5919 Franklin Ave Hollywood, CA 90028 (323) 908-8702

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Improv 101 — Improv Basics

Wednesdays 7-10pm starting Apr 09, 2008
Cost: $300

Students will learn the fundamentals of long-form improvisation. Core concepts covered include using character agreement to make your scenes succeed, developing character, character status, object and environment work, “playing at the top of your intelligence,” and heightening (finding ways to make your scenes get funnier from start to finish).

This course also introduces the specific vocabulary of the UCB Training Center.

This course meets for 8 sessions that are each 3 hours long. 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: 16 Students

Improv 101 - Improv Basics

A great introduction to long form improvisation: learn to create great scenes through agreement, support, playing to the top of your intelligence, object and environment work and strong, clear character choices.

Prerequisite: none

Maximum class size is 16

Class meets at Art/Works in 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."