What's included
5 live meetings
2 hrs 5 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Beginner Level
This class is dynamic, fast-paced, and gives your learner a chance to shine! With a maximum of six students per class, each learner will get a chance to play, perform, and receive individualized in-the-moment teacher feedback. In each class, we will focus on two different improv games. In each game, students will hone their skills of character creation, defining motivation, accepting the reality of the scene, and offering additional information to add to the scene. As students perform, I will provide specific coaching to help them improve their skills. My teaching style is energetic, casual, and flexible. I like to adjust my lesson in real time in order to meet the needs of my students. No external materials or prior experience are needed for this course. Students need only bring a positive attitude and willingness to learn!
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
What Are You Doing?; Yes, And?
What are you doing?:
Students pantomime an action given to them by a classmate (for example, making pancakes or brushing their hair). They will then give the next student a new action to pantomime.
Yes, And?:
In this game, we take the #1 rule of improv literally! Students will be given characters and a scene. The only rule is that after the first line, every subsequent line must begin with the words "Yes, and..."
25 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Slideshow; Relationship Blitz
Slideshow:
Pairs of students will present a "slideshow" on the fly! One is the presenter, the other is a human slideshow! The slideshow student makes large, random movements, and must freeze when the presenter says "click!" The presenter explains the pose.
Relationship Blitz:
Students take turns saying a single line to a classmate to tell them who they are. For example, "Dad, I'm tired!" tells the student they are a dad. They say one line back. Then, the next student gives a new character!
25 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Fortunately/Unfortunately; Line Improv
Fortunately/Unfortunately:
The class will work together to tell a story! After the first line, each subsequent sentence must alternate between beginning with the words "fortunately" and "unfortunately."
Line Improv:
Students work in pairs. They will be given a single out-of-context line to begin the scene. For example, "Have you ever seen anything like it?" They will continue the scene from there, working together to build characters and context in-scene.
25 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Alphabet Game; Freeze and Justify
Alphabet Game:
Pairs of students will be given characters and a scene. The first sentence must begin with "A." Each sentence must begin with the subsequent letter until the alphabet is complete.
Freeze and Justify:
Students will make random, large movements with their bodies. When the teacher says "freeze!" they must stop and come up with an explanation of why they were in that position. For example, a student with one foot in the air may say, "I am doing karate!"
25 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Aurora University
Bachelor's Degree in English from Texas A&M University
I have two decades of theatre experience and have been a member of multiple improv troupes.
I completed a minor in theatre along with my elementary education degree, and received a certification to teach speech and theatre at the middle school level in Illinois and Missouri.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly or $60 for 5 classes1x per week, 5 weeks
25 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-6 learners per class