Jim Carlson’s Sketch Writing for the Stage
This eight week elective will focus on writing a sketch comedy using the iO method of long form ensemble based improvisation and other tested techniques used in writing sketch comedy. You will write scenes during this class to be performed on Monday nights before Armando. The class will improvise and re-improvise scenes and write scenes from improvised ideas. You will be forced to trust your own instincts, and those of your ensemble members, while initiating bold scenes based on improvised material. It will allow you to improvise a scene, take a note, try the scene again applying the note, and discover what comes next. This class will be based on spontaneity as well as calculation. The first two weeks will be spent improvising in class on Friday, and creating ensemble. The last six weeks will involve class on Fridays and a show on Monday nights to try out material. There is a possibility that the Monday show might develop in to a run upstairs at iO. There will be a three week period of evaluation, then iO will decide. You must have completed at least Level 3 of iO Training or if you haven’t completed level 3 at iO, then you should have completed at least a minor in theater or the entire program at Annoyance or the conservatory at 2nd City.
Cost: $300
Class size: 12
Time: Fridays 3-6pm AND Fridays 7-10pm.
Starts: 7/4 (8 weeks)
Teacher/Director: Jim Carlson
Jim Carlson has been improvising, directing, and acting in Chicago since 1995.
He was on the iO house team Valhalla and currently plays in “Middle Age Comeback” on Sunday nights and the “Armando Diaz Experience” on Monday nights. Jim directed over 15 shows at the iO including “The Awesome Show,” “The Goodtime Hour,” and “The Awesome Show 2 ‘Still Awesome.’”
He directed No Country for Old White Men for mainstage at Second City, and Disposable Nation and Immaculate Deception on the Second City etc. stage, Second City Las Vegas, Bobble Heads of State at Second City Detroit, two Second City touring companies, Second City’s Lollapalooza show, “The Second City Political Show,” and has spent some time at sea directing cruise ship comedy. Jim has taught improvisation at iO, Columbia College, Second City, and Writer’s Theater.
Call (773)880-9993 now to register!
Jeff Griggs’s Teamwork Elective
This workshop will focus on how to be a functioning and thriving member of a team. A great deal of time will be spent on group scenes, group games and group openings, but there will also be significant amount of attention on what it takes to be a good team player.
Cost: $250
Time: Saturdays 3-6pm.
Starts: 5/10 (8 weeks)
Teacher/Director: Jeff Griggs
Jeff Griggs is the author of GURU: MY DAYS WITH DEL CLOSE. As a performer and teacher, Jeff has taught and coached for the iO Chicago for several years and is a long standing member of their House Team Deep Schwa. He has performed and directed at numerous theaters throughout Chicago.
Currently, Jeff is a Consultant and Production Coordinator for Van Kampen Investments. He is also the Story Producer and a Contributing Director for the improv based television program Sports Action Team.