This yearlong acting and improv course blends foundational performance technique with the fun, spontaneity, and creative risk-taking of improvisation. Designed for students with varying levels of experience, the class provides a balanced introduction to acting through voice and movement training, character work, and ensemble collaboration—while also building quick-thinking, adaptability, and imaginative storytelling through structured improv games and scene formats.

Students will grow their confidence, focus, and stage presence while learning how to make bold choices, support scene partners, and stay present in the moment. Core acting concepts such as objective, tactics, blocking, and emotional expression are paired with improv principles like “Yes, And,” active listening, and narrative building. The course encourages both artistic freedom and personal discipline, offering students a fun and supportive environment to grow as performers.

The year is structured into three progressive units:
Unit 1: Actor’s Tools & Improvisation Fundamentals
Unit 2: Character Development & Scene Building
Unit 3: Collaborative Storytelling & Ensemble Growth

Students will have two special opportunities to share their progress with family during our informal “Family Night: Inside the Studio” events, held at the end of each semester (December and May). These evenings are designed to let families step into the studio and see firsthand what their student has been learning and experiencing each week, and to provide a celebratory atmosphere for students to showcase their growth and skills.

Class Objectives:

1. Use their voice and body expressively and intentionally to portray character and emotion
2. Apply core improv principles such as “Yes, And,” making offers, and staying present in the moment
3. Create believable characters with clear objectives, tactics, and relationships
4. Collaborate effectively in unscripted and loosely structured scene formats
5. Practice attentive listening and supportive ensemble behavior onstage
6. Build and share original improvised stories with confidence and creativity
7. Reflect on their personal growth and performance choices through journaling and class discussion

Instructional Tone: Playful, actor-driven, and supportive
Activities: Improvisation games, movement warm-ups, partner work, character creation, ensemble-based storytelling
Skills Focus: Emotional expression, listening, physicality, spontaneity, character and scene construction
Performance Readiness: Informal, low-pressure observation nights focused on demonstrating learning, not polished performance

Aligned National Core Arts Standards (Theatre):
Creating:
TH:Cr1.1 — Generate and conceptualize ideas for improvisation and character work
TH:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop improvised scenes and stories
TH:Cr3.1 — Refine and complete improvisational work through rehearsal and performance
Performing:
TH:Pr4.1 — Analyze and interpret improvised scenes with character and emotion
TH:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine vocal and physical skills for improvisation
TH:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning through unscripted performance and ensemble work
Responding:
TH:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze theatrical work, including peer improvisation
TH:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in improvised theatrical work
TH:Re9.1 — Apply criteria to evaluate improvisational performances
Connecting:
TH:Cn10.1 — Synthesize personal experience to support improvisation and storytelling
TH:Cn11.1 — Relate improvisational work to social and cultural contexts