Advanced Improv Classes

​Let's take the next step in your improv journey with a variety of rotating classes that allow you to learn different approaches and play in new styles and forms. 

​There are three tiers of Advanced Improv Classes : 

TIER 1

TIER 2

TIER 3
Prerequisite: Improv 4
  • ​​Find Your Scene             
  • Short Form 1: An Introduction to Short Form Games
  • Musical Improv 1*​
  • Next Leap in Improv




​
*If a class has additional / adjusted prerequisites, it is indicated by a plus sign or an asterisk. Please see the specific class description below for details.
Prerequisite: at least one "Tier 1" class
  • Working as an Ensemble​ ​ ​
  • Short Form 2: Deep Dive into the Games (Tier 2+)
  • Musical Improv 2 (Tier 2+)
  • ​Character 1: Building Characters
  • Foundations   
  • Shrink: Exploring Characters and Scenework
  • The ​Monoscene​​
Prerequisite: at least one "Tier 2" class​
  • Harold 1 (Tier 3+)
  • Harold 2 (Tier 3+)
  • Short Form 3: Performing Short Form (Tier 3+)
  • Deconstructing True Stories
  • Exploring Longform Structures
  • Character 2: Being Characters (Tier 3+)
  • ​Advanced Advanced Scenework​
  • Form Your Form (Tier 3+) ​ 
  • Follow the Show 
  • Short/Longform (Tier 3+)
  • From Practice to Performance (Tier 3+)​
interested in private coaching?

full ADVANCED IMPROV CLASS catalog

(Not all of these classes are currently open for registration.)
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TIER 1 ADVANCED IMPROV CLASSES

Find Your Scene (LEVEL: TIER 1)

Ready to take your scenework to the next level? Have you ever felt lost in a scene? Ever felt like you were running out of steam? Not sure what the best next move might be to keep the magic flowing? We'll practice some key concepts and tools that propel you into fun, successful scenework, including game of the scene, mapping, heightening, and reinvesting in your own moves. The focus is on skills to use during your scene that will help you find solid footing. Not only is "Find Your Scene" the first step for new Advanced Improv students to get more comfortable with scenework before moving into learning improv structures, it's also the best class for veteran students to retake again (and again!) in order to bolster and polish their own performance. "Find Your Scene" is both the first and next step for Advanced Improv students to get in those vital reps!
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Improv 4 
"Find Your Scene is a helpful class for even experienced improvisers. You relearn skills and lessons you may have forgotten and you have an opportunity to see yourself in a new way. If you allow yourself to open your mind and challenge your usual way of doing improv, you can take yourself to a new level."
-Advanced Improv Student
"In real life, you repeat a class if you fail. In improv life, you can repeat a class just to have more fun! “Find your Scene” is one of those classes that you could take it again and again, layering your developing skills and playing with a new grouping of people each time. It is a core course for practicing small scenes, working with environment, working with characters and emotion, and doing object work. And it’s just plain fun!"
​-Advanced Improv student
"Thanks Scott for helping me Find My Scene. I got so much from taking this class I took it again. That is a positive reflection on how much you have to offer about scene work and the benefit of the practical exercises you provide."
-Shirley G., 
​Advanced Improv Student

musical improv 1 (LEVEL: TIER 1*)

Are you an improviser who wants to expand your skills into the exciting world of musical improv? Are you a confident singer who wants to learn how to make up songs on the spot? Are you terrified by the idea of improvised singing on stage? If any of the above are you, join us for Musical Improv 1 with instructor Jeff Kimball! We'll explore musical improv from the ground up in a fun and positive environment where every student feels safe taking risks and trying something new. No matter what your previous musical experience is, you can do musical improv!
​PREREQUISITE: Completion of Improv 3

Short form 1: Introduction to short form games  (Level: Tier 1)

Short Form 1 is the first stop in the short form improv comedy track in our program. This class is an introductory survey class where you'll start to learn the basics of how to approach and play short form improv games. In addition to learning about 30 games, we'll cover some general tips and tricks for each type of game. Prepare to laugh and make some new friends too!
​PREREQUISITE: Completion of Improv 4

The next leap in Improv (LEVEL: TIER 1)

You've learned the basics of scene development and Yes,  And-ing your heart out. This Tier 1 Advanced Improv course provides a wonderfully new and different angle on approaching improv which will further strengthen your foundation and offer you even more tools for your improv toolbox. You'll learn some new improv structures and practice others you may be familiar with already. You will explore developing the group mind, supporting teammates, and the mechanics of improv games that add flavor to those strong scenes and relationships you've built. The Next Leap is a great way to expand your foundational improv skill set. It's gonna be a blast. This class is a great next leap for students!
​PREREQUISITE: Completion of Improv 4
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tier 2 advanced improv classes

working as an ensemble (LEVEL: TIER 2)

Learn what it takes to be part of a performing group with this Tier 2 Advanced Improv class. Sharpen your skills in listening, supporting, leading and following. We'll practice putting scenes together with a focus on the timing and execution of edits and making moves that benefit the current scene and the piece as a whole. By the end of the class, we'll be finding connections between themes and characters to weave our scenes together into popular longform structures. This class is a great preparation for any Tier 3 format classes like Harold, Exploring Longform Structures, and Deconstructing True Stories!​
PREREQUISITES: At least one "Tier 1" Level Advanced Improv Class

Short Form 2: Deep dive into the games (Tier 2+)

If you know a bunch of short form games and now you really want to learn how to play them skillfully, Short Form 2 is your class! We’ll take a good long time to explore some core short form games and expand what short form is capable of. At its core, short form is just a scene with a clear game right up front. This approach allows us to find our characters, relationships, and patterns much quicker than normal. We'll explore just how deep we can dive into a short scene and really push the boundaries of what this simpler, audience-friendly format can do.
What's the mindset for performing short form?
How can you maintain honest scenework in gibberish?
How can a large arsenal of short form games benefit your longform scenework?
How can we perform these games artfully?
Let's dive deep to help you learn the in's and out's, tips, and tricks of short form comedy.
PREREQUISITES: Completion of Short Form 1
Or any Tier 1 class AND at least one year of performance experience with short form improv.

musical improv 2 ​(LEVEL: TIER 2+)

You've been introduced to the basics of musical improv, and now you want more, more, more musical improv magic!  In Musical Improv 2, students will build on basic musical improv skills, extending into longer form musical theater scenework. We'll explore the connection between emotion and music, learn more advanced song structures, and start working with the building blocks of Broadway-style narrative musicals. As the Bard might have said if he'd been a musical improviser, "If music be the food of happiness, play on!" A showcase performance marks the culmination of this class.
​PREREQUISITES:  Completion of Musical Improv 1

Character 1: Building Characters (LEVEL: TIER 2)

Who do you want to be? In this Tier 2 class, students will learn to develop, play with and maintain different character types in scenes. We’ll work to create characters who display pathos, tenderness, realism and humor, rather than coming off simply as caricatures. We’ll start from a base of physical characteristics, gait, voice, personal observation, emotion, props, thoughts, and more. We’ll create a supportive atmosphere where students can reach beyond their perceived limits (and then rest when necessary), developing their skills, courage and repertoire over the course of the session. ​​
​PREREQUISITES: At least one "Tier 1" Level Advanced Improv Class
“Julie is an intuitive, compassionate teacher. She readily understands the challenges for each student and adjusts lessons accordingly. This is a great class to get your feet wet in the world of character building.”
​-Advanced Improv Student
“Julie makes a really hard class fun, exciting and safe. I found the space to do things I never thought possible!”
​ -Advanced Improv Student
“If you want to add some dimension to the characters you are playing, add juicy details and expand your range, this class fits the bill wonderfully.”
​-Advanced Improv Student

the Monoscene (Level: Tier 2)

Want to see just how far your scene can go? One scene, in one place, in real time. In this Tier 2 class, we will explore the essential components of great Monoscenes, with half of our time focused on two-person Monoscenes and the other half on  group Monosenes. This format asks you to sharpen your skills in paying attention, staying in the present, listening with all of your tools, and being of service to the show. Get ready to flex your listening muscles and build group mind because we're essentially writing plays on the spot! This class includes one student showcase performance on a Saturday at 9pm. Class size will be limited to let us all get reps in with longer Monoscenes.
PREREQUISITES: At least one "Tier 1" Advanced Improv class

foundations (LEVEL: TIER 2)

Now that you're an Advanced Improv student, would you like an opportunity to get back to basics? In this class, we'll revisit foundational improvisation skills from your Joy & Ease of Improv days, now from a new perspective as a higher level improviser. Discovering, playing, and sticking to the emotional point of view. Incorporating environment and object work. Honing the superpower of silence in your scenework. Tuning into the musicality of editing. Playing the show one small step at a time. Focusing on two-person scenework. Sharpening the skills of agreement and acceptance. Being most of service to your scene partners, the scene, and the show. The Foundations class is your opportunity to practice all of these improvyummy skills alongside other players working at your level.  Are you totally jazzed right now? Then this class is for you.
​Teacher: Pam Victor
PREREQUISITES: At least one "Tier 1" Level Advanced Improv Class

shrink: Exploring character and scenework (Level: Tier 2)

This unique Tier 2 Advanced Improv uses The Ha-Ha's exclusive improv structure "Shrink: Where Freud Meets Funny" as a conduit for exploring the creation and maintenance of character and practicing foundational improv skills such as playing through emotional point of view, holding onto your "anchor," exploring character work, and following the joy and ease of the scene. And best of all, you get to learn the wildly popular "Shrink" structure! By the end of the session, you'll be more comfortable performing all the elements of "Shrink" - and if everyone in class is down with it, we'll even hold a student showcase performance!
PREREQUISITES: At least one "Tier 1" Level Advanced Improv Class
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tier 3 advanced improv classes

harold 1 (level: tier 3+)

The Harold is the granddaddy of all improvisation structures. It's the ballet of improv - the form upon which almost all other forms are based and the most widely performed longform structure of all time. Born in 1967, the Harold is largely credited with creating longform improvisation as we know it today. Yep, it's pretty awesome. This Advanced Improv class introduces you to the basic elements of The Harold: Openings, Group Games, and Scenic Beats. Plus, we dive into the skills upon which the concept of Harold sits, such as recognizing and playing the patterns, establishing groupmind, and the beauty of controlled chaos. Then we put it all together to create a few Harolds of our own!
SUGGESTED READING: "Truth in Comedy" by Charna Halpern, Del Close, and Kim "Howard" Johnson.​
​Teacher: Scott Braidman
PREREQUISITES: Completion of "Working As An Ensemble (Tier 2)" or permission from instructor.

Harold 2 (level: tier 3+)

Back for more Harold fun? Scott continues his very accessible approach to Harold in this Advanced Improv class. The focus of this level will be turning the group into a performing Harold ensemble with its own language, style, and form. This class includes a student showcase performance.
Teacher: Scott Braidman
PREREQUISITE: Harold 1 

short form 3: performing short form (level: tier 3+)

You've got a good arsenal of short form games, you feel pretty solid about playing them, and now you want to take it to the next level: Performing a short form show in front of real live people. Short Form 3 is where you want to be! Rather than just practicing games one at a time in the classroom, Short Form 3 teaches you how to approach short form from a performance mindset, including honing specific improv skills, learning performance tips, creating a line up of games for a show, emceeing shows, introducing games, involving audience participants onstage, and playing with as much joy and ease as possible. You will perform one in-class show for your class, and one showcase show on a Saturday night at 9pm, including running the short form improv jam for audience members. Hey kids, wanna put on a show???​
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Short Form 2 

deconstructing true stories (level: tier 3)

 In this Tier 3 Advanced Improv class, we learn and practice structures that deconstruct a source conversation or monologue, such as Armando, Living Room, Interview...and maybe we'll even come up with our own true story-inspired structure along the way! This very useful class is a great opportunity to learn the ins and outs, tips and tricks, and get lots of practice, practice, practice with structures inspired by true stories.​ This class includes a student performance.
​PREREQUISITES: At least one "Tier 2" Level Advanced Improv Class 

Exploring longform structures (level: Tier 3)

What else is out there in the wild world of longform improvisation? Exploring Longform Structures provides a playful introduction to some useful longform structures, including Armando, Evente, Monoscene, and Spokane. This Tier 3 class is great for expanding your repertoire of longform structures while gaining practice and comfort performing them. This class takes your scenework skills to a new level. Come flex your improv muscles and expand your knowledge of longform!​ Like most of our Tier 3 classes, this class includes a student showcase performance.
​PREREQUISITE: At least one Tier 2 Advanced Improv class. 

Character 2: being Characters  (LEVEL: TIER 3+)

Let's take those character-building skills to the next level. In this Tier 2 class, we'll build characters and put them in relationships and scenes to see how these characters move and feel on their feet over time. "Being Characters" will begin by briefly revisiting avenues into character building (voice, physicality, accents, age, gender, and more). Then we'll launch into in depth character development opportunities in scenework. What does it feel like to live in these characters' shoes? How do characters evolve together over time? We'll investigate the different ways that characters can inform, drive, support, or enhance a scene including status, point of view, need/drive, and more. This class is an opportunity to synthesize your skills of committing to the moment, serving the scene, and being a good stage partner, AND bring characters into your work and play! There will be opportunities for extended monologues, two-person scenes, and larger group scenes. Students will challenge AND cheer each other to help create a safe and supportive atmosphere. Expect to be tired and happy! This class includes an informal showcase for friends and family on the last day of class.
​PREREQUISITES: At least one "Tier 2" Level Advanced Improv Class AND Completion of Characters 1 

Advanced advanced scenework (Level: Tier 3)

Advanced Advanced Scenework offers a hands-on dissection of scenework with a major focus on personal improvement. This class gives you a chance to expand your toolbox and play in new styles. We will also work on individual evaluation, giving you confidence to improve your weaknesses and strut your strengths. We'll learn to thrive on direct, critical feedback from our peers - leave your ego at the door for this class!
Teacher: Scott Braidman
PREREQUISITES: At least one Tier 2 Advanced Improv class

form your Form: A performance-based class (level: Tier 3+)

Let's create our very own, completely original structure! We'll brainstorm, collaborate, and practice our new format, leading up to a showcase in the middle of the session. Then we'll head back to the classroom to work on notes, tweak the structure, and get in more practice. The class will end with a SECOND showcase, where we'll give our creation another spin. 
​Another note: This class is limited to 10 people.
​​PREREQUISITES:  Working as an Ensemble (Tier 2) AND one other Tier 3 class

 follow the show (LEVEL: TIER 3)

"...we move from one small step to the next, 
the first line spoken to the next, 
from one moment to the next...
the whole show is just following, following, following." 
-Improvisation at the Speed of Life
In this Advanced Improv class, we'll practice paying attention like ninja-detectives in order to discover the show happening already and to follow it one small step at a time. Let go of working so hard to make stuff up; instead, practice how we can follow the show where it's going already, including  noticing how the characters and relationships develop, the pace of the show, the editing style, and even what structure the show wants to be. Let's explore an easeful (though not always easy!) method of improvising. Follow the Show is a challenging class designed for players who feel like they have enough brain space to add on the skills of viewing the show through an overhead eye, reading global scene and show themes, and tapping into their intuitions in a grander scale in improvisation. Ready to take it to the next level? Let's Follow the Show! Like most of our Tier 3 classes, this class includes a student showcase performance.
​Teacher: Pam Victor
PREREQUISITES: At least one Tier 2 Advanced Improv class

short/longform (level: tier 3+)

You've got a solid handle on short form - now are you ready to color outside the lines? Curious about the place where short form and longform meet? This class explores the intersection of short and longform improvisation through key exercises, games, and specific structures. From a scenework perspective, HVC approaches short form as good longform scenes with a gimmick. This class expands on that idea with short/longform-friendly games like Pan Right/Pan Left, Bus Stop, Copy Cat, 10 Scenes About and Scenes on a Theme. Plus, Pam teaches the short/longform structures she created: The Buckingham and Bubble 'n Squeak. We'll also learn and practice conducted shortform (like they use in the Happier FAMILY Comedy Show) and freeform short form shows. Like most of our Tier 3 classes, this class includes a student showcase performance.
​Teacher: Pam Victor
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Short Form 3 
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From practice to performance: to your team into a troupe in 9 weeks (level: Tier 3+)

Classes are custom scheduled and priced.
Have you been practicing with some fantastic friends, and you’d like to jump into actually performing in front of audiences? Or do you  have a new troupe with some performances under your belt and you really want to get your team to the next level? “From Practice to Performance with Scott Braidman and Pam Victor” is an individually-scheduled series of classes, showcases, and pre- and post-show coaching sessions designed to get your group from the rehearsal room to the stage! You put together the team, we'll help turn you into a performing troupe in at least nine weeks. The program includes:
  • ​Two pre-showcase classes with Scott, developing, rehearsing, and fine-tuning structure and technique
  • ​Two pre-showcase classes with Pam, developing, rehearsing, and fine-tuning structure and technique
  • At least two rehearsals on your own built into the schedule (rent paid for by HVC for two rehearsals, if necessary)
  • ​One showcase at More Improv, More Better, attended by both teachers with notes afterwards
  • One post-showcase coaching session with Scott
  • ​One post-showcase coaching session with Pam
  • Optional: Additional coaching session(s) available for additional cost.
​PREREQUISITES: This class is by request only  and eligible to those who have completed Harold 2.
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private coaching sessions

$100/hr
Do you have a group together and you'd like to get a private coaching session with one of our teachers? Do you have a specific skill or form that you'd like to work on with a group of your choosing? Do you have a cool idea for a class that you'd like to take with your friends? Here's your opportunity for Pam Victor or Scott Braidman to give you exactly what you're looking for. We'll work with you to customize everything for your group. Set up a one-time coaching session or schedule a series of meetings to build a class-like structure. Tell us what you want, and we'll say YES!     (probably)
contact us to ARRANGE YOUR PRIVATE COACHING SESSION