|
Get the Flash Player to
see this player.
|
The Westside Eclectic is one of the top improv and comedy training centers in Los
Angeles. Our roots are in longform improv, which we believe is an essential tool,
not only for performing and writing comedy, but for every day life. Designed for
both actors and non-actors alike, all of our classes and teachers bring a constructive,
fun, and down-to-earth sensibility.
You’ll have a blast, you’ll meet a cool new
group of people, and by the end of our program, you'll be ready to perform a completely
unscripted comedy show with nothing more than a single suggestion from the audience.
Many graduates of our program will also have the opportunity to perform regularly
on our stage, as well as participate in our comedy video productions. So stop letting
your fears get in the way of your fun, and discover the sheer awesomeness of improv!
To receive additional information about upcoming class schedules, please email us
at classes@westsideeclectic.com.
|
Improv Training Program
|
|
CLASS NAME |
FEE |
TEACHER |
MTG TIMES |
START DATES |
|
NEW Level 1 Basic - Saturday w/James Bonadio
|
$300.00
|
|
Sat 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
|
9/6/2008
|
|
|
Level 1 is a fun and exciting introduction to the art of improv comedy. Basic covers core improv ideals, concepts and vocabulary such as hyper-listening, give and take, yes-anding, efficient communication and emotional response. The WE teaching staff creates a warm and open learning environment that facilitates establishing the foundation of a seasoned improviser. START DATE: 9/06/08
|
|
|
Other Class Dates:
9/6/2008, 9/13/2008, 9/20/2008, 9/27/2008, 10/4/2008, 10/11/2008, 10/18/2008, 10/25/2008
|
|
|
NEW Level 1 Basic - Thursdays w/ Dana Powell
|
$300.00
|
|
Thu 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
|
8/28/2008
|
|
|
Level 1 is a fun and exciting introduction to the art of improv comedy. Basic covers core improv ideals, concepts and vocabulary such as hyper-listening, give and take, yes-anding, efficient communication and emotional response. The WE teaching staff creates a warm and open learning environment that facilitates establishing the foundation of a seasoned improviser. START DATE: 8/28/08
|
|
|
Other Class Dates:
8/28/2008, 9/4/2008, 9/11/2008, 9/18/2008, 9/25/2008, 10/2/2008, 10/9/2008, 10/16/2008
|
|
|
NEW Level 2 - Character and Points of View w/Jeff Sloniker
|
$300.00
|
|
Thu 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
|
8/28/2008
|
|
|
Level 2 delves into the three Points of View that we feel are imperative to improvising. Those are the Points of View of; Yourself, Your Character and Your Audience. Students investigate what they bring to the stage as themselves and how to better harness those qualities. They also learn what it takes to ground big characters, how to make the classics work and how to enrich the everyday man on the street. Finally, the class takes a look at some of the more functional aspects of putting on a show and examines the nuts and bolts necessary to creating an exciting experience for the house. Prerequisite Level 1 or teacher recommendation. CLASS START DATE: 8/28/08
|
|
|
Other Class Dates:
8/28/2008, 9/4/2008, 9/11/2008, 9/18/2008, 9/25/2008, 10/2/2008, 10/9/2008, 10/16/2008
|
|
|
NEW Level 3 - Group Work w/Sean Monahan
|
$300.00
|
|
Wed 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
|
8/27/2008
|
|
|
Level 3 attacks Group Work and all its angles with passion, detail and diligence. The 8-week course uncovers the magic of the class "group mind" and builds a strong ensemble skill set including all types of openings, organic group games, transitions, pattern work, group scenes and abstract improvisation. These aspects of improv further solidify our students as well rounded performers and adds vital items to their improv tool belts." Prerequisite Levels 1 & 2 CLASS START DATE: 8/27/08
|
|
|
Other Class Dates:
8/27/2008, 9/3/2008, 9/10/2008, 9/17/2008, 9/24/2008, 10/1/2008, 10/8/2008, 10/15/2008
|
|
|
NEW Level 4 - The Art of the Game w/Hal Rudnick
|
$300.00
|
|
Tue 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
|
8/26/2008
|
|
|
Level 4 covers games and game work in all of their forms. The class encompasses each category of the classic improv games that have become vastly popular and then translates these short-form skills into long-form scenarios such as identifying the theme of a piece and finding the game of the scene. Our curriculum includes the vital aspects of both performance and execution as students learn not only how to perform on stage but how to present themselves there as well. Prerequisite Levels 1-3 CLASS START DATE 8/26/08
|
|
|
Other Class Dates:
8/26/2008, 9/2/2008, 9/9/2008, 9/16/2008, 9/23/2008, 9/30/2008, 10/7/2008, 10/14/2008
|
|
|
NEW Level 5 - Pacing and Rhythm w/Chris Mosier
|
$300.00
|
|
Mon 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
|
8/25/2008
|
|
|
Level 5 focuses on the pacing and rhythm of an improvised piece. Through the analysis and application of editing, tag outs and other tricks of the trade, students learn how to play slow and fast, and also how to sense when it is time to switch gears and what dictates the speed at which they are performing. Prerequisite Levels 1-4 START DATE: 8/25/08
|
|
|
Other Class Dates:
8/25/2008, 9/8/2008, 9/15/2008, 9/22/2008, 9/29/2008, 10/6/2008, 10/13/2008, 10/20/2008
|
|
|
NEW Level 6 - Forms w/ Lloyd Ahlquist
|
$300.00
|
|
Sat 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
|
9/6/2008
|
|
|
Our sixth and final level, Level 6, employs all the skills acquired in the previous 5 courses and applies them to the exploration of improv forms. Teachers cover several classic long form structures and additionally guide students in finding their own voice as an ensemble. The class concludes with a student performance featuring a brand new improvised form of the students very own creation. Prerequisite; Levels 1-5 | START DATE: 9/06/08
|
|
|
Other Class Dates:
9/6/2008, 9/13/2008, 9/20/2008, 9/27/2008, 10/4/2008, 10/11/2008, 10/18/2008, 10/25/2008
|
Comedy Electives
|
|
CLASS NAME |
FEE |
TEACHER |
MTG TIMES |
START DATES |
|
|
NEW - Intro to Stand up w/ Joe Falzarano
|
$300.00
|
|
Thu 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
|
7/10/2008
|
|
|
Everyone has a sense of humor, and everyone also has their own unique way of sensing humor, or determining what they think is funny. The On-Ramp to Stand-Up focuses on teaching techniques and developing inner tools so that students can harness and embrace their own unique sense of humor. By letting go of preconceived notions of what comedy is and learning the importance of observation, students will tap into their own comedic voice: the first step to becoming a successful stand-up comedian. Using personal experience as a guide in a stress-free environment, students will write and perform stand-up material each week, and ultimately learn to pick their venue and develop an audience. This class consists of five classroom weeks and one student performance.
|
|
|
Other Class Dates:
7/10/2008, 7/17/2008, 7/24/2008, 7/31/2008, 8/7/2008
|
|
|
Sketch Writing w/Marc Warzecha
|
$300.00
|
|
Sun 11:00 am-2:00 pm
|
7/6/2008
|
|
|
This class will cover several classic sketch genres including, satire, character and parody. Student will write both as individuals and as a group and the course will include a section for writing video shorts and one video shoot on the Westside Eclectic Green Screen will be included.
Marc Warzecha lives in Los Angeles and has appeared on MAD TV and Reno 911! Marc has worked with the Second City for several years as both an actor and director, most recently directing ""Pratfall of Civilization"", currently playing at the Second City ETC, for which he has received a Joseph Jefferson nomination for ""Best director"". Other directing credits include ""War! Now in it's 4th Smash Year!"" (Joseph Jefferson nominee - Best Director, Best Revue, Best Ensemble) on the Second City Chicago Mainstage, ""The Not Ready for $3.99 Prime Rib Players"" at the Second City Las Vegas, and the Second City National Touring Company. Acting credits include six resident stage reviews at the Second City Detroit, ""Romeo and Juliet the Musical"" at Chicago Shakespeare theatre, and SCC's ""An Evening with Martin Short. CLASS START DATE: 5/18/08
|
|
|
|
|