Mr. Aaron presents….”Mike Brown’s Solo Improv Workshop”

What just happened?! You did. Solo Improv is something that we do everyday without realizing it. Ever talk to yourself in the bathroom? Surrrrrrrrrrrrrre you don’t. *wink* We all do. It’s what connects us as human beings. All of our quirks, all of our insecurities….these are things that we can bring to the stage. And whether you are on stage performing with an ensemble or by yourself, it’s all about finding something interesting to do with the time that has been giving to you. (I partially stole that line from Gandalf).

Description
“Alright nerds. We’re going to go with…” -Beca, Pitch Perfect

This round will pick up from where the last one left off. Each class participant will have the opportunity to try out different styles and forms of Solo Improv. These forms include, but are not limited to: The Monoscene, The Interview, The Physical Enviornment, and an original form created specifically for Solo Improv: The Beast.
In addition, each class participant will finish off the class by choosing a form to their liking and performing a 7-10 min Solo Improv set in front of the class.

Class size: maximum of 12
Prerequisite: intermediate experience with improv

Things you will re-learn in this workshop:
-Saying ‘Yes’ to yourself.
We often concentrate on saying ‘yes’ to our scene partners and forget to say ‘yes’ to ourselves. The power of saying ‘Yes’ to yourself is liberating and refreshing.
-Silence is golden.
As scary as silence can sometimes be, it is a tool for you to use in your scene work. Know the difference between doing nothing and having nothing to do.
-Physicality, movement, and object work.
There is no solo improv without being active on stage. Because, lets be honest, who wants to see a person sitting in a chair having a conversation with them self?
-Knock, knock. Who’s there? It’s me!
Learn how to create multiple personalities on stage that the audience can also see and hear and how to manage them. It’s actually easier than you might think!

Bio
Mike began his comedy career in 2005 as a Philadelphia Phillies “Phanstormer,” performing on-field sketches for the crowd. He founded The Mike Brown Solo Improv Extravaganza, co-founded Gods Little Atheist, and performs with New Jersey indie team Howdy Stranger. Previous improv teams include Trapper John, Robot Junkie, and Ha-Prov.
He studied at The PIT and The Magnet Theater in NYC, and has taught improv at The University of Oxford, John Jay College, and guest lectured at The Living Room Lecture Series at Lincoln Square. Mike currently coaches college improv teams at The University of California at Berkeley.He has appeared on Gossip Girl, Law & Order, Cupid, and Mercy, and has performed domestically in Improvaganza: The Hawaii Festival of Improv, The Boston Comedy Arts Festival, The Los Angeles Improv Comedy Festival, Unscripted New York, The North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival, The Del Close Marathon, and internationally at The Toronto Improv Festival, The Bush Live Theater in London, and The Merlin Theater in Budapest, Hungary.——

Mike Brown’s Solo Improv Workshop: Playing with Yourself
Dates:
Saturday, March 23 2-5pm and Sunday March 24, 2pm – 5pm
Location: The Loading Zone : 47 N.Hotel Street
Across the street from Lucky Belly and Downbeat Diner
Cost: $60
Maximum students: 12
Registration: Contact Aaron Pughes at mraaronpresents@gmail.com, subject “Solo Improv Workshop”

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Registration is now open. Please contact Aaron Pughes to reserve your spot. Cost covers entire two day workshop and students must attend both classes as this is an intensive workshop. This is open to all levels of players, however we ask students to be prepared to learn and experience advance improvisation techniques. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron.