Whose Line Is It Anyway? is the TV show that gave many people a taste of what improv is like: "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" While "Whose Line" is 100% improv, the shortform games played on the show are decidedly different that the scenic, more fleshed out scenes and relationships of longform improvisation.

In a word: Longform.

Small groups of performers will work together to make a "piece". A piece is a series loosely connected "scenes" that build upon each other to a rousing crescendo. A scene is usually two performers establishing who they are, where they are, and what they're doing in about 3-5 minutes. The "form" can take many different shapes, but I will be sourcing from Chicago's iconic "The Harold" form.

A willingness to pay attention to what's going on around you, an ability to unplant yourself to establish a connection, and an inspired mind to react and PLAY ALONG. Simple right?

Short answer: Not necessarily.

Living in the spotlight and working for laughs is best left to stand-up comedians. For improv, it's more about reacting like a human being, or sometimes a pygmy hippo, and "Have I made eye contact with my scene partner?" The laughs will come on their own, instead of forcing them.

Bringing your own life experience and viewpoints to the work will be fuel for your fire as an improviser. You will be taught the basics of how to perform with scene partners on stage, like projecting your voice and not having your back to the audience the whole time. You will need to be open to looking silly or goofy sometimes, but that's half the fun of making stuff up. Sometimes dancing is involved. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Great question.

Classes will be weekly for 2-3 hours, depending on the age group. If you want to continue on, there will be more advanced classes offered as interest demands. Right now, 1117 Studio is starting smaller, but looking to grow grow grow with FREE weekly workshops as we get established in downtown Alton, IL.

You can fill a super easy Google Form HERE that lets 1117 Studio know you're interested.