Summer is around the corner!

We have a lot of offerings for our Summer 2024 Session - read on to learn about ongoing curriculum or to enroll in workshops.

Register before May 24th (classes begin June 8th) and get a $25 Early Bird discount* to enjoy:

• Having tons of fun and meeting new people
• Learning from award-winning instructors!
• Pushing your skills to the next level!
• Receiving free admission to Merlin Works Improv Comedy shows!

*Payment plans are available - just ask!

Beginners start with our Short Form Series: 

• IMPROV 101: The Spirit of Play
• IMPROV 201: Your Improv Toolbelt
• IMPROV 301: Comedy Games for Performance

Graduates of 301 continue to our Narrative Longform Series

• IMPROV 401: Scene Work for Narrative Longform
• IMPROV 501: Stitching Scenes Into Stories (n/a this session)
• IMPROV 601: Perform an Improvised Play

Or try out one of our Specialty Improv Classes.

Learn how to improvise comedic songs and tell stories through music. 

• MUSICAL IMPROV 101: Improvised Songs (n/a this session)
• MUSICAL IMPROV 201: Improvised Musical Numbers 
• MUSICAL IMPROV 301: Perform an Improvised Musical (n/a this session)
• MUSICAL IMPROV 401: Genre and Styles in Musical History (n/a this session)

Learn to tell true personal stories in front of an audience without notes. 

• STORYTELLING 101: Finding Your Process
• STORYTELLING 201: Memories to Stories
• STORYTELLING 301: Following One Thread 
• NEW WORKSHOP! Performing Your Story: A Performative Workshop for Writers (n/a this session)

Find your comedic voice as you practice telling jokes on stage into a microphone

• STAND-UP 101: Finding Your Voice
• STAND-UP 201: Own The Mic

WORKSHOPS & NEW CLASSES

IMPROV NARRATIVE LONGFORM LAB: ADVANCED SCENE STUDY (IMPROV 512)

We need repetition to get better at anything. Improv 512 Advanced Scene Study is focused on building reps to make your improv muscles stronger. This class gives you time with a Merlin Works Wizard where you’ll use improv tools to teach your brain to respond with practiced memory to saying “Yes, And” while holding onto your character.

Prerequisite: Anyone who has completed Merlin Works Improv 401 is eligible. Students not meeting this requirement but have a minimum of one year of performing Improv or have graduated from other schools, must request a waiver.

ADVANCED IMPROV ACTING DIAGNOSTICS: With CHUY (IMPROV 601 GRADS)

So you’re a graduate of Merlin Works’ Improv 601 (or its equivalent elsewhere) and you want help being the best improv actor you can be. Advanced Improv Acting Diagnostics will get you out of your defaults, help you find new ways to engage a scene, and grow your two-dimensional characters while developing your improv range and depth.

Prerequisite: Anyone who has completed Merlin Works Improv 601 is eligible. Students not meeting this requirement but have a minimum of one year of performing Improv or have graduated from other schools, must request a waiver. 

Performing Your Story:

A Performative Workshop for Writers

Performing Your Story: A Performative Workshop for Writers. This single session workshop is a for writers who want feedback on the performative aspect of a true, personal story or written work under 1,000 words. Feedback will be provided by your instructor in this communal setting. 

(1 meeting. Class Size Minimum=5, Max Limit = 16)

IMPROV DRAMATIC FORMAT:

PERFORM A DRAMATIC IMPROV PLAY

The best comedy often involves tragedy. Learn how to play uncomfortable and tense moments without trivializing or selling them out. This three-hour workshop delves into the dark side of life. We'll teach you to face dark places with confidence and provide the light to navigate serious scenes without fear or doubt. 

Prereq: A Minimum of Two Years of Improv or Graduation from Merlin Works Improv 601 or similar program.

(1 meeting. Class Size Minimum=7, Max Limit = 12)

IMPROV BUILD A SHOW: PERFORM AN ARMANDO SHOWCASE

An Armando is a longform show format named after the well known Improv teacher and performer, Armando Diaz. The format starts with a story (or monologue), often based on an audience suggestion. After the story, players improvise scenes inspired by what they heard. Each week students will learn different techniques for initiating, transitioning, and performing in reaction to the story all while shaping the show. 

Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed Improv 501 or equivalent from another school.

(8 meetings. Class Size Minimum=7, Max Limit = 12)