Overview
This long-form improv class will teach students the skills needed to perform the Harold, one of the most iconic forms in improv. Students will learn the fundamentals of building and connecting multiple scenes, creating organic group dynamics, and exploring themes and patterns that emerge naturally. The class will culminate into performing a Harold for the student showcase.
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Week 1: Starting at the Beginning - How Do We Generate Ideas?
Week 2: Use Everything You Have
Week 3: How is it all Related?
Week 4: Structure of a Long Form Piece
Week 5: The Harold
Week 6: The Harold cont.
Week 7: The Harold cont. - Prepare for Showcase
Week 8: Cast Party & Review
Homework/Resources​
Week 1: Starting at the Beginning
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Watch Rich Baker’s Tips that Will Change Your Improv Forever
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Watch What Key & Peele Teach Us About Comedy (already watched in class, for reference)
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Go see shows! There are now 2 shows on Friday and 1 on Saturday that are FREE to students!​
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Week 2: Using Everything You Have
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Go see shows! There are now 2 shows on Friday and 1 on Saturday that are FREE to students!​
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Week 3: How is It All Related?
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Go see shows! There are now 2 shows on Friday and 1 on Saturday that are FREE to students!
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Week 4: Structure To The Piece
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Watch Bill Arnett’s Scene breakdown of The Reckoning’s Harold ←- WARNING this is an hour long, seat aside time to watch.
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Go see shows! There are now 2 shows on Friday and 1 on Saturday that are FREE to students!
Week 5: The Harold
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Watch Breakdown of “Organic Harold|Long Form Comedy” by Susan Zheng
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Go see shows! There are now 2 shows on Friday and 1 on Saturday that are FREE to students!
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Week 6: The Harold Cont.
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Watch the creator of the Harold, Del Close, discuss the creation and intention of this form
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Confirm attendance to Student Showcase!! Invite your friends and family to see what you’ve been working on.
Week 7: Work The Harold
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Confirm attendance to Student Showcase!! Invite your friends and family to see what you’ve been working on. Even if you decide not to participate on stage, you are expected to attend!
Supplemental Resources:
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How To Improvise a Full Length Play by Ken Adams (download here)