CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

HUDSON VALLEY IMPROV offers a comprehensive improv program of classes which takes an aspiring improvisor from the beginning to mastery of improv performance, direction and producing. Historically, our students come from a variety of backgrounds and aren't only professional actors. Our method is focused on "un-rusting" the natural ability we have to play and then teaching how to put that skill into work in life and work through performance.

In additions, we also offer specialized Private Coaching for those interested in solo pursuits including acting, solo shows, storytelling and public speaking.

Classes for Adults are on our Class Schedule. All based in HVI Improv Empowerment Method of deep ensemble work and audience interaction, students can choose the take our Foundation Class over and over as a regular "creative gym" or take things up a notch and perform in front of an audience. Those who want to learn about directing and producing their own troupe move up and audition for one of our House Teams. It's really up to the individual.

The classes are small and catered to the participants.

LEVEL ONE: IMPROV EMPOWERMENT

NO FINAL PERFORMANCE/REQUIRED

3 Sessions

You know nothing? You start here. Have improv experience? You start here.

This class is designed to teach deep ensemble and our CORE techniques needed to improv. Students learn tools to give and take focus, expand and explore in ensemble games, create characters and physical memory. Students will learn performance based improv games and learn how to start a scene, be a strong team player, save their fellow performers, come up with ideas for scenes and more. This is a safe creative environment without the pressure of a show at the end. YAY!

LEVEL THREE: ACTING TECHNIQUE FOR IMPROV

NO FINAL PERFORMANCE/REQUIRED

3 Sessions

You're hooked! Now that you have the basics down as well as your very first show under your belt, it's time to move into a deeper look at performance techniques which will make scenes even more believable, creative and mindblowing. Without the added pressure of a final show, this workshop class is where you will take a deep dive into both acting and improvisational technique. You'll explore longer forms of improv games and ensemble storytelling while learning more about grounded character development, more believable object work, walk-ons and supportive environment creation.

LEVEL FOUR: ENSEMBLE FLOW

FINAL PERFORMANCE/ REQUIRED

4 Sessions

Bring on the weird! Next of the improv journey at HVI is a deeper look at ensemble creativity and performance. Now that you have some improv enhancing acting skills under your belt, this is where you training as a performer busts wide open into larger group games. Here you dive into flow where you and your team learns to work together intuitively and for way longer. You senses are heightened, your trust deepens and the work gets juicier!

LEVEL FIVE: THE MASTERY

FINAL PERFORMANCE/ REQUIRED

4 Sessions

This is the Wild West of Hudson Valley improv. At this point you have a solid understanding of improv, memorized gauntlet of games and exercises, you have a solid acting technique, a solid ensemble, you've performed, directed and created games. Now you're ready to put it all to the test. Here you learn how to draw upon your training at a moments notice and find the game in a scene with no pre-established rules or suggestions. You'll learn how to recognize when a game begins (or introduce one) within a scene WHILE playing the scene and then take it to the next level. You'll also heighten your ability to not only create game, but an entire show at breakneck speed. Nothing will shake you. Your final show? Oh yeah...it's gonna be mind blowing. (Cue eerie western music)

LEVEL SIX: HOUSE TEAM & TOURING COMPANY

ONGOING -By Invitation Only/Application and Audition Required/Only Available if there are spots opening up on the House Team

You've completed Levels 1-5 and you are certifiably addicted to improv. Level 6 is an ongoing improv troupe experience with a professional feel. The members of this team take improv very seriously. They create original shows, direct and produce. HVI produces all of their shows. We also cast all shows from this group including festival appearance and an opportunity to auditions for pro-gigs with our sister company Hudson Valley Improv LIVE. House Team members have a dedicated page on our website, private coaching with HVI directors, access to rehearsal space, assistance with publicity and branding and opportunity to perform. Members of House Teams are continuing students of Hudson Valley Improv. They are not paid for performances.We provide a home for your improv addiction!