Even for the finest actors, there are moments where split second choices make all the difference in performance. Learning to be comfortable in those choices is the whole point of learning Improv.

These workshops free the actor to make the right choices-- by committing to the unknown, getting out of her head, and being in the present moment. That freedom allows the actor to create more vibrant, real performance in both improvised and written scenes.

Unless otherwise noted, Gary teaches all classes personally.

For complete class schedules and more information, join our mailing list. list@garyaustin.net

ACTING/IMPROV TECHNIQUE

Even for the finest actors, there are moments where split second choices make all the difference in performance. Learning to be comfortable in those choices is the whole point of learning Improv. This workshop frees the actor to make the right choices-- by committing to the unknown, getting out of her head, and being in the present moment. That freedom allows the actor to create more vibrant, real performance in both improvised and written scenes.

PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP 101 and Beyond: IMPROVISING A SHOW

Gary’s PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPS each offer an immersion Improv experience, keyed to the skill level of the performer—from beginning, to expert.

We’ll use improvisational techniques and processes to build scenes and monologues, scripted and semi-scripted. We will develop, flesh-out and expand relationships between characters. Finally, we’ll create a show from our work -- and perform it in front of an audience.

Each workshop meets for approximately seven classes. The EIGHTH NIGHT is a PUBLIC PERFORMANCE. Performance 101 is open to all experience levels, however an interview is required for admittance. Performance Level 102 and beyond are by audition or permission of the instructor. Class size is limited.

AUDITION/COLD READING WORKSHOP

Experience joy instead of dread at your next auditions by discovering how YOU are truly enough. Every second of your audition counts. This workshop takes you through exercises on the interview and the cold reading.

Learn how improv comes into play in the interaction between you and those holding the audition. Do you wish you could maximize those first few seconds of an interview that makes all the difference in the world, or do a brilliant cold reading? This is the workshop that will get you there.

INTRODUCTION TO GARY AUSTIN

A workshop for those who have never worked with Gary or who wish to refresh their knowledge of improv. Using games created in the 50's and 60's and practiced by Chicago's Second City, San Francisco's The Committee and the original LA Groundlings, these games are the foundation of American improvisational theatre. Enrollment is open to all.

SOLO PERFORMANCE ("48th Street Exercise")

The Solo show has become a staple of American Theater. This workshop has helped actors create solo shows that have gone on to staged performance, but it is also a great way to stretch your character-building skills.

In this workshop, we'll explore extreme physical and vocal changes, creative freedom, emotional depth, sub-text and character to create compelling solo performances. Bring an idea or theme, or we'll help you develop one. Memorized text may be used.

In a recent variant (nicknamed "96th Street"), Gary explores these same concepts with two actors interacting with each other.

TEEN WORKSHOP

The teen workshop gives Young Actors an amazing opportunity to get specialized attention, work, exploration and freedom in a nurturing comfortable environment created specifically for this age group. As in all Gary’s workshops, Actors will learn games and exercises to make them more comfortable in those split second choices that make all the difference in performing. That freedom allows the Young Actor to create more vibrant, real performances in both improvised and written scenes.

HAROLD

The Harold is the ultimate long-form Improvisation Performance piece, that incorporates all of the excitement and skill of performing without a net. A Harold is composed of games, scenes, monologues, songs, and ritual, all spontaneously generated by 9-12 actors working together on stage (The name "Harold" has no significance. That's just what originator Del Close called it thirty years ago. Gary was part of the original acting group that developed it with him. To learn more, go to http://www.improvcomedy.org/hall/close.html)

Participants in this workshop will learn the Harold form, then perform the Harold under Gary's direction. The class will be divided in 2 to 3 groups, and there will be two or three Harolds, each group performing for the other workshop members.

DEVELOPING CHARACTERS & THEIR VOICES*
Gary Austin and Wenndy MacKenzie

Wenndy MacKenzie is one of the top voiceover talents and coaches in the world. In this workshop, Gary and Wenndy work together to help actors create new characters with unique physical and vocal characteristics, mannerisms and behaviors. Learn to be comfortable with dialect, accents, physicality, and other radical character changes. You'll walk away with characters you can use in your work.

VOICE-OVER WORKSHOP

Instructor: Wenndy MacKenzie

Wenndy will work with participants on vocal technique applied to stage performance and voice-overs: animation and commercials (characters and straight voice).

SCENE BUILDING

In this workshop we will use improv techniques to develop, flesh-out and expand relationships between characters and to build scenes, scripted and semi-scripted.  Even for the finest actors and improvisers, there are moments where split second choices make all the difference in performance. Learning to be comfortable in those choices is the key.  This workshop frees the actor to make choices that work by committing to the unknown, getting out of her head, and being in the present moment. That freedom allows the actor to create more vibrant, real performance in both improvised and written scenes. 

For complete class schedules and more information, join our mailing list. list@garyaustin.net

IMPROVISATIONAL BOOT CAMP

Instructor: Ron WIlson

Before every season, professional sport teams return to the basics before they play games. Improvisationalists, like athletes, need to return to the basics of improvisation to stay sharp and on their "game". This will be an evening of improvisational exercises culled from Viola Spolin, Michael Chekhov and Gary Austin, designed to build characters and scenes. The goals of the workshop: Give and take, Listening, Laying on information, (LOI), and Commitment (Character and emotional)

BRAIN GAMES

Exercise your brain with improv games that require intense mental focus and spontaneous verbal response. Create the illusion that you think fast on your feet whether you do or not.

TWO-DAY WEEKEND IMPROVISATIONAL INTENSIVE

Improvisational acting is the best training for AUDITIONS and for knowing what to do when you GET THE JOB.

Even for the finest actors, there are moments where split second choices make all the difference in performance. Learning to be comfortable in those choices is the whole point of learning improvisation. This intensive workshop frees the actor to make choices that work by committing to the unknown, getting out of her head, and being in the present moment. That freedom allows the actor to create more vibrant, real performance in both improvised and written scenes. Join Gary Austin for two solid days of improvised scenes, monologues and games that will make you more confident in your next audition, and sharper, fresher and freer than you've ever felt before, on stage or in front of the camera .