JANE AUSTEN UNSCRIPTED: CLASS SERIES

Kick off 2023 with the highly-anticipated, specialty improvisation class “Jane Austen” with Impro Theatre, in person at the Garry Marshall Theatre.

Impro Theatre and Garry Marshall Theatre are offering exclusive JANE AUSTEN SERIES consisting of three 4-week courses: Introduction, Intermediate and Advanced.

The Three Part Series is designed to take those interested in improvisation in the style of Jane Austen through a fascinating journey from square one of improv to the advanced stages of completely improvised plays with fellow participants. 

For those who have seen Impro Theatre's Jane Austen Unscripted, it is clear that each unique show occurs due to the laser-beam focus and creativity of talented ensemble meembers who are well-versed in the style of Jane Austen in the format of fully-improvised plays. How do the actors invent on the spot? How do they balance humor and heart? How does the ensemble pick up cues to move the organic story in a compelling direction? Learn these techniques and more through this course.

This is series of classes is designed for participants to work in the room with Jane Austen Unscripted director Paul Rogan, Impro Theatre ensemble members and Impro Theatre Founder Dan O'Connor. Each 4-week course unlocks the next layer in how to create romantic, funny, authentic characters from scratch, how to develop compelling relationships through scene work, and how to be present in sustaining a full-improvised play with a team of fellow improvisers. 

This study and exploration is beneficial to authenticity in acting, more awareness in everyday living, and offers every participant active learning in the age old “yes, and” philosophy.

At the end of all three courses, participants will have developed and/or honed their improv technique and skill set to work within a period style such as Jane Austen, and also any improvisational arena. This series promises to be fun, informative and an escape from the pace of modern living.

And fear not - no prior performing or improv experience is needed. This series might be a stepping stone into the delightful world of improvisation, or where you are able to experience the joy of theatrical invention with your fellow participants and the members of Impro Theatre.

All classes will be held at the Garry Marshall Theatre, in the rehearsal room and/or the stage. LIMITED CLASS SIZE.

INTRODUCTION:
Feb 22, Mar 1, Mar 8, Mar 15 from 7-9pm

In this introductory level, participants will learn how to create characters (including their families and surroundings), make connections with others (including potential suitors), how to populate this ‘world' of charming characters in a manner that people care about. We will also explore the history of the Regency Period - its fashions, manners, language, and customs - that all influence the improvisation.

INTERMEDIATE: (Having taken INTRO)
Mar 22, Mar 29, Apr 5, Apr 12 from 7-9pm

In the Intermediate level, we will start to knit the characters and relationships into longer and more cohesive story sections - introducing character arcs and wants, obstacles and romantic complications, and dip deeper into the rich, historical world of England in Regency times.

ADVANCED: (Having taken INTRO and INTERMEDIATE)
May 3, May 10, May 17, May 24 from 7-9pm

In the final and advanced level, we will pull all the discovery and learning together in a culmination, and rehearse for an optional performance. You will learn how to prepare for a performance, the secrets of what Impro's expert team of actors employ to help themselves get ready for a full improvised evening, and have the chance to create in front of an invited audience of friends and supporters.

WHERE?

Garry Marshall Theatre
4252 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505

WHEN?

INTRO (Feb 22, Mar 1, Mar 8, Mar 15 from 7-9pm)
INTERMEDIATE (Mar 22, Mar 29, Apr 5, Apr 12 from 7-9pm)
ADVANCED (May 3, May 10, May 17, May 24 from 7-9pm)

COST?

Each 4-week course is $250.

TRIO BUNDLE (intro, intermediate, advance) - $600
That’s 20% OFF plus get 2 FREE tickets to JANE AUSTEN UNSCRIPTED: TEA AT PEMBERLEY (show dates April 15-May 14 at Garry Marshall Theatre).

Be instructed by Impro’s Ensemble: 

Paul Rogan - Paul and Dan O'Connor were the original directors of Jane Austen Unscripted.  Paul is from London, England, and brings a wealth of authenticity and experience to the stage.  He is also an expert teacher, including theatre at Pepperdine University, and has taken many beginners gently through their first shows. He has many years experience as a comedian and comedy actor, including numerous shows for the BBC.  Paul will teach the majority of the classes.  www.paulrogan.com

Dan O'Connor is the founder of Impro Theatre, and for many years its Artistic Director.  A world-renowned performer and teacher of improvisation, he created many of Impro's most successful shows.  He trained at the American Conservatory Theatre, and at the Webber Douglas Academy in London. He has taught at UCLA, USC, Duke, and Pepperdine, and has many TV and theatre acting and directing credits.  www.danoconnor.net

Kari Coleman - also a first rate teacher and performer, Kari teaches for the Impro Theatre school, and has tons of TV and film credits, including In Living Color,The Jamie Foxx Show, Home Improvement, Roseanne, Married...with Children, Seinfeld, and played Deborah Hauser in Veronica Mars, Emma Stone's mom in The Amazing Spider Man, and Zach's mom in Zach Stone is Gonna Be Famous. 

"HILARIOUS… One of the funniest evenings in town …quite unbelievable, actually… an amazing comedy troupe spins an entire play into comedy gold right before your eyes… a stunning feat of performance and literary wizardry…magic… you gotta go." -  LA Times

“Impro’s work has taught me to demand more from the theatre. These virtuosic talents simply are as superhuman as they seem. They are serious professional actors, classically trained, who can write on their feet better than many writers can type at a desk. Here might be the salvation Theatre seeks.” - American Theatre Magazine.