Premise-Based Improv Classes

About this course

Participants learn to extract comedic ideas from openings such as monologues, interviews and videos, then use those ideas to shape improvised scenes. The course covers initiating scenes with a clear premise, using tags to develop a scene’s Game, and heightening ideas across connected scenes. The syllabus progresses from The Armando, in which an opening monologue informs the scenes, to The Harold, where scenes are arranged in three sections and earlier ideas are developed and revisited. Group Games and links between scenes are also explored.

What you'll learn

• Distil comedic premises from improvised openings
• Initiate scenes using a clear comedic idea
• Use tags to explore and heighten a scene’s Game
• Develop a premise across multiple connected scenes
• Participate in Group Games with focus and support
• Perform The Armando and The Harold structures

Is this course right for you?

This advanced course is intended for performers who have completed the provider’s Foundation Level 3 (Game) course. Participation involves collaborative group work and performing within long-form improvised structures. Experience from other improv schools is not accepted as an alternative route into this pathway.

• Foundation Level 3 (Game) is a prerequisite
• Prior experience from other improv schools does not qualify for entry
• The course includes group-based performance work