ACME COMEDY THEATRE
Acme Comedy Theatre is host to a professional sketch comedy troupe managed by artistic director M.D. Sweeney, and improv workshops taught and run by Cynthia Szigeti, Todd Rohrbacher, Susie Geiser, Lisa Malone, and Audrey Rapaport. Basic students are offered a free sample class in lieu of an audit. Acme auditions prospective students for its 12-week intermediate class. Classes are $350 for 12 weeks. Some students are developed with the potential of moving into Acme's professional performing company. Acme recently added an advanced level 14-week class, the Performance Workshop, for $550. The theatre also offers a writing workshop for $450. 135 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 525-0233. www.acmecomedy.com
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BILL APPLEBAUM
Applebaum, a Chicago Second City alumnus, has more than 15 years of acting and writing experience in film and TV. He teaches an ongoing improv workshop for writers and actors and tries to get his students to go "beyond the obvious choices" in their imagination. Auditing is permitted. (818) 790-3413.
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GARY AUSTIN WORKSHOPS
Austin, the creator of the Groundlings and a member of San Francisco's Committee, is an acting teacher who uses improv to help actors develop spontaneity, performance skills, characters, and material. Auditing is allowed. (818) 503-3571.
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BANG IMPROV STUDIO
The studio, which houses both an improv conservatory and a theatre, offers a continuing semester-based improv class, taught by Aliza and Peter Murrieta, Even Gore, David Razowsky, Theresa Mulligan (all members of Chicago's Second City), and Peter Albers, which focuses on basics, character work, and long-form improvisation. Master classes are available. Class size is limited to 12. The first class is $250 for eight weeks, with discounts for continuing students. Students attend any Bang show for free. 457 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 653-6886. www.bangstudio.com
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CHRIS BARNES' COMEDY DOJO
Barnes' credits include the Second City comedy troupe, a regular role on Saturday Night Live, and ensemble role on the Carol Burnett Show, writing and directing for national Lampoon, MTV, and Comedy Central, and appearance on Seinfeld (the Pez dispenser episode), and head of development for James Belushi Productions. Barnes offers an eight-week improv class for $250, with student performances and a live cabaret performance at Powerhouse Theatre. Two levels, beginners and advanced, are offered. Private coaching is available for cold reading or auditions. An audit is allowed, and no interview is required. The Powerhouse Theatre, Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 393-6686.
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TERRY BOLO
Terry Bolo was an original founding member of the Groundlings. "Gary Austin taught us very well, and in that tradition, I like to stress the basics." Her half-day crash course in improv familiarizes actors with the rules and structure, and costs $40. The course is beneficial to actors at any level, and also helps to develop material for writers and comedians. (323) 650-5968.
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JEROME CLEARY'S COMEDY IMPROV WORKSHOP
In his ongoing, class-by-class workshop, Cleary uses his training at the Groundlings and with John Moody to help students build the same kind of rich background in classes that include warm-up exercises, character work, and extended scene work. All levels, from beginning to advanced, are welcome. He also offers a writers' lab in which students work on monologues and scenes. His fees are $90 a month, $170 for two months, or $25 a class, with the first class free. Classes are Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at noon. All classes are held at the Artist Studio, 8235 Santa Monica Blvd, Ste. 215, West Hollywood, 90069, (7474 or 4500 access code). Call to reserve classes (310) 364-4500.
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COMEDYSPORTZ LOS ANGELES
This approach to improvisation organizes teams in athletic style competition. L.A.'s own 11-year-old professional team offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced improv workshops, wich run in eight-week periods for $225 each, and are taught by Pat Dade, James Bailey, Phil Ward, Pablo Marz, and Kurt Scholler. There is a limit on class sizes. (323) 871-1193.www.comedysportzla.com
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THE EMPTY STAGE IMPROVISATIONAL COMEDY THEATRE
This theatre's improv classes are three hours long, require a $25 registration fee. Basic improv classes cost $200 for eight weeks. Intermediate and advanced classes are drop-in and are $25 per lesson. Instructors are Stan Wells (former Groundlings director), Jill Alexander (Waterbrains), Terry Hart, Kay Christianson (Perks), and Harry Hannigan (Transformers). There are weekend performances by the groups Waterbrains, Transformers, Perks, and Pop. 2372 Veteran Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90049. (310) 470-3560. info@emptystage.com; www.emptystage.com.
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THE DENNY EVANS COMEDY WORKSHOP
Evans has offered acting classes that use improvisation techniques for the past 15 years. "I put the emphasis on the acting, because the most believable performance is usually the funniest. So I try to prevent them from going for jokes, and instead emphasize creating funny characters that will fit any situation," Evans said. The ongoing three-hour classes are $75 per month, meet on Sunday evenings, and acceptance is by an "informal audition." Evans also stages regular showcases. One-hour private sessions are $40; semi-private sessions for two actors are $20 for each actor. The Lion Star Theatre, 12655 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (310) 535-6874.
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ANDY GOLDBERG
A member of the Off the Wall improv group since 1975 and author of Improv Comedy, Goldberg has been teaching for 18 years, and has a 12-week improvisational comedy workshop each fall at UCLA Extension. He also teaches improv on the lot at CBS Television City on Wednesdays. He offers an ongoing class applying improv techniques and character development. (310) 479-1498.
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THE GROUNDLINGS SCHOOL
This 26-year-old sketch-comedy institution, home of the famous Groundlings performing troupe, has a four-tiered training program in improv as a means to develop material. In an ever-shrinking pyramid, students audition for the basic level, then must be invited up to the intermediate class, to the writing lab, and finally into the ongoing advanced workshop. All except the writing lab and the advanced level are 12-week classes for $395. An intro to improv class is also available for $200; auditions are not required to join, and the classes often include non-actors. 7307 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 934-4747. www.groundlings.com.
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SANDY HOLT'S ON-CAMERA COMEDY/IMPROV WORKSHOP
Holt, the voice caster for such films as Prince of Egypt, Ants, Look Who's Talking, The Fugitive, and Lewis and Clark, teaches two-day weekend seminars on voiceover/looping for film and television. She also offers an ongoing on-camera improv and cold reading workshop once a week, in which, she said, "I get into what it takes in today's market, finding what's special about you, and making it simple and specific when you go up for an audition. I use comedy as a point of view, rather than an end," she explained. Topics covered in her 10-week classes include creating characters, on-camera comfort, audition techniques, and marketing. Holt has also taught at UCLA, worked as a TV comedy writer. Prospective students are required to audit and participate in a class. Private coaching is also available. (310) 271-8217.
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IMPROV BOOT CAMP
The Imagination Unlimited Group is an acting training school specializing in improv, acting for film television, and sketch-comedy writing. Classes are offered in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. (800) 351-8532. www.imagination-unlimited.com
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THE IMPROV GALLERY
The Improv Gallery meets Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. in the backstage of the 50-seat night club area of the Coffee Gallery. $145 for six weeks. There is a guaranteed performance at the end of the sessions. This year-old group was started by Josiah Pamhemus, a sometime director at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts who holds an M.F.A. in Acting from the American Conservatory Theater. The Gallery offers monthly workshops, six-week classes, and weekly Wednesday-night performances. Classes are three hours, once per week, weekends or evenings, and cost $145 per month. The group is mostly young graduates or current students of A.A.D.A. The Coffee Gallery, 2029 N. Lake Ave, Alta Dena, CA 91001, (310) 772-8288. www.coffeegallery.com.
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IMPROV OLYMPIC WEST
Began in Chicago 18 years ago, the Improv Olympic is best known for its long-form improvisations-"the Harold"-and for such alumni as Mike Myers, Andy Dick, Chris Farley, and Andy Richter. Tiered levels are offered in eight-week installations for $250. The first two levels concentrate on the Harold, while Level Three concentrates on developing the individual performer; Level Four focuses on forms called the Improvised Movie, the Living Room, and the Deconstruction; and Level Five is an "experimental lab" on developing new improv forms. Finally, Level Six is an advanced lab combining acting and improvisation techniques. Classes are held at two locations, 6468 and 6470 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90038. (323) 962-7560. www.iowest.com.
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IMPROV UNDERGROUND
This Second City-based school of comedy is located in an alley steps from Wilshire Blvd. off Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade. Ryan Stiles of Whose Line Is It Anyway? recommended the "Underground" teaching team of Second City's alum, Jeff Michalski, and Jane Morris. They focus on getting students to perform improv on their feet-both in class and in live performance. Members join by paying a $75 annual fee, then pay $150 per month. They are encouraged to attend two classes per week, and to audit other classes at this "after hours like nightclub." The club is open to the public Thursday through Sunday nights, and booked shows consist of members, established groups, and standups. (310) 451-1800. www.improvundergound.com.
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STEVE KAPLAN'S COMEDY INTENSIVE
The Comedy Intensive taught by Kaplan is a two-day, hands-on workshop for professional actors, writers, and directors designed to "move beyond intuition and guesswork" and give artists "the tools to understand why things are funny, how to adjust things that don't work, and how to make sure that your audition or performance succeeds," said Kaplan. Kaplan created the HBO Workspace and founded New York's famed Manhattan Punchline, has developed writers such as David Ives, Howard Korder, Peter Tolan, David Crane, and Ted Tally, has directed and coached actors like Mercedes Ruehl, Lauren Tom, and Oliver Platt. He has taught comedy at Yale, NYU, and UCLA, and has been called the Stanislavski of comedy. (818) 728-6951. www.comedyintensives.com.
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KIP KING
One of the original Groundlings, King has been teaching his unique on-camera techniques, which emphasize comedy and commercials on television, since 1981. He currently teaches his class at the Westside Casting Studios and allows auditing, but encourages participation. Fees are $350 for 10 weeks, and King has a pay-as-you-go policy that allows actors to earn one week free (pay a two-week deposit up-front, and stay for 11 weeks instead of 10) as well as a money-back guarantee after the first class. Returning students can enroll for another 11 weeks for $300. Showcases are included. (818) 784-0544. Kip81137@aol.com.
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L.A. CONNECTION COMEDY PRODUCTIONS
Artistic director Kent Skov, who trained with the Committee and with Second City, leads this production company and 21-year-old comedy program, offering training for all ages. The program offers an adult improv repertory company that provides training and allows members to perform (with pay) before an audience on a weekly basis. This year, the company will regularly perform long-form improvs, loop movies, and write sitcoms, as well. Sketch comedy and dramatic improvisation are also slated for the coming year. An audition is required. L.A. Connection also offers weekly comedy improv training for children on Sundays. 13442 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 710-1320. www.laconnectioncomedy.com.
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L.A. THEATRESPORTS
This facility offers a narrative-based comedy improv technique. Indeed, don't confuse the Theatresports performing style-in which teams of performers square off in improvisatory battle for audience approval-with its training approach, which has to do with narrative and storytelling structure, not competition. The eight-week intensive workshop runs $375, with a discount for paying in advance, and there's an advanced level at $125 a month, into which students must be invited. Twelve-week courses start in April. Dan O'Connor, Tracy Burns (founder of London Theatresports), and Brian Lohmann (co-founder of Bay Area Theatresports) are the senior coaches. (323) 466-3271. www.theatresports.com.
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HARVEY LEMBECK COMEDY WORKSHOP
Emmy-winning director Michael Lembeck and his sister Helaine took over these comedy classes 18 years ago, 18 years after the late Harvey Lembeck began the workshop. Using improv as a method to teach comedy, the Lembecks offer three levels of ongoing classes, which show students how to play comedy legitimately in scenes. (310) 271-2831.
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BRIAN LOHMANN'S CREATING CHARACTER FROM IMPROV
This class is an ongoing lab where students identify their comfortable character choices and stretch out from there into more challenging unpredictable territory. Lohmann's expereince with classical theatre training "ACT, the Old Globe," and 25 years as a professional improvisor makes this class "a fun place for actors to up their spontaneity, and improvisors to work with depth and precision. A great way to develop characters for solo performance." Lohman has led workshops with Frances Ford Coppola, Robin Williams, Bill Cosby, Anthony Hopkins, Gary Oldman, and Rene Russo. Classes are Saturdays, 12 noon-3 p.m. at the John Raitt Theatre, 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (800) 938-7572, or (323) 874-6564.
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JACUIE LOWELL'S IMPROVISATION CLASSES
Lowell has taught improv in San Diego for the last 18 years, has directed several improvisational comedy performing troupes, and teaches creativity workshops for business and education. Classes are held in Mission Hills, San Diego, and cost $15 for the first class, $105 for a series of seven classes. (858) 581-0050. jlowell.improv @juno.com; www.creative-urges.com.
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MICE ACTING/WRITING WORKSHOP
Emmy-nominated writer Mike Chain, who's also worked as a producer and an actor, offers this weekly advanced acting and writing workshop taught through spontaneous scenework. Chain, who has been an instructor for 17 years, teaches improv based on spontaneous scene work, not Spolin theatre games. Auditing is required, and the monthly fee is $150. Chain also teaches directing and voiceover technique. (818) 349-5817, or (818) 762-7547.
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MOMOWorks
This group was started by the MOMO Artists Collective as a low-cost alternative to acting classes. MOMOWorks is a space where actors can meet once a week to escape the treadmill of auditioning and just think about acting. Exercises focus primarily on improvisation (both comic and dramatic) and naturalism in acting. MOMOWorks is collectively run and all profits go back into the workshop. Participants take turns leading the workshops and the cost is only $16 for four workshops. Workshops are held Thursdays at 7 p.m. (323) 651-5464. momoworks @yahoo.com.
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BRIAN MULLIGAN IMPROV WORKSHOP
A co-founder of New York City's IMPRO! and former improv instructor at NYC's Riverside Shakespeare Academy, Mulligan offers improvisation workshops based on those proposed by Keith Johnsone, emphasizing "truthful spontaniety." In the games Johnstone developed, Mulligan said, "Character comes organically out of small, specific choices, played off your partner." A 15-year member of Theatresports International, Mulligan also offers private coaching. The course, suitable for all levels, features an invited performance on the final night. Acceptance is by interview. (323) 960-2075.
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OUT WEST STUDIOS
This recently founded school offers classes on improv and sitcom writing in eight-week courses. The improv class, which is currently taught by Second city mainstage alumnus Rachel Hamilton, culminates with a live show at a local theatre. Said founder Tony DeMond of the studio's aim, "Think funny on your feet, create characters, and learn basic improvisational skills." (818) 377-3289.
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PLAYERS WORKSHOP WEST
Players Workshop, Chicago's premiere school of improvisation, is offering its critically acclaimed course on the West Coast. Founded in 1971 by Josephone Forsberg, the workshop has helped many performers launch their careers, including Bill Murray, Shelley Long, and Robert Townsend. Using scenework, exercises, and games to build basic improvisational skills, it is designed especially for first-time improvisationers. (323) 856-6966.
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PAUL RYAN'S COMEDY STUDIO AT CBS STUDIO
Ryan conducts master comedy acting classes that specialize in sitcom character development, timing, audition techniques, improvisation, scenework, and cold readings. Ryan, a comedy consultant for television and film, teaches for all levels. Classes meet every Saturday, and are $195 per month. There is also a class held on the first and third Tuesday for $100 per month. Industry showcases are given to the advanced class members. (323) 936-9542.
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AVERY SCHREIBER
Schreiber, who for 10 years was one half of the Burns & Schreiber comedy team, originally trained at the Goodman Theatre of the Arts Institute and spent five years with Viola Spolin at Second City. He teaches an eight-week basic improv program, as well as an eight-week intermediate workshop, both for $280. He also has an advanced improv workout group that is purely invitational, and also offers private coaching. (818) 989-4775. averyimp@aol.com.
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SECOND CITY
Second City has opened its newest training center in the Improv on Melrose, offerring classes in beginning to advanced improv, as well as programs for television and film writing. $250 for an eight-week course. Second City has played a role in the careers of Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Mike Meyers, Chris Farley, Jerry Stiller, and Shelley Long. Second City, Hollywood Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. (877) 2ND-CITY. www.secondcity.com.
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CYNTHIA SZIGETI
Former head of the Groundlings' training program, now head of Acme Comedy Theatre's improv workshops, Szigeti privately coaches actors and standups for $50-$75 an hour. Students have included Lisa Kudrow, Conan O'Brien, Alex Borstein, Julia Sweeney, and Adam Carolla. (818) 980-7890.
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THOSE MEDLING KIDS IMPROV GROUP
This is a long-form improv group that focuses on genre-based, one-act plays. The audience votes on which genre they want to see (based on a menu given at the door), and with a few audience suggestions. Themes include Shakespeare, chick flick, cop drama, afterschool special, and musicals. (323) 669-1334. www.tmk.improv.com.
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TOTAL IMPROV
Veteran improv performer Linda Kellogg Fulton, who began her career in 1974 in San Francisco, teaches this workshop designed to her students' "mental agility, spontaneity, and intuitive responses," using the techniques of Viola Spolin and Del Close, as well as her own. "All students can expect extensive growth in their performance on many levels," Fulton said. (818) 895-0619.
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SAN FRANCISCO BATS (BAY AREA THEATRE SPORTS)
Fort Mason Center, Building B, Third Flr., San Francisco, CA 94123. (415) 474-8935. (415) 474-6776
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EAST BAY IMPROV
East Bay Improv offers beginning workshops: a seven-week workshop teaching basic acting improvisational skills, as well as intermediate and advanced workshops: a fully comprehensive improv training program taught in four different seven-week workshops. "Have fun while learning everything you need to know to be a great improviser. Develop skills to advance performance levels." P.O. Box 7884, Berkeley, CA 94707. (510)525-2782 or e-mail dave@eastbayimprov.com.