything you need to get your feet wet and have fun! Kyle believes that “Improv is for everyone,” and, in
this class, we can do it together.

Students need to show a willingness to be in class regularly, stay focused, and work hard. There are no prerequisites for
doing this work, other than it will be physical and vocal in nature, and there will sometimes be bodily contact between
participants. For ages 18 to 1,000; Tuesdays from Jan. 13-Feb. 10, 6 to 8 p.m.; in the Black Box at Orcas Center.

IMPROV 2 – Advanced Improvisation Techniques
In this Advanced Improvisation Techniques class, we will focus on creating more immersive experiences in improvisation. Games, group work, and stage time will be used extensively by all participants in the class. In only five weeks, you will build on the previous things you’ve learned and also learn the skills needed to make great choices, create memorable characters, and build scenes with your classmates.

Topics covered are: the rules of improv (and when to break them!), how to commit to brave choices, how to cultivate a
group mindset, finding “the game,”and many more!

Students need to demonstrate a willingness to attend regularly, stay focused, and work hard. Previous enrollment in an
improv class here at Orcas Center or an awareness of what improvisational theatre is is required to be in Improv 2. The
work will be physical and vocal in nature, and there will sometimes be bodily contact between participants. For ages 18 to 1,000; Wednesdays from Jan. 14-Feb. 11, 6 to 8 p.m.; in the Black Box at Orcas Center Middle/high school classes

Have you ever wondered how your favorite actors and comedy influencers became so good at what they do? You, too,
can learn how to act, create, and make audiences laugh without a script! In these Middle and High School Improv Classes, we will focus on the core tenets of improv: to say yes to the action, to listen closely, to discover organically, and — most importantly — to have fun. Games, group work, and stage time will be shared and enjoyed by all participants in the class.

By the end of the five-week course, you will have the tools you need to not only become a great performer, but to become an even better human being. Whether you’re a seasoned improviser, new to the stage, or are interested in improv as a tool for personal enrichment, this class has everything you need to get your feet wet and have fun! Students need to demonstrate a willingness to attend class regularly, stay focused, and work hard. There are no prerequisites for this work, other than that it will be physical and vocal, and there may be occasional bodily contact between participants. Both classes are in the Black Box.

• Age: Middle School: must be enrolled in 6th grade through 8th grade
• High School: must be enrolled in 9th grade through 12th grade.
• When: Middle School: Tuesdays from Jan. 13 to Feb. 10, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
• High School: Mondays from Jan. 12 to Feb. 9, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
• Whalewreck – The Improv Jam Room

Have you ever been interested in doing improv theatre, but something has always held you back? Perhaps you’ve never
had the chance to do it, or you’ve been too intimidated, or maybe a hideous giant squid wrapped you up in its tentacles
before you could reach the theatre doors. Whatever the reason, you don’t need to wait a moment longer. We have an
improv jam every Monday night where you can try it out!

Each week, we will focus on a different aspect of improvisational theatre to work on, and we’ll close with stage time to
try those ideas out. At WhaleWreck, everyone gets in the lab, everyone gets onstage and everyone’s a star! There are no
prerequisites for doing this work, save for being present, staying focused, and listening closely. The work will be physical and vocal, and there may be occasional physical contact between participants. For ages middle school to the oldest star in the universe; Mondays from Jan. 12 until June 1 in the the Madrona Room at Orcas Center. Suggested donation of $10.