overview
The Happier Valley Comedy School is a small improv school with a big heart.
From adult classes for absolute beginners to advanced classes for experienced improvisers,
Happier Valley Comedy School provides an entire multi-level curriculum of improvisation (and maybe life)
focusing primarily on patient, mindful improv comedy in a highly supportive, positive environment.
Students generally begin at Zen of Improv 1, continue on through Zen 2, 3, and 4, and then graduate to
Advanced Improv, a rotation of improvluscious classes designed to get students in shape to rock the stage.
Classes meet for 8 weeks in Hadley, Massachusetts.
If you're not sure about your first step, check out Where Do I Start?
From adult classes for absolute beginners to advanced classes for experienced improvisers,
Happier Valley Comedy School provides an entire multi-level curriculum of improvisation (and maybe life)
focusing primarily on patient, mindful improv comedy in a highly supportive, positive environment.
Students generally begin at Zen of Improv 1, continue on through Zen 2, 3, and 4, and then graduate to
Advanced Improv, a rotation of improvluscious classes designed to get students in shape to rock the stage.
Classes meet for 8 weeks in Hadley, Massachusetts.
If you're not sure about your first step, check out Where Do I Start?
The Zen of Improv: One- and Two-Day Intensive
Six-/Twelve-Hour Intensive with one hour for lunch (All levels)
Take the improv rules you’ve carefully learned. And (lovingly) throw ‘'em out the window.
What you need lies right in front of you. In this delicious one- or two-day intensive, you’ll immerse yourself in a uniquely natural and self-affirming approach to discovery-based, longform improvisation. You’ll focus on being more aware of the scene that’s revealing itself onstage and following where the scene wants to go…while letting go of the need to work so damn hard and “make stuff up.”
This mindful approach is developed in part from what Pam Victor learned over the two years of writing Improvisation at the Speed of Life: The TJ & Dave Book with legendary improvisers TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi.
Together we’ll practice:
Join Pam for the Zen of Improv: it’s good for the stage and it’s good for the soul!
Take the improv rules you’ve carefully learned. And (lovingly) throw ‘'em out the window.
What you need lies right in front of you. In this delicious one- or two-day intensive, you’ll immerse yourself in a uniquely natural and self-affirming approach to discovery-based, longform improvisation. You’ll focus on being more aware of the scene that’s revealing itself onstage and following where the scene wants to go…while letting go of the need to work so damn hard and “make stuff up.”
This mindful approach is developed in part from what Pam Victor learned over the two years of writing Improvisation at the Speed of Life: The TJ & Dave Book with legendary improvisers TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi.
Together we’ll practice:
- improvising one small step at a time by paying attention at the ninja detective level
- seeking joy and effortlessness in our scenework
- focusing on emotional relationship rather than words in a scene
- utilizing “Heat” and “Weight” to discover existing relationship between characters
- performing from a place of ease and joy, and trust in yourself, your scene partners improvisation, and the moment
- playing the scene in the here and now
Join Pam for the Zen of Improv: it’s good for the stage and it’s good for the soul!
"Pam's workshop fundamentally changed the way I think about improv (and life!). In just 2 days I went from overthinking, always judging myself (and sometimes others), and constantly planning my next move to being comfortable with the unknown and letting things happen and be discovered naturally. Pam's teaching style is calm, supportive and encouraging (without being over the top). She gave me permission to be myself, and then helped me realize that I didn't need that permission in the first place. I will remember these two days for a long, long time to come!" |
"The Zen of Improv workshop was such a treat. Study with Pam anywhere, any time, as soon as you can!" |
The Zen of Improv (Three Hour Workshop)
Three Hour Workshop (All Levels)
Interested in exploring patient, discovery-based improvisation moment by moment, free of the onus to be jokey and invent stuff? Want to get more adept at improvising honestly from the heart? In the The Zen of Improv, we practice improvising one step at a time by paying attention at a ninja level, listening and responding honestly and naturally, playing through our natural emotional point of view, and utilizing the concepts of "Heat" and Weight" to discover the relationship that exists already onstage. We will improvise from a place of ease as we practice learning how to be more aware of the scene that’s revealing itself onstage and following where the show wants to go...while letting go of the need to work so damn hard and “make stuff up.” This workshop is perfect for new and developing improvisers and remarkably challenging for those who have been at it a long while too. (Which is exactly why you old hats should do it…follow your fear!) This approach is inspired by the process of writing "Improvisation at the Speed of Life: The TJ & Dave Book" with TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi.
Interested in exploring patient, discovery-based improvisation moment by moment, free of the onus to be jokey and invent stuff? Want to get more adept at improvising honestly from the heart? In the The Zen of Improv, we practice improvising one step at a time by paying attention at a ninja level, listening and responding honestly and naturally, playing through our natural emotional point of view, and utilizing the concepts of "Heat" and Weight" to discover the relationship that exists already onstage. We will improvise from a place of ease as we practice learning how to be more aware of the scene that’s revealing itself onstage and following where the show wants to go...while letting go of the need to work so damn hard and “make stuff up.” This workshop is perfect for new and developing improvisers and remarkably challenging for those who have been at it a long while too. (Which is exactly why you old hats should do it…follow your fear!) This approach is inspired by the process of writing "Improvisation at the Speed of Life: The TJ & Dave Book" with TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi.
“This is the kind of improv I've wanted to do for so long and it felt great to experience it.” |
“The best improv workshop I’ve ever been to.” |
MORE ZEN OF IMPROV
Three Hour Workshop (Experienced Improvisers)
Have you taken the Zen of Improv workshop and you'd like more more more? Right on. In the "More Zen of Improv" Workshop, we take our exploration of patient, honest discovery-based improvisation to the next level. We'll expand our practice of discovering the scene we're in when the lights come up using Heat and Weight. And we'll improvise with a special focus on discovering and holding onto our emotional point of view as a gateway to beautiful scenework. Emotional point of view can sustain you through any scene of any length anywhere - it's such a powerful tool! Let's get back on the joyride together!
Have you taken the Zen of Improv workshop and you'd like more more more? Right on. In the "More Zen of Improv" Workshop, we take our exploration of patient, honest discovery-based improvisation to the next level. We'll expand our practice of discovering the scene we're in when the lights come up using Heat and Weight. And we'll improvise with a special focus on discovering and holding onto our emotional point of view as a gateway to beautiful scenework. Emotional point of view can sustain you through any scene of any length anywhere - it's such a powerful tool! Let's get back on the joyride together!
The Buckingham ("Shlongform" Structure)
Two or Three Hour "Shlongform" Workshop (Experienced Improvisers)
The Buckingham is a brand new improv comedy structure that combines the joys of fleet-footed short-form and the soul satisfaction of long-form improvisation. The Buckingham is a perfect transition for troupes and audiences to the artistry of longform improvisation while still maintaining the comfort, pace, and fun of short-form games. Pam Victor created The Buckingham, a "shlongform"(that’s short/long-form) structure that links specifically-selected and -performed short-form games into one cohesive long-form show.
You will leave this workshop fully prepared to perform various versions of The Buckingham that can accommodate the needs of your next gig, whether it’s a 25-minute set or a whole 50-minute show. This workshop is for intermediate to advanced players who have a good working knowledge of the basic short form games.
This workshop is limited to 12 players.
The three-hour version of this workshop provides additional focus on learning and practice the short-form games and free-form style used in The Buckingham in addition to allowing time to get in those vital reps. This workshop is well suited for an existing performing group to add an exciting, new form to your repertoire.
The Buckingham is a brand new improv comedy structure that combines the joys of fleet-footed short-form and the soul satisfaction of long-form improvisation. The Buckingham is a perfect transition for troupes and audiences to the artistry of longform improvisation while still maintaining the comfort, pace, and fun of short-form games. Pam Victor created The Buckingham, a "shlongform"(that’s short/long-form) structure that links specifically-selected and -performed short-form games into one cohesive long-form show.
You will leave this workshop fully prepared to perform various versions of The Buckingham that can accommodate the needs of your next gig, whether it’s a 25-minute set or a whole 50-minute show. This workshop is for intermediate to advanced players who have a good working knowledge of the basic short form games.
This workshop is limited to 12 players.
The three-hour version of this workshop provides additional focus on learning and practice the short-form games and free-form style used in The Buckingham in addition to allowing time to get in those vital reps. This workshop is well suited for an existing performing group to add an exciting, new form to your repertoire.
“Your form is a work of GENIUS!” |
"The Buckingham, is a great way to take all the wonderful aspects from shortform improv and to couch them in a fun and fast paced longform format. The Buckingham really allows the audience and cast to stay fully engaged throughout the show by using character monologues, grounded scenes, and shortform gameplay, all in a narrative structure. It's been a fantastic show format and tool for us to build and showcase our skills in both shortform and longform, and the best part? It's a helluva fun format!" |
Grab That Hook, Hold Your Shit
Two or Three Hour Workshop (Experienced Improvisers)
A hook is something to hang your improv hat on, something that you can keep coming back to in order to maintain a consistent, real, and honest character. A hook anchors your scene in a real pretty way. In this workshop, we'll explore hooks that come in all shapes and sizes: Physicality, vocal tone, verbal, and most especially emotional point of view as your gateway to beautiful scenework. You'll get a chance to try them on for size and find the hook(s) that work best for you. Then we'll practice finding your hook, holding on to it, and coming back to it over the course of the scene as you discover more about the scene you're in. Of all the tools in your improviser tool belt, a hook could be the one that gets the most use. Yes, the hook is the hammer of your improv tool belt. Let's find it and hold on to that sucker for dear life.
A hook is something to hang your improv hat on, something that you can keep coming back to in order to maintain a consistent, real, and honest character. A hook anchors your scene in a real pretty way. In this workshop, we'll explore hooks that come in all shapes and sizes: Physicality, vocal tone, verbal, and most especially emotional point of view as your gateway to beautiful scenework. You'll get a chance to try them on for size and find the hook(s) that work best for you. Then we'll practice finding your hook, holding on to it, and coming back to it over the course of the scene as you discover more about the scene you're in. Of all the tools in your improviser tool belt, a hook could be the one that gets the most use. Yes, the hook is the hammer of your improv tool belt. Let's find it and hold on to that sucker for dear life.
Jump into the Void (and Catch Your Friends)
Two or Three Hour Workshop (Intermediate/Experienced Improvisers)
Do you find yourself holding back in scenes because you're afraid of what's going to happen next? Or you're not sure you have something "good" to offer? Or just because...Eeeek! This is the workshop for you. In a supportive, positive environment, let's get over the hump of the unknown, turning it from something to fear to something to rejoice in. Improvisation is a team sport. Let's practice leaping (maybe even joyfully!) into the void and catching each other over and over again until it doesn't seem like such a huge risk after all. We've got your back.
Do you find yourself holding back in scenes because you're afraid of what's going to happen next? Or you're not sure you have something "good" to offer? Or just because...Eeeek! This is the workshop for you. In a supportive, positive environment, let's get over the hump of the unknown, turning it from something to fear to something to rejoice in. Improvisation is a team sport. Let's practice leaping (maybe even joyfully!) into the void and catching each other over and over again until it doesn't seem like such a huge risk after all. We've got your back.
Exploring Agreement & Acceptance Beyond "Yes, and..."
Two or Three Hour Workshop (Intermediate/Experienced Improvisers)
What does agreement and acceptance really look like and feel like in your bones? Let's move deep into the principle behind the overly-simplistic "Yes, and..." Together, we'll dig down into the real meaning of agreement and acceptance in this profound and sometimes messy exploration of this central principle that lives at the very core and heart of improvisation. Are you ready to Love the Fuck Out of the Moment?
What does agreement and acceptance really look like and feel like in your bones? Let's move deep into the principle behind the overly-simplistic "Yes, and..." Together, we'll dig down into the real meaning of agreement and acceptance in this profound and sometimes messy exploration of this central principle that lives at the very core and heart of improvisation. Are you ready to Love the Fuck Out of the Moment?
Bitches Get Stuff Done
Two or Three Hour Workshop (Beginning/Intermediate or Intermediate/Experienced Improvisers)
This one is for anyone who identifies as a women. Maya Angelou said, "I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass." Let's kick some ass, ladies. And let's be sweet and gentle. And let's be rough and tumble. And soft and dewy. This workshop provides you the space and the positive environment to try stuff out, get dirty, make mistakes, support each other, and take risks. Not that we can't do that with the boys; but sometimes it's nice to have a little girl time too. We work together to patiently discover honest, grounded scenes with real, well-rounded characters of our own choosing. And, most important of all, get ready to redefine what you consider to be "polite" in improvisation...
By the way, know who said "Bitches get stuff done"? Tina Fey did. Uh-huh. Yup. That's the way we roll.
This one is for anyone who identifies as a women. Maya Angelou said, "I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass." Let's kick some ass, ladies. And let's be sweet and gentle. And let's be rough and tumble. And soft and dewy. This workshop provides you the space and the positive environment to try stuff out, get dirty, make mistakes, support each other, and take risks. Not that we can't do that with the boys; but sometimes it's nice to have a little girl time too. We work together to patiently discover honest, grounded scenes with real, well-rounded characters of our own choosing. And, most important of all, get ready to redefine what you consider to be "polite" in improvisation...
By the way, know who said "Bitches get stuff done"? Tina Fey did. Uh-huh. Yup. That's the way we roll.
Improv for Scaredy Cats (And Non-Scaredy Cats Too)
Two Hour Workshop (For Beginners, Pre-Beginners, and the Improv-Curious)
Does the idea of performing in front of people scare the dickens out of you? Have you ever watched improv and thought, “I could never do that!”? Do you not give a flying fig about improv comedy but want to become more confident speaking in public and more mindful in the moment? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, “Improv for Scaredy Cats” is the workshop for you. It’s designed especially for folks who want to try something that scares them. (It’s cheaper than sky-diving and less likely for you to end up as road pizza.) You’ll learn a very gentle, very easy approach to improv comedy in an incredibly positive and accepting atmosphere in which the only way you can fail is by not showing up at all. We’ll practice the vital improvisation skills of listening carefully, accepting other people’s ideas, redefining and disempowering failure, staying in the moment, reacting honestly to the reality of the here and now. No experience necessary. Being funny is not required. Palms sweating? Heart pounding? Go ahead, register now before you chicken out. It will be a wadzillion times less scary than you think. The only thing you have to lose is your opinion that you can’t improvise.
Does the idea of performing in front of people scare the dickens out of you? Have you ever watched improv and thought, “I could never do that!”? Do you not give a flying fig about improv comedy but want to become more confident speaking in public and more mindful in the moment? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, “Improv for Scaredy Cats” is the workshop for you. It’s designed especially for folks who want to try something that scares them. (It’s cheaper than sky-diving and less likely for you to end up as road pizza.) You’ll learn a very gentle, very easy approach to improv comedy in an incredibly positive and accepting atmosphere in which the only way you can fail is by not showing up at all. We’ll practice the vital improvisation skills of listening carefully, accepting other people’s ideas, redefining and disempowering failure, staying in the moment, reacting honestly to the reality of the here and now. No experience necessary. Being funny is not required. Palms sweating? Heart pounding? Go ahead, register now before you chicken out. It will be a wadzillion times less scary than you think. The only thing you have to lose is your opinion that you can’t improvise.
Intro to Short Form Improv Comedy
(For Beginners & Intermediate Improvisers)
Have you ever watched “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” on TV or seen improvisers play those “games” onstage and wished you could give them a try? Have you done a little improv and want to learn more basic short form games to solidify your foundation? Would you like get a deeper understanding of the games we’re playing at the monthly More Improv, More Better after-show and Jam? This workshop is for you! Learn the how-to's and insider tricks for common, classic short form games in a very supportive, positive environment. We’re all about the love and fun of improv!
[This workshop also could function as a preparation for The Buckingham workshop.]
Have you ever watched “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” on TV or seen improvisers play those “games” onstage and wished you could give them a try? Have you done a little improv and want to learn more basic short form games to solidify your foundation? Would you like get a deeper understanding of the games we’re playing at the monthly More Improv, More Better after-show and Jam? This workshop is for you! Learn the how-to's and insider tricks for common, classic short form games in a very supportive, positive environment. We’re all about the love and fun of improv!
[This workshop also could function as a preparation for The Buckingham workshop.]
