overview of our improv program
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The Happier Valley Comedy Training Center is a small improv school with a big heart. The Joy & Ease of Improv offers an entire multi-level curriculum of improvisation (and maybe life) focusing primarily on patient, mindful improv comedy in a highly supportive, positive environment.
Our program begins at The Joy & Ease of Improv 1, and then continues on through Improv 2, 3, and 4. After which, students graduate to the Advanced Improv Program, a rotation of improvluscious classes designed to get students in shape to rock the stage. Classes meet for 8 weeks in Hadley, Massachusetts. |
the joy & ease of Improv 1: Discovering the Joy and Ease of Improv
Through easy-to-learn exercises, improv games, and scenework, you’ll practice the vital principles of improvisation, such as paying attention acutely, accepting other people’s ideas, redefining and disempowering failure, staying in the moment, reacting honestly to the reality of the here and now, and much more. No experience necessary. Being funny is not required! You can do this. Want to stretch your wings for a couple hours every week and laugh yourself silly in in the process? Join our happier community! The first step is saying, "Yes, and..."
Teacher: Pam Victor
PREREQUISITE: None! Open to one and all.
Teacher: Pam Victor
PREREQUISITE: None! Open to one and all.
"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
the joy & ease of improv 2: Jump into the unknown and Catch your Friends
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. Our special focus in Improv 2 is on establishing a community of trust and on confident risk-taking. We'll get more comfortable jumping gleefully into the unknown and selflessly supporting our teammates. Let's really dive into an exploration of "Who needs you most?" and how we can be of most service to the scene and each other!
PREREQUISITE: Improv 1 or Improv One-Day Intensive
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
Improv 3 is when students can really see everything come together as we use the all-important skills of agreement and finding/holding onto the emotional point of view as your anchor in scenework. We also continue honing the skills of paying attention acutely, discovering and playing the scene that is already happening, identifying and playing the Heat and Weight, trusting ourselves and our stage partners, committing fully to the moment, serving the scene first and foremost, and being a good stage partner. In Improv 3, you'll get an opportunity to apply your strengthening improv muscles to longer scenework and an expanded repertoire of short form games. The adventure continues!
Teacher: Pam Victor
PREREQUISITE: Improv 2
Teacher: Pam Victor
PREREQUISITE: Improv 2
the joy & ease of improv 4: Two-Person Scenework
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 learn different ways to edit scenes. How does environment and object work inform your scene? We'll play around with that too. Ooooh, baby, this class will make you feel sooooo good while stretching and challenging you in all the right places.
PREREQUISITE: Improv 3
(If you want to take a level more than once, Improv 4 is a good one to hone your skills or get a tune up.)
PREREQUISITE: Improv 3
(If you want to take a level more than once, Improv 4 is a good one to hone your skills or get a tune up.)
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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 |
Advanced Improv CLASSES
Take the next step in your improv journey with three tiers of advanced improv classes taught by a rotating cast of teachers that allow you to learn different approaches to improvisation and play in new styles and forms. We also work on providing more individual evaluation, giving you confidence to improve your weaknesses and strut your strengths. Advanced Improv classes offer weekly classes such as Find Your Scene, Exploring Forms, Harold 1 and 2, Advanced Advanced Scenework, and many more improvluscious classes that will get you to the next level and, if you choose, prepare you for performance.
PREREQUISITE FOR ALL ADVANCED IMPROV CLASSES: The Joy & Ease of Improv 4 (There are no exceptions.)
PREREQUISITE FOR ALL ADVANCED IMPROV CLASSES: The Joy & Ease of Improv 4 (There are no exceptions.)
kids comedy program
Our Kids Comedy Program includes one-time workshops, weekly classes, vacation classes, and a summer program. Plus, we have comedy shows specifically aimed at the younger set! We aim to make your happy family HAPPIER!
WHAT PAST STUDENTS ARE SAYING
"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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