This class will focus on improv basics:how to give and take with other performers on stage, how to think quickly on your feet, and how to discover that “mistakes” are really gifts.Improv’s a great way to explore your creativity, become more confident speaking in front of others, expand your skills as an actor, and learn to create as part of an ensemble; oh yeah, did we mention that it is fun to make it up as you go along.This class will be great for those brand new to improv and will also work on skills useful to anyone with prior improv experience.
On Tuesday Nights 7:00 pm to 10:00pm for 8 weeks
June 22 to August 10
All current Empire students attend Empire Improv's Friday night shows for free.
Cost $175: Due no later than the first day of class.
The class will expand on the skills learned in level 1, the two person scene, agreement , honesty, and focusing on the relationship. Level 2 will focus on working as a group: connecting scenes, themes, and ideas. Learning to perform group scenes and group games.
Sunday nights 7:00 pm to 10:00pm for 8 weeks
August 22 to October 10
At Yogic Lounge 100 N. Arlington Ave.
Cost $175: Due no later than the first day of class.
All current Empire students attend Empire Improv's Thursday night shows for free.
Putting it all together (Level 3) now enrolling
October 17th to December 12th
How to create a long form improv piece. Learning different long form pieces— The Harold, The Living Room, The Slacker and The Armando.
Sunday nights 7:00 pm to 10:00pm for 8 weeks
October 17 to December 12
Taking November 28 off
At Yogic Lounge 100 N. Arlington Ave.
Cost $175: Due no later than the first day of class.
All current Empire students attend Empire Improv's Thursday night shows for free.
Comments by Michael's past students.
"I wouldn't be doing half of what I am today if Michael hadn't suggested that I might like improv. Working with him and taking his advice about where to study and what to read, I started to get a feeling for just how deep the waters get--how much is down there, and how much has yet to be found." Alex Marino co-founder of Magnet Improv Theater, New York
"Michael is an amazing teacher and really knows his 'stuff'. Even after doing improv theatre for years, a few classes with him made me realize I still had a lot to learn." - Kim Canfield Major League Improv
"Training with Michael has made me into a much more confident and competent improviser, writer, and person. Whether it be performing on stage, giving a speech at a wedding, communicating in the workplace, or creating a piece of fiction , I will return to the lessons I've learned from Michael Lewis for the rest of my life." - Tim Dufrisne Empire Improv student and performer.
"Michael understands what it takes to create great improvised scenes and shows, and is able to convey this to his students. He is the best improv teacher I have had outside of Chicago." - Ben Craig Empire Improv Student and performer.
Details about Empire's Classes
Classes must be taken in order, Level 2 requires completion of Level 1 and Level 3 requires completion of Level 2
Students enrolling in Level 1, 2, or 3 must be at least 18 years old
All classes are taught by Empire Improv's Artistic Director Michael Lewis
