LIFE UNSCRIPTED...

ACTORS' INSTITUTE (Adults)

"I had a great time meeting you all and learning and working together on Stand up.   Dobie and Bill (instructors) were the creme de la creme!! How lucky were we to have them at the helm?!"

All the Best, Kaydo McMurphy

Hey... they teach this stuff to Masters Level Business Students, says CNN.

NEW! NOW REGISTERING FOR SUMMER CLASSES

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

improv PLAYHOUSE training center

BEGINNING IMPROV

This is the foundational “how to” of improvisation. Our instructors will coach you through the games and exercises that will get you thinking and reacting spontaneously, developing in “on-the-spot” improv, expressing your creativity, growing your self-esteem...plus you’ll have a ton of fun!  

INTERMEDIATE IMPROV

The Character Class

Discover the dimensions of Characters inside yourself.  Exploration of goofy, theatrical, believable and “real world” character types is emphasized helping you overcome "the fear factor" and propelling your confidence to the next plane of performance improv and life skills!

Scene Structure

You’ll discover how to find the Beginning, Middle and End of improv scenes. Go beyond the “here and now”.   Improvisers will be engaged in the sketch comedy writing process similar to SNL and and MAD TV.

ADVANCED IMPROV

Combining the foundational tools, styles, games and characters explored in the previous sessions students create their own improv “showcases” for family and friends on the I.P. main stage.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL

You can’t get enough of this stuff!  Coached and given consistent assessment of your development you'll be guided to successful stage presence and ensemble work.  Additional forms of improvisation are explored.  You’ll have a blast creating scenes in the serious, satire and parody styles, and it splits with a show mid-term all ends with “another” show.

ADVANCED PERFORMANCE LEVEL

The deeper exploration of Long Form and Sketch Comedy is guided by an advanced professional from the ranks of Chicago (and the nation's) premiere improv venues. Mid-range and Long Form structures such as LaRonde, The Harold and additional "story" structures will immerse students in a "semi-pro" environment.

STAND UP COMEDY

You’ll develop material, study delivery techniques and command your own unique stage presence as you discover and practice your own personal comedy style.  The workshop would not be complete if we didn’t end with a demonstration stand up comedy showcase for family and friends. Beginning Stand-Up is designed to honestly assess each student's abilities and find how where they fit into the big picture - but it's also FUN!

BEGINNING STAND UP

Week 1 - GENERAL COMEDY OVERVIEW
The big picture and where you fit in, realistic goals, putting together your personal plan of attack.  The instructor will model
Week 2 - JOKE WRITING FUNDAMENTALS
A nuts and bolts approach to creating funny material that works for you, writing exercises, insider's secrets.  How to write, rewrite, edit and organize your jokes into an order that packs the most punch lines.
Week 3 - PERFORMANCE FUNDAMENTALS:  Delivery, Timing and Rhythm
How to present yourself like a professional, developing good habits, proper stage and mic technique

Week 4- HOSTING

the importance of the host being clean, the importance of the host being likable, the host being able to bring a show “back”, the importance of the host knowing the other comics’ credits and credentials, the hosting role on the East Coast
Week 5 - SHOWCASING, NETWORKING and FOLLOW UP

open mics, the importance of being ready for showcasing, showcasing details and tips, networking with comedians, bookers, club owners, Facebook!, Email, call clubs.  Following up with comedians, bookers, and club owners. 

Week 6 - SHOWCASE

Yes...you want to perform doncha?!   You'll put up what you've created on stage for family and friends.  Loads of fun and an incredible experience that will build your confidence and keep you salivating for more!

INTERMEDIATE STAND-UP

The same fundamentals as the beginner level are emphasized in the Improv Playhouse Intermediate Stand-Up workshop, but it is taken to a deeper and more personal level for each student.   Beginning Stand-Up or previous training will be a pre-requisite for this workshop.  Emphasis will continue to be placed on focusing on the discovery of a student's best five minutes of material.  Stand-Up students will also move more deeply into the marketing of their craft.

Week 1 - REVIEWING THE CURRENT TRENDS AND STAND-UP FUNDAMENTALS
Week 2 - ADVANCED JOKE WRITING - MORE OF THE INSIDE SECRETS OF JOKE WRITING
How to write, rewrite, edit and organize your jokes into an order that packs the most punch lines.
Week 3 - ADVANCED PERFORMING - MORE INSIDE SECRETS OF PROFESSIONALS
Everything onstage, from overcoming stage fright to dealing with hecklers and everything in between.
Week 4 - YOUR TOTAL PACKAGE
A personal review of your progress on stage and off from your act to your business skills.

Week 5 - REHEARSING YOUR TOTAL PACKAGE

Improv Playhouse Stand-Up students will rehearse new material.  Either this week or the week prior, they will have been an opportunity to experience an "open mike" night at a nearby venue.

Week 6 - SHOWCASE

Yes...you  STILL want to perform doncha?!   You'll put up what you've created on stage for family and friends AND Improv Playhouse family. 

IMPROV FOR ACTORS
Another way of saying, “Actors…be spontaneous!”  For those students who have a professional background in theater or have a theater degree.  Through the process of improvisation students will learn to develop their character and scene building skills.

actors institute
THE ACTORS WORKOUT
This class is for students who are looking for an exploration of in-depth acting.  Students will focus on growth and creativity in classroom activity centered upon basic acting fundamentals. Rehearsal and improvisation are used to help students connect the body and the voice allowing students to become comfortable and confident on stage, in auditions and in life.

BEGINNING ACTING
Through the use of objectives, character development, given circumstances, sub-text, obstacles and physical actions the student will focus on how the actor portrays human behavior.  The students learn to eliminate the paralysis of the beginning actor and become comfortable and confident on stage by learning to be “in the moment”.

INTERMEDIATE ACTING
This “on your feet” class will look at various works from contemporary American and British playwrights and teach students how to break down a scene and make more creative and daring choices. Learn the various techniques used by arts professionals. Students will explore improvisation to make creative choices, complemented by research and scene analysis. Students will work on different scenes with a focus on stretching creative range. Outside rehearsal time will be required.

ADVANCED ACTING:  FOR THE CAMERA

This class is an in-depth look at what it takes to truly “make it” as an On-Camera Actor, whether it’s here in Chicago or on either coast. Students work with material from current on-air television shows, films (both indie and studio), and commercials/PSAs. Students get insight not only from practical experience and “Auditioning Successfully”, but also on what to do once the job has been offered! Students will have the benefit of working with an actual union member or agent who will provide honest, direct, constructive feedback and guidance.

THE ACTOR'S ARSENAL : MONOLOGUES, METHOD, SCENE
Students will breathe new life into audition pieces by exploring Lee Strasberg’s Method and/or Michael Shurtleff’s method, made famous at the Actors Studio in New York. Using techniques such as relaxation, sense memory and substitution, students will discover ways to create playable realities within the confines of an audition situation. Please come with at least one prepared 1-3 minute monologue.  Midwest and/

or National Casting Directors will assist in critique of actors during the process or at a final "looksee".

BEGINNING COMMERCIAL VOICE-OVER
Learn the “how to’s” of radio and television voice-over. Ideally suited for students with some acting experience, this class covers analyzing and acting commercial copy, taking direction, audition skills and techniques used to increase versatility as a voice actor. In addition, students learn the ins and outs of the biz including demo tapes, agents and the voice-over market in the Chicago area. A local voice-over talent/agent will lead sessions which will take place in a professional recording studio. Please bring two blank burnable CDs to the first class.

INTERMEDIATE COMMERCIAL VOICE-OVER
Take the next steps towards a career working in voice over. This class will delve more deeply into voice over technique as well as help you put together a useable demo. Weaknesses and strengths will be addressed and worked on. Outside work will be assigned. Several sessions will take place in a professional recording studio. Please bring one blank CD to the first class.
Pre-requisite: Students must have taken Beginning Commercial Voice-over, have equivalent educational or professional experience, or permission from the instructor

THE ACTOR’S VOICE
Discover the elements of the speaking voice and its application to acting, presentation and studio work. Exercises are used to protect and strengthen the voice focusing on breathing, resonance, projection, inflection and communication skills. This course will talk about taking care of the voice including how to properly warm it up resulting in vocal health, longevity, and stamina.

AGENCY and I.P. RECOMMENDED HEADSHOOTERS (Photographers)

IN THE NORTHERN SUBURBS

Sherry Bell, Photographer. ( 224 ) 513-5650

TEEN COMPOSITE LINK CLICK HERE      TWEEN COMPOSITE LINK CLICK HERE
Sherry's focus is on locational imaging, using the natural light to bring out the best in each subject. She is well known and recommended by Chicago's top talent agencies.   Sherry has extensive experience photographing Actors Headshots, Fashion & Beauty images for children and adults.  Many of the children she has photographed such as Danielle Campbell of Disney's "Starstruck", "Prom" and the upcoming "Originals" are enjoying successful acting careers. Others have landed national commercials, TV/Film roles and have performed at some of Chicago's most prestigious theatres such as the Cadillac Palace and Steppenwolf Theatre. Her photo sessions are scheduled at locations in the northern suburbs. Improv Playhouse and our staff is pleased to recommend her services to our students. For further information call Sherry directly at: 224-513-5650 or email her at: sherrybellphotography.com

IN THE CITY

Brian McConkey Photography. ( 312 ) 563-1357

Click for Brian's Website Here

312 N May St # 6J, Chicago, IL 60607-1234

One of Chicago's busiest headshot photographers is Brian McConkey, who for the past 10 years has been capturing the hopes, dreams, and most importantly, personalities of Chicago's young and veteran actors.  In addition to photographing Chicago's up-and-comers, Brian has photographed such well known actors as David Schwimmer, Martha Plimpton, Morgan Freeman and Brian Dennehy.  Ask I.P. about Brian's on-location shoots that will get the results you want for a discounted price from his already reasonable rates.

Zoe McKenzie, Photography. (773 ) 852-1189

Who is Zoe Mckenzie? She is the owner/photographer's daughter and inspiration.   The studio is a team of women who inspire and push each other to produce beautiful photos and wonderful experiences. The owner, SANDY SAGER has been shooting for 30 years and working exclusively with talent for the last 15 years.  JULIA MARCUS started working with Sandy 15 years ago doing hair/makeup and styling and has been shooting at ZMP for the last 8 years. she has worked with some amazing celebrity photographers such as, Jerry Avenaim and Marc Hauser. NATALIE GOLDEN has been shooting with ZMP for the last 5 years and before she came to us spent most of her time shooting products and interiors. Her passion is shooting people and it shows in her work!  Natalie shoots most of child talent these days. The team would not be complete without NANCY VELA, she is our Hair/Makeup Stylist and is the very best in the business, she has worked in the industry for over 25 years. She is a Sassoon trained hair stylist and stays on the cutting edge of what is current in makeup. zoemckenziephotography.com