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Improv 301 — Harold Structure

Mondays 3-6pm starting Mar 24, 2008
Prerequisites: Completion of Improv 201
Cost: $300

This course introduces students to the long form improvisation structure known as “The Harold,” developed by Del Close.

In the first four weeks, students will study “Group Games”, scenes that involve multiple performers. Instruction will focus on teaching students a number of different ways to approach performing these group scenes. They will also study a variety of “Openings”, which are stylized methods of using an audience’s suggestion to generate enough content to support a half hour long improvised performance piece.

In the second four weeks of the course, students will put all of the techniques learned in Improvisation 101, 201, and the first four weeks of 301 into action by putting together fully formed Harolds.

This course meets for three hours a week for eight sessions. At the end of the course, students will take part in a class performance at the UCB Theatre. Graduation is also contingent upon students seeing at least two improvised shows at the UCB Theater before the end of the course.

Class Size: 14 Students

Improv 301 - Harold Structure

Learn about openings, group games, and 3rd beat connections and put it all together to perform your first Harolds.

Prerequisite: Improv 201

Maximum class size is 14

Class meets at MetaTheatre in West Hollywood

Julie Brister

brister, julie
Julie Brister is an actor and comedian and a long time performer, teacher and director at the UCB Theatre. She most recently appeared as Crystal Conners in the critically acclaimed Showgirls, The Best Movie Ever Made, Ever! She is co-creator of Laid Up! and Put it in You! The Sex Ed Musical. Other UCB credits include Buy Beg Borrow or Steal, the improvised soap Chastity Cove, Van Gogh's Path, WUCB Action News, Filet of Film, Todd Barry's Icky and Beyond the Valley of the Switchblade Pussycats. Her directing credits at UCB include Get Evolved, The Adventures of Lock and Kay, Cardboard Follies, Double X, Of Mice and Tara and Michael, and Crush.

She has appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, MTV, FUSE, and will soon be seen on a new online show for The Onion. She's also been in about 2 billion short films, many of which can be viewed on the internets.

Student Feedback

"Julie B. is an amazing teacher extremely supportive but speaks the truth, gets to the heart of things quickly, explains things so you get it. I would step over helpless bunnies to take another class with her."

"Julie's an amazing teacher - honest, concise and supportive. I wish I'd had her sooner!"

"Julie is a wonderful, fun, and encouraging instuctor. Her notes are extremely helpful and constructive. Julie makes the class a comfortable place to work and is always there to answer any questions or concerns. She is great and I have told a bunch of people about her and UCB."

"Julie really knows her stuff, but more importantly, she is a phenomenal teacher. She creates a supportive environment by giving everyone the opportunity to play. She gives plenty of constructive feedback. Her critisisms are gentle and specific. Her suggestions are objective and leave room for choice. She builds confidence without being at all patronizing. I will be continuing classes at UCB based on the high caliber of Julie's class."