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Improv 301 — Harold Structure

Sundays noon-3pm starting Aug 22, 2010
Prerequisites: Successful Completion of Improv 201 within previous two years
Cost: $350

If you took Improv 201 in January 2010 or later, you cannot enroll in this course until you receive written notice that you have successfully completed Improv 201. If 10 days have passed since your graduation performance and you have not received this information, please email the registrar at classes@ucbt.net for NY classes or lindsay@ucbcomedy.com for LA classes.

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

NO CLASS SEPTEMBER 5

Class meets at MetaTheatre in West Hollywood

Alex Fernie

fernie, alex
Alex Fernie has been performing and taking classes at UCBTLA since 2006. He's studied with Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts and Matt Besser of the Upright Citizens Brigade plus Seth Morris and Chad Carter, among others. He started improvising in high school in Providence, RI. He continued to perform regularly while attending Vassar College until moving to Los Angeles in 2004.

He currently is a member of the UCB Harold team Sentimental Lady and Convoy, which won a record breaking 44 straight weeks in UCB Cagematch. He has appeared in and/or written for many shows at the theater, including Smug Rock Nation, Comedy Death-Ray, Thirty:30, Crash Test, CDR Sketch, Quick and Dirty Musicals, and Show and Tell. He co-created and starred in an improvised pilot for Comedy Central, along with appearing on Reno 911!, Jimmy Kimmel Live and in national commercials.

Student Feedback

"Alex was great at creating an environment conducive to growth and taking chances. He was always encouraging and giving good ideas."

"Alex is seriously the best teacher I've had at explaining concepts and providing good examples."

"Alex has an incredible ability to break anything down to its most basic form. Hands down, one of the most effective improv instructors I've ever had."