Monthly Archives: March 2017

TOO YOUNG TO VOTE April 22 Performance #Teen #Comedy #NYC

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TOO YOUNG TO VOTE April 22 Performance
CLICK HERE for a full calendar of shows & classes this weekend
Join us for the next showcase of top talent under the age of 18.

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TOO YOUNG TO VOTE

NEXT PERFORMANCE: Saturday April 22, 2017 3pm
WHERE: Broadway Comedy Club 318 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
COST: $5 cover, 1-beverage minimum
TICKETS: Buy online CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for a full calendar of shows & classes this weekend. Professional shows, student showcases and classes for kids, teens & adults.

Every month talent up and coming comics under the age of 18 showcase their original stand-up comedy. The kids & teens also show off their Improv skills. Come check out the future of New York Comedy!

WANT TO PERFORM?

Most of our performers take classes with us through the year, however, we are accepting submissions. Email eightimprov@gmail.com your interest. If not a student or past performer on our shows, include a video, photo and resume/bio of your experience. We insist all performers bring 2 guests for 5 minutes of stage time.

CLASSES and CAMPS

Year round we offer kids & teens classes in both Stand-Up Comedy and Improvisation.

WINTER – SPRING – FALL
Every Season we offer 8-week classes for Kids & Teens. Every week we play Improv games and develop original stand-up material. For the first 4-6 weeks of each session you can drop into the classes  to audit for $20 cash. Sign up for full class and be invited to perform on our showcase for friends and family. Regular students are invited to perform on TOO YOUNG TO VOTE showcases.
– Saturdays 10am TEENS
– Saturdays Noon KIDS
– Sundays 1pm TEENS

Spring 2017 Classes run thru end of May.

SUMMER CAMP
Every Summer we run a few weeks of Comedy Camp. All week we play Improv games and develop original stand-up material.

  • SPRING BREAK MINI-IMPROV COMEDY BOOT CAMP
    First time we are running this program and we are almost already sold out. This 1 week Improv Book camp for kids & teens will be taught by Walt Frasier. Every day will include warm-up games, technique exercises and performance master class.
    Monday April 9- Friday April 14 9am-NOON. Friends and family are invited to our showcase 11am FRIDAY. TUESDAY at 11am Students will join a few other camps for a show by the professionals.
  • SUMMER CAMP 2017
    SUMMER CAMP Session 1     1a July 10-14, 1b July 17-21
    SUMMER CAMP Session 2 2a July 31-August 4,  2b August 7-11
    Every week, students learn both Improv & Stand-Up Comedy
    MONDAY-THRUSDAY 9am-5pm (10am-4pm Classes)
    FRIDAY – Dress Rehearsal and
    $400/week includes lunch
    JUST $1250 for all FOUR week

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THIS WEEKEND – March 24, 25, 26, 27 Shows Classes Discount Tickets

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nyitevents

THIS WEEK in TIMES SQUARE

8sidebarIMPROV COMEDY SHOWS & CLASSES in Times Sqaure, NYC
CLICK HERE for  CALENDAR OF SHOWS & DISCOUNT TICKETS
Link takes you to calendar of shows and classes
Select date/time you wish to attend
(Click on the show time)
Select number of seats and proceed to check out
(Discount options in BLUE)
3pm shows are all ages, family friendly shows
Other programs are usually Teen friendly (usually rated PG-13, similar to edgy Broadway shows like Book of Mormon, Avenue Q etc)
Stand-Up Comedy shows are generally Rated R and designed for adult audiences
No drink minimum / NO additional charges for classes.
Stand up comedy shows require a two drink minimum
Improv Comedy Show drink minimums vary

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

  • 3/24 FRIDAY
    9pm All Star Stand-Up Comedy
    Broadway Comedy Club presents a lineup full of our Top Headliners. These are the best comedians from New York City with special guests from all across the country. You’ve seen them on MTV, HBO, The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, The Daily Show, Last Comic Standing and more! Appearing Frank Vignola , Rich Redding Comedy Central , Kareem Green
  • 3/25 SATURDAY
    10am Comedy 4 Teens Class
    NOON Comedy 4 Kids Class
    3pm IMPROV COMEDY SHOW: LMAO Off Broadway
    SOLD OUT for private Birthday party (60+ guests)
    9pm All Star Stand-Up Comedy
    Appearing Andrew Schultz MTV , Anthony Jiminez, Carmen Lynch Premium Blend
  • 3/26 SUNDAY
    1pm Comedy 4 Teens Class
    3pm IMPROV COMEDY SHOW: LMAO Off Broadway
    Hilarious interactive comedy based on audience suggestions and participation. Imagine WHO’S LINE IS IT ANYWAY with a touch of MTV and Broadway. COME BE A PART OF THE SHOW
    9pm All Star Stand-Up Comedy
    Sunday Night Live 9pm show at Broadway Comedy club features Carmen Lynch, Justin Herman, Nikki Carr, Easton Grainer, Sam Morril, Khalid Rahmaan, Ruperto Vanderpool and hosted by Jamie Roberts.
  • 3/27 MONDAY
    11am FIELD TRIP for NYC School students
    8pm IMPROV COMEDY SHOW: ON THE SPOT
    The cast of LMAO creates the book to an original off Broadway musical every week inspired by music provided by NYC’s top cabaret singers.
    9pm All Star Stand-Up Comedy
    Nore Davis (Amy Schumer Show, Comedy Central, MTV. Russell Simmon’s The Ruckus) Erin Jackson (Comedy Central, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, The Ellen DeGeneres Show) Louis Katz (Comedy Central)
  • CLICK HERE for more about CLASSES

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PRIVATE EVENTS/GROUP SALES

Let us host your next corporate team building event, office party, off-campus college club event and even K-12 Field Trips. We offer great rates for amazingly high impact events. Show, workshops and catering options from $10-200. EMAIL NOW for more details

TOURING NATIONWIDE

Looking to fill your venue’s calendar?
Need entertainment at your next corporate/private event?
We send entertainment and educational workshops nationwide to theaters, clubs, colleges, universities, corporate events, family events, and K-12 outreach (schools, camps, community centers).EMAIL NOW for more details

A division of IMPROV THEATER, LLC, New York Improv Theater at the Broadway Comedy Club is home to professional improv artists, showcases of up and coming talent and classes of filled with great student artists. Many top NYC teams call NYIT home.

We host corporate events, college groups, private events and even K-12 student groups (Improv 4 Teens / Improv 4 Kids).

We also send our professional cast touring nationwide to clubs, theaters, colleges, corporate/private events and K-12 schools.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on public shows, private events and classes/workshops email Walt Frasier at eightimprov@gmail.com

CLUBS & THEATERS NATIONWIDE
– Headliner or solo act with 30-90 minute sets

LMAO IMPROV

LMAO IMPROV on tour at Montclaire State University, New Jersey performing for nearly 1000 freshman Labor Day 2013

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY COMEDY TOUR
– Main Stage Events
– Student Activites
– Homecoming
– Orientation
– Preview Weekends
– Greek / Club Events

PRIVATE / CORPORATE EVENTS

Corporate

  • Team Building Shows & Workshops
  • Holiday Parties
  • Family Events
  • Promotional / Commercial Activities (Improv Performers for publicity stunts, trade shows etc)

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K-12 Educational Outreach – The BEST in Edutainment

  • Field Trips to NYC Theater
    popular with schools and camps, bring your students to our shows & workshops in Times Square. 7 days/week during and after school times
  • Assemblies – Cultural Arts, SEL, Anti-Bully, Story Telling and more
  • After School Programs
  • Workshop 45-120 minute sessions
  • Residencies
  • PTA Nights / Family events
  • Fundraisers
  • Professional Development

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Artistic Director, PATRICK REIDY is an actor, comedian, musician, and improviser in NYC.  He can currently be seen as a host and improv comedian at the Broadway Comedy Club for the Eight Is Never Enough and LMAO-NYCInteractive Comedy Shows as well as touring with their family friendly cousin, Improv 4 Kids.  He is also an established improv teacher, having taught for the Comedy Hall Of Fame and independent residences throughout the five boroughs.  As a sketch writer and performer his work has been featured onFunny Or Die, College Humor, and the Absent Minded Comedy Show.  He is a graduate of Salem State University and has studied improv, sketch-writing, stand-up, and screenwriting at the Upright Citizens Brigade, The Peoples Improv Theatre,andThe Annoyance Theater.  Yes, and he would love to help you with your next artistic project!

Follow Pat on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepatreidy

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Catch Walt Frasier this Spring on TruTV’s “Friends Of The People” now in their 2nd season. Go to Netflix – RIGHT NOW!!! – to see Walter in Lilyhammer (Season 3, Episode 8) as the American comic performing at Steven Van Zandt’s Norwegian club. Also now on Netflix – Blue Bloods (Season 3, Episode 8) see Walter in spandex body suit in first 5 minutes as Arnie the Homeless Avenger. Royal Pains (Season 6 Episode 3) as the Choking Victim. Past credits include sketch bits on Letterman (9 episodes), Stakervision (MTV2), Naked Brother’s Band (NICK), Hair Trauma (WE) and numerous commercials including Dr. Oz’s Fat Pants. Theater Credits include Off Broadway, Touring and Regional Theater plus over 4000 professional Improv Comedy Shows with EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH (AKA LMAO Off Broadway. Improv 4 Kids, Improv 4 Teens, Absent Minded Comedy).

Follow Walt on Twitter – IF YOU DARE
https://twitter.com/waltfrasier

 Laurice Fattal

Laurice Fattal has been performing in theatre, music concerts, and stage shows since the age of 10. She originally began writing scripts and composing music through her  own vocal group in high school. She continued to pursue her passion for the performing arts in college through studies in  theatrical production, acting, music and opera.  She has worked in casting, directing, and writing with professional companies based out of  NYC, MD and DC. Laurice has written and performed in dozens of sketch comedy digital shorts for LMAONYC. Other credits include the Indie short mockumentary: P.O.O.P: The Movie, Writer/Director of The Top 8 at Eight (original web series), Fox & Friends. Musicals/Operas: Amahl and the Night Visitors (Riverside Opera NYC), 27 Santa’s & and Elf Called Kevin , Alice in Wonderland – A New Musical, The Phantom Tollbooth – By Sheldon Harnick, The Lounge @ Under St. Marks. In  addition to developing the concept for “Eight is NEVER enough!”,  she is thrilled to be the co-founder of “IMPROV 4 Kids!” and Bully Assemblies NY  – both are outreach programs that currently tour K-12 school.

Amelia Fowler

Amelia is our client relations manager. After booking a show or workshop, you will be hearing from Amelia to make sure your event surpasses all expectation.

Amelia Fowler, a native of Brooklyn, New York, can  be seen in the upcoming motion pictures “Top Five”, starring Chris Rock and “Learning to Drive” starring, Sir Ben Kingsley as well as “Monica Z”, directed by Per Fly as Ella Fitzgerald and “Orange is the New Black”, directed by Jodie Foster.  Amelia has been seen in commercial spots for Cablevision, the History Channel, IFC, as well as comedy venues throughout the U.S. with her fellow cast mates of the improv troupes “Comedy Sportz – New York City” and “Eight is Never Enough.” Amelia has also had the good fortune to perform in the GLAAD award winning “She Like Girls” at the Ohio Theater as Regina and her one woman show “Flozetta” performed at HERE as part of the “Downtown Urban Theater Festival” and the movie . Amelia currently serves as Client Relations Manager for EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH so if you are booking a private event or outreach program, expect a friendly call. Visit her website at AmeliaFowler.com

Andrew Del Vecchio

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Andrew Del Vecchio is a New York based actor, improv performer, and improv teacher. After graduating Celebration High School and being part of it’s inaugural season of the Off Book Productions theatre group he received a degree in Theatre Performance from the University of South Florida. He has been performing with Eight is Never Enough since the spring of 2011 and has also been teaching with the Comedy Hall of Fame Foundation for over 2 years. Notable projects: Critters Castaway (Busch Gardens Tampa), FILM: The Last 5 Years, Lie Maintenance, Rhapsody, The Amazing Spider-man 2 TV: Deception ONLINE: Fine Fiiine Production. You can follow him on his Facebook fan page or on Twitter, Instagram, and Vine at @AndrewJDV

Christopher Catalano

Christopher Catalano, member of EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH since 2007, was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. He worked on a shrimp boat, he did shows at the World’s Fair, and in the French Quarter. At the age of 15 he moved to Florida, and did theatre in Daytona Beach and surrounding areas before attending Florida State University. After college he moved directly to NY where he booked his first audition for a production of Romeo & Juliet. This was the first of many professional productions of the Bard’s work, as of 2015 he has performed Shakespeare in 38 states. Since returning to NYC, he has appeared onstage in over 75 plays (from Lanford Wilson to Trey Parker), and performed as an improvisational comedian over 500 times. As a writer he has had 5 plays produced and published, and his pilot, “Open Bar,” was a semi-finalist in Bravo Television’s reality competition, “Situation: Comedy.” http://www.christophercatalano.com/

Andrew Scannell

Since Andy moved to NYC in 2011, he has performed with 8 is Never Enough. While attending Salem State University, he was part of Grandma’s Third Leg, a brand new improvised comedy troupe. He hasn’t stopped doing comedy since. He also can be found performing at the Jekyll & Hyde Club, and commentating at Paragon League Wrestling in Woodbridge, CT under the name Chops McManus. (www.paragonleague.com) You can also find him doing karaoke somewhere. Give him a high five.
Twitter: @andyscannell  @chopsmcmanus
Instagram: andyscannell
Vine: andyscannell

Brian Simmons

Liz Lord

Liz Lord has been a cast member of Eight is Never Enough presents Improv for Kids and LMAO since April of 2012. After receiving her theater degree from Earlham College, Liz came to the city to act, direct, and teach.  Favorite roles include Ophelia in Hamlet, Liz in Chicago, and She in The Loveliest Afternoon of the Year. She loves performing in new work as well, and has been on stage for many of New York Cities various theater festivals.  Liz has directed adults and children, and is the co-artistic director of the newly formed Three Bridges Theater.  Teaching has always been one of Liz’s favorite endeavors. She has worked with Americorps to bring arts education to low income families, taught literacy through acting with the Central Park Historical Society, and acted as an assistant director for the Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation.  Her favorite teaching position, however, has been teaching stand-up and Improv to kids with SGF Productions.

Nathan Armstrong

PRODUCER – ON THE SPOT Mondays at 8pm

Nathan Armstrong has been seen in many productions, including recent tours of Phantom, Brigadoon, and Richard Sherman and Milt Larson’s new musical Pazzazz!  Other regional credits include Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story, Guys and Dolls, Anything Goes, Big River, and Joseph… He is also on the soundtrack for the feature  film Rock Slyde and has performed in venues worldwide, from the Hilton Hawaiian Village to festivals in the Czech Republic and Hungary.

John William Rhea

John William Rhea is made his debut with Eight is NEVER Enough in the fall of 2009 with LMAO Off-Broadway! Ever since then he has been busy doing Improv shows for school groups with EINE. In Los Angeles John performed Improv for three years at multiple venues. Recent stage credits include: The Sweetest Swing in Baseball, Moby Dick Rehearsed, The Laramie Project.  “Pirates be the best thing, thanks to those who believed in me and didn’t make me walk the plank!”

Olivia Howell

Olivia Howell, a Kansas City native, is proud to call NYC her new home. She is thrilled to be a part of the cast “Eight Is Never Enough.”. New York Credits Include: Phantom of the Improv and Berenstain Bears (off-broadway), You are Not Alone- An uplifting show about depression, Fancy Nancy, The 39 Steps, Jekyll and Hyde, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Peter Rabbit, and A Year with Frog and Toad. Make sure to catch Olivia on Oxygen’s upcoming show “My Crazy Love,” and her commercial debut for “Kaboom Sticks.”  As always, she thanks her parents for their undying support and never forcing me to become a doctor or anything moderately lucrative.

Paul DeGrocco

Paul DeGrocco has performed with Eight is Never Enough Improv since November of 2009. He is most well known as the On-Field promotions host /mc for the Long Island Ducks Baseball Club and as Long Island’s Official Greeter (as voted by Newsday readers). Paul’s career has stretched over many different genres of performance. Off-Broadway: LMAOFF-BROADWAY. Regional Theater: THE WIZARD OF OZ (The John W. Engeman Theater), IMPROV 4 KIDS (Tour), A CHRISTMAS STORY (Broadhollow Theater). TV appearances include CHAPELLE’S SHOW (Comedy Central), SINGULARITY (The Discovery Channel) and THE PAVEMENT (Cuest Films).  Paul has also hosted radio shows for WNYG and The World Famous WLIR. In addition he has also appeared in numerous corporate training videos, independent films, has voiced many radio commercials and was named Hofstra University’s Alumnus of the Month in May of 2010. More at  PaulDeGrocco.com

Evan Schultz

Evan Schultz has been performing with the Eight Is Never Enough Improv troupe since 2009! This New York native is a graduate of Wagner College with a BA in Theatre Performance as well as Voice and Speech. Off Broadway: LMAO, Isabelle and the Pretty-Ugly Spell, The Gayest Christmas Pageant Ever. Off-Off Broadway: Lost Boys or an Awfully Big Adventure, JAR’D, Isabelle and the Pretty-Ugly Spell, Hollywood-Hollywood!, Booth! The Musical, Dickens Condensed. Regional Theatre: Jekyll and Hyde. A Wonderful Like, Grand Hotel, Into The Woods, Sleeping Beauty, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Touring Theatre: Improv4Kids, Charlotte’s Web, 1776, A Christmas Carol. TV/Film: 30 Rock, Law and Order, Gossip Girls, Fringe, Cupid, When in Rome. Thank you to The Entertainment Group, friends and family for the love and support.

Lauren Kelston

Megan Reilly

Ariel Bethany

Thomas Burns Scully

Thomas Burns Scully is a British born writer-performer, now living and working in the States. He is a Max Fischer Award winning graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and has been performing with Eight is Never Enough since 2013. Notable projects as an actor include: appearing in the award-winning short film “The Boy Under the Piano”, the New York Times critically-acclaimed “A Girl Without Wings” (For which he also composed the score), and an upcoming appearance on Martin Scorcese’s HBO pilot ‘The Rock and Roll Project’. He has been playing the guitar and the banjo since age ten, and his work as a musician is available online. As a writer, his work has been produced on three continents. He also workshops new plays with his theatre group ‘Ruffian Productions’ and writes reviews and editorials for OnStageBlog.com/
http://thomasburnsscully.wix.com/thomasdbs
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomas-Burns-Scully/387088688070772?ref=hl
https://soundcloud.com/thomas-david-burns-scully

Robert Savage

Christopher Leidenfrost-Wilson

Steven Prestia

Steven Prestia is currently with Lauren Singer Talent.  He has appeared in various local plays and musical theater productions in addition to his comedic talents.   He can be seen in the indie film “The Great Kevini” and will soon appear on the HonestlyAmelia.com web series (S2 E4).  He is currently an Intern/Assistant Teacher with Improv 4 Kids on Saturday mornings and can be found performing at the Broadway Comedy Club with the Eight is Never Enough comedy troupe on select Saturday afternoons.

Social Emotional Learning – Using Improv in Schools to Teach SEL

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Social Emotional Learning
Using Improv in Schools to Teach SEL

  • WHAT IS SEL
  • ASSEMBLY SHOWS – using interactive games that teach emotions to get students more comfortable feeling – and talking about – emotions
  • WORKSHOPS & RESIDENCIES
  • BEYOND OUR PROGRAMS
  • IMPROV 4 KIDS www.improv4kids.com
  • Check out our SHOWS and CLASSES in Times Square for the whole family

What is SEL?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

from Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning

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We have developed a new program for schools using Improv to demonstrate SEL via assembly shows and workshops. The program was created at the request of our recent work with two Long Island Schools.Improv 4 Teens

Our programs have dealt with these issues for years – using different language to achieve similar goals – so customizing to the new trend in education was easy. We use Improv to address community and leadership skills. Creative writing, team, listening, focus, public speaking, self-confidence and more. Our Improv is great for Cultural Arts programming (Music, Theater), Language Arts (Creative Writing, Public Speaking etc) and Character Building (Leadership, Anti Bully etc).

Social Emotional Learning
Using Improv in Schools to Teach SEL

  • Your feelings / emotions are valid
  • Others feelings / emotions are valid
  • You have a right to feel, but need to take responsibility on how you act out upon those feeling
  • Be supportive and thoughtful towards your own and others’ feelings / emotions

In our new curriculum we have pulled from both our workshops and assembly programs.

This Master Class in emotions starts with our lead teaching artist speaking about the history of acting. Back in the day actors did not try to feel real emotions on stage for fear of illness. Instead they learned masks. The study in acting actually involved memorizing 10 faces that represent various emotional states. They would make a face and project a line – Hence the comedy/tragedy masks of fame.

We play the MASK game.

Sitting on the floor we are surrounded by masks.

Students are instructed to sit quietly in a “neutral” state. The face is relaxed.

The teacher then instructs students to put on the mask of (insert emotion here). Remain sitting and take on that the traits of that emotion. Breathe, make a face, make simple noises. Keep movement to a minimum so as not to smack your neighbor in the face.

Remove the mask and return to a quiet neutral state.

Discussion – What happens when you feel that emotion?

We keep the parameters to a minimum because the statements of the children are very telling. When an actor plays this game we think of how the breath and body change with each emotion. But children go farther sharing they want to hit things when they are mad etc

These create amazingly powerful teaching moments very specific. We continue to reinforce how important it is to realize your valid in feeling your emotions.

We need to respect others emotions.

While we cannot apologize for feeling emotions, we are responsible for what we do with those emotions. Violence and meanness are never acceptable. Let your self feel emotions but not act on them without thought. Breaking property is never justifiable. It is never okay to physically, mentally or emotionally hurt another human being. Even when we are happy we should never put our hands on another person’s body unless it is welcomed.

Repeat process for a few basic emotions.

EMOTIONAL CARPOOL

The players perform an Improv Game. EMOTIONAL CARPOOL (Also known as Hitch Hiking Emotions) requires four players to enter a car. Each player is assigned an emotion. As a player enters the car, anyone in the car takes on the new emotion. Once all four player are in the car the emotions revert back to the previous.

Player one is the driver and is assigned HAPPY. Player one establishes what kind of car he/she is driving and where they are headed.

Shortly after Player Two appears on stage down left or down right of the car. Player One pantomimes pulling over the car to pick up player two  – who has been assigned SCARED. Player one remains to exhibit signs of being happy until Player two sits in the car, at which time BOTH players appear to be scared.

Then we see a very SAD  Player Three. As before the entire car becomes sad when player Three sits.

An ANGRY Player Four inspires all to rage upon arrival.

Then player four finds an excuse to leave. The entire car reverts to being SAD.

Player three leaves, leaving a SAD couple in the front seats.

Player two departs, leaving a HAPPY player one to wind up the scene.

THE END

DISCUSSION – we return to discussion of emotions. What did the actors do to perform these emotions? How did you feel when the actors performed these emotions. Did anyone hit or otherwise hurt each other when angry, sad or scared?

THE MACHINE

Now we will play a game with some audience help. I need 10 volunteers.

The machine is started with one of our players creating a simple repetitive motion and sound.

A second player connects in some way to the first and adds their own motion and sound.

Then we direct the students to join the machine one at a time. Eventually we have 10-12 individuals working together to create some imaginary factory machine.

The host / MC than conducts the machine.

Let’s all now get louder…. softer… faster… slower…

This very simple exercise delivers hilarious results.

“Did everyone have fun?”

“Did anyone say or do anything mean in order to have fun?”

My number one rule in life is to have fun but NEVER at anyone else’s expense.
The number one rule of Improv is “YES! And…”

Both are all about supporting your team. Accepting what ever comes your way and responding with positive reinforcement.

Many of us have learned to look out for ourselves. In Improv our goal is to make the rest of our team look great. So while we are busy making the others look good, they are all looking out for us. Instead of being one flying solo, you have 10-20 friends watching your back and routing for your success which is so much more fun.

EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER

The professional cast takes stage one last time to perform a traditional scene game that demonstrates encountering emotions is pseudo realistic situations.

The MC asks students to yell out some more emotions.

We get a scene location or other “ASK FOR” to inspire a scene (relationship, favorite song etc)

The players start a scene. Soon the MC yells freeze,announces and emotion and the cast takes on that emotion as they continue the scene.

FINAL DISCUSSION and Q&A

We leave the students with this thought. We are able to create scenes on the spot because we each respect the other. We support each other. We trust each other. Creating a safe space to create allows us to freely share without fear of failure or judgment.

If we mess up, who cares? If our team mate mess up, who cares?

Without this fear of failure or judgment, we thrive and discover amazing things, creating amazing stories no one person would derive on their own.

 

Do you feel safe to openly share your thoughts and emotions in class? At home?

Is anyone out there make you feel unsafe? If so ask for help. Who can we ask for help? (Students share – Police, Teachers, Parents…)

If your friends feels unsafe, be a good friend and get help.

If you friend engages in activity that hurts another physically, emotionally of mentally, don’t along with it. Get help from an adult.

As time permits we open the discussion to questions from the audience.

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WORKSHOPS

Improv workshops amazingly support all of the above. One of our teaching artists will work with your students, playing a series of theater games.

WARM-UP

Working as a team students play a series of games that pass energy and focus, create stories and more. Each game works on specific skills but all develop team mentality, self confidence and more.

ENERGY PASSING GAMES

Zip Zap Zup etc focus on both verbal and non verbal communication skills. Via ridiculous words and sounds, a student will pass the energy to another.  Students are instructed to clearly communicate their intent projecting their voice, engaging. When not directly engaged in an energy pass, the rest of the students, while standing in a circle, follow the energy around the circle. In order to smoothly receive the energy one needs to be focused – actively listening with ears and eyes.

STORY GAMES

Games such as ONE WORD STORY require the entire circle to listen and focus. We must respect everyone else’s contribution to the story. We YES And.. all that we hear. In ONE WORD STORY each student adds to the story one word at a time. We follow with our eyes and listen with our ears. When the story approaches us,we receive the story, making eye contact with the previous player. We then look in the eyes of the next player and pass the story on adding our one single word. We don’t plan ahead. We don’t try to be funny. We don’t skip prepositions. We simply play our part in the larger scheme. When listening and focus break down the story falls a part. When we focus and listen as a team we create amazing original stories. these stories maybe ridiculous and nonsensical, but they somehow work because we all agreed and supported all of our team mates.

PERFORMANCE GAMES

There are 1000s of games we can draw from depending on the students age, level etc. We often change our game plan in the moment depending on the class at hand. Every group of students are unique and we can tailor the program at hand to that class.

In all of these games we work as a team, 2-10 at a time, to create stories and scenes. Some are more physically demanding, some are more cerebral. All require us to have fun and work together to complete.

RESIDENCIES

More and more our teaching artists are presenting weekly programs and week long sit downs at schools, camps and community programs. Students work together to create a showcase of Improv performance playing numerous games and mastering a number of valuable skills. Compared to other performance arts programs students can excel at an entertaining level faster than any other.

BEYOND OUR PROGRAMS

The real power of our programs is continuing what we teach long after we depart. We can even present a professional development program to assist. Use improv to help learn books and plays in ELA. Use Improv to act out historical figures in history and science. try breaking the tension before a math test with a fun game. Use Improv in guidance to role play social situations. Play Improv games before department meetings to start with some laughs and smiles.

WHY IMPROV?

What can laughter do?
Here are just some benefits for mental, physical and social health

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Increase vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood
  • Give a workout to the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles
  • Reduce certain stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline
  • Increase the response of tumor- and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells
  • Defend against respiratory infections–reducing the frequency of colds–by immunoglobulon in saliva.
  • Increase memory and learning; in a study at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, humor during instruction led to increased test scores
  • Improve alertness, creativity, and memory

FROM http://www.laughteryogaamerica.com/services/laughter-education-733.php 

 

 

 

 

TOO YOUNG TO VOTE Comedy Showcase March 19 3:15pm at the Broadway Times Square NYC

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TOO YOUNG TO VOTE

Come check out our first show March 19 2017 at 3:15. There will be an entire hour of stand-up comedy by under 18yo talent sharing their perspective on the world. Bring the whole family.

Sunday March 19 3:15pm
Broadway Comedy Club
318 west 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
$5 Cover plus One beverage minimum
Click Here to reserve online
This is the first of a new monthly series

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TOO YOUNG TO VOTE

WANT TO PERFORM?
Email your headshot, resume and video of live performance ASAP
OR Sign up for our classes for kids and teens. Every

Saturdays & Sundays 3pm LMAO OFF BROADWAY

Public Showcases for the whole family. Professional Performers. Very interactive. Entire show Improvised on the spot based on audience suggestions.
$25 cover Click Here for discount admissions and calendar
FREE admission for all students and guests
There is a one beverage minimum for all guests

SPRING CLASSES start March 18, 2017

Saturdays 10am Comedy 4 Teens
Saturdays NOON Comedy 4 Kids
Sundays 1pm Comedy 4 Teens

8-weeks of classes includes daily warm-up, technique and performance Improv Comedy games plus 30-45 minute open mic style session where student share stories from their own experiences and observations and create original stand-up comedy routines.

$30/class; $225/ 8-week session plus showcase
Register online in advance and save CLICK HERE

SPRING BREAK MINI CAMP

April 10-14 9am-NOON
$225 for Full Week
Register online in advance and save CLICK HERE
This class will feature all Improv for Kids & Teens 8-17. Tuesday 11am Students will watch our professional cast perform for a theater full of campers form around New York City. Friday 11am Students will perform a showcase of their work, open to family and friends

SUMMER CAMP 2017

Sign up for 1,2 or 4 weeks
SUMMER CAMP Session 1
1a July 10-14
1b July 17-21
SUMMER CAMP Session 2
2a July 31-August 4
2b August 7-11
Every week, students learn both Improv & Stand-Up Comedy
LUNCH & Snacks Included (For extreme allergies please plan on providing lunch for your child)
EVERY Friday 3pm SHOWCASE

Improv Classes Improve CORE Competencies – Classes & Shows for Kids & Teens

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– Spring Classes Start March 18
– Bring your classes to our Times Square NYC Theater for field trips
– Bring these programs to your school – shows, workshops, residencies and professional development for teachers

This was recently sent to me by one of our student’s parents. After reading this document she thought of our classes and her son’s growth as a result of studying Improv and Stand-Up Comedy and the relationships built with fellow students.

Introduction to Social Emotional Learning: 4 Competencies Overview

Success in school and in life depends on more than academic ability alone. Rigorous longitudinal research has demonstrated that specific competencies—such as growth mindset, self-efficacy, self-management, and social awareness—have a significant impact on students’ academic performance and persistence in school as well as their broader life success, as measured by a variety of health, wealth, and well-being indicators in adulthood. These interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies predict grades throughout K- 12 as strongly as IQ does, and they predict performance in the workforce more strongly than IQ does. U.S. News and World Report indicates that skills such as social awareness, emotional intelligence, and self- efficacy are in particularly high demand by employers. Further, studies have demonstrated that strength in these areas is correlated with such long-term outcomes as higher employment rates and wages, as well as lower risk of substance abuse, obesity, and criminal activity.
MORE VIA Introduction_to_SEL_4Competencies

Since 2004 we have presented shows for K-12 audiences. Improv 4 Kids was born when a Farmington CT School teacher reached out asking if we could perform for a grade school audience. In the spirit of entrepreneurship we said OF COURSE. Those first first few shows were all about paying the bills with more gigs. But over the years we learned the real value of our work.

Since 2004 we have presented over 5000 shows for K-12 and family audiences. We have worked with thousands of kids and teens in workshops. A few hundred have taken our extended classes via public programs or residencies at schools, camps and community centers.

After 2008, budgets we severely cut and we had to justify every show as educational. We started talking about creativity, community and leadership skills. We spoke of Cultural Arts, Language Arts, and Character Building. We teach public speaking, story telling, creative writing, critical thinking, self respect, self confidence, team skills, listening, focus, etc etc etc

We later learned about the benefits of laughter itself.

http://www.eightimprov.biz/cclscience

A Scientific Case For Laughter

Humor and creativity work in similar ways, says humor guru William Fry, M.D., of Stanford University–by creating relationships between two disconnected items, you engage the whole brain.

For years we were all about being the most fun a school ever had on a field trip or at an assembly. Then in recent years, thanks to feedback from teachers and parents, we realized we offered so much more inspiring and teaching creativity, community and leadership. But now science tells us that perhaps our greatest gift to the students is the laughter! What can laughter do?: Here are just some benefits for mental, physical and social health

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Increase vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood
  • Give a workout to the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles
  • Reduce certain stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline •Increase the response of tumor- and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells
  • Defend against respiratory infections–reducing the frequency of colds–by immunoglobulon in saliva.
  • Increase memory and learning; in a study at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, humor during instruction led to increased test scores
  • Improve alertness, creativity, and memory

FROM http://www.laughteryogaamerica.com/services/laughter-education-733.php

In children social play is critical to the development of social skills and emotional intelligence. Restricted play results in deficient social skills which can lead to life-long physical, mental, emotional and social problems. Laughter promotes childlike playful behavior. New research shows that playful adults continue to learn social skills and improve their emotional intelligence. Learning requires that one lower what linguists call the “affective barrier.” You can’t be uptight and learn much. You have to ease up and laugh to create.

Spring Classes Start March 18
COMEDY 4 TEENS Saturdays 10am
COMEDY 4 KIDS Saturdays Noon
CLICK HERE for DISCOUNT REGISTRATION

march 11

Bring your classes to our Times Square NYC Theater for field trips
Come check us out just Off Broadway NYC.
Morning and after schools shows, and workshop
We host students groups from schools, camps and community centers daily.
8improvcollage
Bring these programs to your school
shows, workshops, residencies and professional development for teachers
Bring

Spring Comedy Classes for Kids, Teens Spring Break Mini Camp NYC 2017

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Temperatures are all over the map but we are ready for Spring at New York Improv Theater. If you have not signed up yet, check out our line-up below as well as pre programmed discount links. For more information about public programs or bring our teachers to your school, camp or community center email Walt Frasier at eightimprov@gmail.com

Big Choices

QUICK LINKS
COMPLETE CALENDAR OF CLASSES CLICK HERE
Use quick links or scroll below for more info…

  • SATURDAY MARCH 11 – Showcases for Winter Classes
  • Saturdays & Sundays 3pm LMAO OFF BROADWAY
    Public Showcases for the whole family. Professional Performers. Very interactive. Entire show Improvised on the spot based on audience suggestions.
    $25 cover Click Here for discount admissions and calendar
    FREE admission for all students and guests
    There is a one beverage minimum for all guests
  • Saturday 10am TEEN Class Starts 3/18 CLICK HERE
  • Saturday 12pm KIDS Class Starts 3/18 CLICK HERE
  • Sunday 11am KIDS Class 3/19 CLICK HERE
  • Sunday 1pm TEEN Class Starts 3/19 CLICK HERE
  • TOO YOUNG TO VOTE – Public Comedy Show by Under 18 comics CLICK HERE
  • SPRING BREAK MINI CAMP CLICK HERE
  • SUMMER CAMP REGISTER EARLY CLICK HERE Sign up for one to four weeks

toyoungtovote

NEXT SHOW March 19 3:30pm
$5 cover plus 1 drink minimum
NO COVER for students
CLICK HERE for TICKETS
EMAIL if you would like to perform

SPRING BREAK MINI IMPROV COMEDY CAMP

April 10-14 9am-NOON
$225 for Full Week
Register online in advance and save CLICK HERE
This class will feature all Improv for Kids & Teens 8-17.
Tuesday 11am Students will watch our professional cast perform for a theater full of campers form around New York City.
Friday 11am Students will perform a showcase of their work, open to family and friends

improv 4 kids

 

COMEDY 4 TEENS

SATURDAYS 10am
SUNDAYS 1pm
$30/class; $225/ 8-week session plus showcase
Register online in advance and save CLICK HERE

8-weeks of classes includes daily warm-up, technique and performance Improv Comedy games plus 30-45 minute open mic style session where student share stories from their own experiences and observations and create original stand-up comedy routines.

teenclass

COMEDY 4 KIDS

SATURDAYS NOON
SUNDAYS 11am
$30/class; $225/ 8-week session plus showcase
Register online in advance and save CLICK HERE

8-weeks of classes includes daily warm-up, technique and performance Improv Comedy games plus 30-45 minute open mic style session where student share stories from their own experiences and observations and create original stand-up comedy routines.

summercamp1

SUMMER CAMP 2017

Sign up for 1,2 or 4 weeks
SUMMER CAMP Session 1
1a July 10-14
1b July 17-21
SUMMER CAMP Session 2
2a July 31-August 4
2b August 7-11
Every week, students learn both Improv & Stand-Up Comedy
LUNCH & Snacks Included (For extreme allergies please plan on providing lunch for your child)
EVERY Friday 3pm SHOWCASE

improv 4 kids

NUMBERS GAME – Ups and Downs of being a Working Actor/Comic

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This blog is dedicated to all of my students and colleagues that are wonderfully getting some attention. I write this specifically no because of an email I received from Harry Connick’s people looking for young comics. A few of my students were invited to audition. FINGERS CROSSED.

Many of my students and colleagues are getting calls, and a few amazing bookings and other opportunities. It is very exciting.

I also just saw an ad for MASTERCLASS with Steve Martin and he said something that really stuck. When asked “How do I get an agent, bookings etc” his response is, let’s focus on getting good.

My students are getting the calls because they are great. But they have a long way to go. Classes and real world are very different. Nothing truly prepares you for the real world like the real world.

SO GET OUT THERE AND LIVE IT!!!

START AUDITIONING TODAY

Don’t wait till you think you are ready. WE ARE NEVER TRULY READY FOR ANYTHING so stop worrying about being ready.

I don’t care if you want to be an actor, doctor, accountant, parent…

No class truly prepares you for the real world. Doctors spend years in classes, then years in residence then maybe finally open up their own practice.

NO ONE is truly ready to be a parent. We learn as we go with help of family and friends and tons of useless advice to.

Acting is kind of like all that but a lot easier. If you mess up no one dies – except maybe your performance – which is horrible to you but you can recover.

So shut up about not being ready. NO ONE IS. Go audition for something.

Can’t get an audition, go to an open mic and say/sing something. Just get up and DO!

Audition like its a performance

When you audition, don’t treat that moment like a job interview. Your job is to perform your work and entertain casting team. Do all the work you would do for a live performance or TV/FILM taping.

Don worry about booking anything. Your life does not depend on this. Neither does your career. Just rock out another performance like your last class showcase.

Easier said then done? YES!

AUDITION EVERY CHANCE YOU GET

Here is a little secret. Auditioning is a different skill then performing. They are connected. But I know some amazing auditioning artists that are terrible in shows and vice versa.

I am terrible at auditions. It is the thing I work on the most in my own journal work.

Get me on stage/set and I feel at home. In front of those judgmental eyes that just want to sink my career – see I do it too.

The more you audition the better you get.

Guess how many artists give up after a few months of auditioning without a single booking. They assume they are no good and go home to what ever small town they thought left behind.

More often I hear stories like “OMG I JUST BOOKED MY FIRST AUDITION. I GOT THIS….” And then not even a call back for another year.

This business is fickle. There is a lot of competition. There are a lot of folks to impress.

But I promise if you audition often you will figure it all out.

  • You will figure out YOUR process.
  • You will get more comfortable
  • You will figure out what YOU need to do in waiting rooms to stay focused
  • You will figure out what YOU need to eat for breakfast so as not to be too anxious or too tired at GO TIME.
  • You will figure out what time YOU need to go to bed and what to eat night before to be best energized the next day but not too energized you cannot sleep.
  • You will figure out YOU have so little to do with what director has in mind.

ANALYZE EVERYTHING YOU DO

You are all keeping a journal by now, right. I just assume…

FYI I DID NOT SAY OVER ANALYZE!!!

As I said above nothing is the end product for you. A class showcase ends that chapter, but if you truly have aspirations, that is just a moment you pass through, so your personal work does not end.

After every class, audition, show, open your journal.

How did it go?

How did you feel?

What worked?

What flopped?

Are you happy with work? WHY?/ WHY NOT?

For comedy writing, what got a laugh? WHY?

For our comedy classes we write 2-3 minute every 8-10 week course. Some of you have 20-30 minutes of material because you have been with me since 2011.

Keep revisiting that material. Use class the way professional comics use Open Mics. Try new material.

Don’t just go up when its your turn because we say so. Own your time on stage and maximize it by continuing work before and after via journal.

ALWAYS BE CREATING

Force yourself to spend at least 5 minutes every day on your craft. Trying writing a new joke, story. Or perhaps just sit down with pad and pen and brainstorm ideas.

BE TENACIOUS

All successful talent I know are almost annoyingly tenacious. You need to WANT this badly. You need to NEED this in your life to withstand the blows of the NOs.

Don’t wait for teachers or parents to give you push. You need to be on fire 24/7 WANTING this. If you are not, you will be passed b those that are.

You’ll know when you need to pull back to find balance. But don’t start out seeking balance. Maximize your youthful strength while you can. GO FOR IT!

LET THE NOs BOUNCE

Remember, that a WE’LL CALL YOU is never a YOU’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH. You may be not right at that moment, but you as a person are not any less.

PREPARE YOUR WORK
PRESENT YOUR WORK
ANALYZE YOUR WORK
FORGET ABOUT THE AUDITION (unless…)
WHEN THEY CALL TO BOOK YOU – BONUS – YEAH
NO BACK TO WORK FOR NEXT TIME

YOU will be a work in progress till the day you die (or retire). The day you think you know it all is the day you slide backwards. There is no plateau. There is no good enough for now.

ALWAYS SEEK WAYS TO GROW YOU MIND BODY & SOUL!!!

PS If you see people around getting opportunities and you feel left out, what do you do?

Continue to do what I prescribe above. I did not book my first TV job till 35. I did not book my first professional theater job till 22.

So if you are in my kids/teen classes CHILL OUT. You are ahead of the game working with amazing professionals on my team.

If you are 18+ and not working, when was the last time you woke up at 5am to wait in line for an open call to get on the waiting list to be seen by casting director for play/musical in time to get to work/class.

When was the last time you learned a new monologue, song, took a dance class…

When was the last time you truly spent time developing your craft.

GET OUT THERE!!!
NO PAIN NO GAIN!!!

I have spent 1000s of hours in classes, line for auditions, auditions etc before getting an manager that sends me out on stuff.

Want an agent, go get yourself some work.

BEFORE SPENDING A DIME ASK ME WHERE TO SPEND IT!!!

Book a project then reinvest into better head shots. Don’t spend $500 on photos if all you are auditioning for is unpaid showcase.