our original improv curriculum
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The first stop in our improv school is The Joy & Ease of Improv, our original multi-level curriculum of improvisation (and maybe life) focusing on patient, mindful improv comedy in a highly supportive, positive environment. |
New-to-HVC students of all experience levels begin with Improv 1.
HVC has a specific approach to improvisation with a particular vocabulary, and Improv 1 is the place to learn it. (We don't make exceptions to this requirement.) In Improv 1, Head of Happiness Pam Victor teaches a mindful, easeful approach to improv comedy in an incredibly positive, accepting, playful way through improv exercises, games, and simple scenework.
WANT TO jump in as soon as possible?
JOIN THE improv 1 notificaTION LIST!
"I’ve never had this much fun in my life! It was amazing to learn what I could do and be authentic.
There was so much to learn in the class and to apply to the rest of my life."
—Fred Baumgarten
There was so much to learn in the class and to apply to the rest of my life."
—Fred Baumgarten
what's after improv 1?
the joy & ease of improv 2: Jump into the unknown and Catch your Friends
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This class picks right up where Improv 1 left off. We continue to practice the “ease-full” approach to improvisation in an incredibly positive and accepting atmosphere that will build your confidence as you strengthen your skills and expand your improv toolbox. We'll get more comfortable jumping gleefully into the unknown and selflessly supporting our teammates.
PREREQUISITE: Improv 1 or Improv One-Day Intensive |
"You are taught to step out into a scene with nothing, observe your scene partner’s facial expressions, body language, mood, and begin a scene, using what is already there to move ahead with the scene, expanding it as you go along, naturally, being genuine and real, creating interesting and perhaps funny life stories."
-Michael S.
-Michael S.
the joy & ease of improv 3: EMOTIONAL POINT OF VIEW & Agreement
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Improv 3 is when students can really see everything come together as we use the all-important skills of agreement and finding and holding onto your character's emotional point of view as your anchor in scenework. In Improv 3, you get an opportunity to apply your strengthening improv muscles to longer scenework. So much juicy stuff!
Teacher: Pam Victor PREREQUISITE: Improv 2 |
the joy & ease of improv 4: Two-Person Scenework
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In Improv 4, we immerse ourselves in two-person scenework, the very heart of longform improvisation. We add more tools to our improv tool box and practice how to edit scenes. Ooooh, baby, this class will make you feel sooooo good while stretching and challenging you in all the right places.
PREREQUISITE: Improv 3 |
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"All was perfection..." - Improv 4 Student |
"This class definitely increased my confidence and sense of ease with improv, and let me feel more and more that I'm simply playing and others are too and that it's fun to just relax into it and not worry about it and forget trying to 'do it right.'"
- Improv 4 Student |
the joy & ease of improv one-day intensive
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Offered only once or twice a year, the One-Day Intensive is great for people who want to get the whole Improv 1 curriculum in one improvluscious day. It's open to beginners and experienced performers who'd like to get a healthy dose of the Joy & Ease of Improv approach. After completing this class, students are eligible for Improv 2 (or, for some experienced improvisers, Improv 3.)
PREREQUISITE: None! Open to one and all. |
Advanced Improv CLASSES
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After Improv 4, the next step in your improv journey is our Advanced Improv classes, which focus on a variety of more complex skills and formats taught by a rotating cast of teachers. You can learn different approaches to improvisation and play in new styles and forms. We also work on providing more individual feedback, giving you confidence to improve your weaknesses and strut your strengths.
MINIMUM PREREQUISITE FOR ADVANCED IMPROV CLASSES: The Joy & Ease of Improv 4* *Many Advanced Improv classes will have higher prerequisites, but this is what you need to get started in Long Form Scenework or Short Form 1. |
WHAT PAST STUDENTS have to SAy
"I took a class thinking it would be great for working on my public speaking fears. But I discovered a path to greater presence and connection in my whole life. And its fun! And funny! I'm totally hooked now. Who knew?" |
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notice of nondiscrimination
The Happier Valley Comedy School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, size, age, ability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.
