Improv for Gamers

In this five-week improv workshop for gamers, we will incorporate improv activities that encourage a sense of playful fun and spontaneity. You’ll learn and practice a variety of skills and concepts that blend improv techniques with elements relevant to gaming and role play. Here’s just some of what will be covered:

Character Development: Explore techniques to create and develop unique and interesting characters for gaming sessions. Develop character motivations, backstories, and quirks.

Storytelling: Improv techniques can be used to enhance storytelling skills. You’ll learn how to create engaging narratives on the spot, adding depth and excitement to your gaming experiences.

World/Scene Building: Improv often involves creating scenes on the fly. Gamers can benefit from learning how to build immersive and dynamic scenes during gameplay, making the experience more enjoyable for themselves and others.

Quick Thinking and Decision-Making: Improv encourages quick thinking and adaptability. Gamers may practice making decisions on the spot, responding to unexpected situations, and thinking creatively to overcome challenges in the game.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Improv is inherently collaborative, and participants develop teamwork skills. This is particularly valuable in group gaming scenarios where effective communication and collaboration are essential.

Building Confidence: Improv can help you build confidence in your abilities, both in improvisation and in gaming roles. More confidence leads to more engaging gameplay.

Non-Verbal Communication: Improv often emphasizes non-verbal communication cues. This can be beneficial in gaming, where players may need to convey information or intentions without explicitly stating them.

Adaptation to Different Game Genres: Learn how to adapt improv techniques to different gaming genres, whether it's fantasy, sci-fi, horror, or others.

Participants can expect a mix of practical exercises, group activities, and discussions to enhance their improv and gaming skills.

Meets once a week for five weeks.

Prerequisites: Prefered level 101 improv from any training center or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5

Time: 1:00 P.m.  – 3:00pm

Make-Up/Snow Day: SUNDAY 5/12/2024 (Mother's Day)  1:00 p.m.

Class Room: SMITH (this is an acessible space)

NO SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE OFFERED WITH THIS WORKSHOP

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Devin is an actor and deviser based in Philadelphia. He is a graduate of the University of the Arts / Pig Iron Devised Performance Program. Devin grew up in Alaska, studied Physics at Notre Dame, built data centers in Des Moines, and somehow wound up at clown school.

What others say:

"Devin is a great teacher! He made class comfortable, fun, and challenging!"

"Devin brings so much richness and intention into his curriculum...I most valued his ability to meet people of different skill levels where they're at with appropriately challenging insights and guidance."

"Devin will challenge you in class, and give you the focus to improve. He knows that being funny and being not funny are both on the path to improving."

Musical Accompaniment Workshop

Are you intrigued by the idea of musical improv accompaniment but unsure where to start? Or perhaps you're already familiar with the basics and eager to refine your skills? Look no further!

Join us for a workshop that covers the essentials of musical improv accompaniment. You'll be provided with easy-to-use frameworks for popular improv song forms, learn how to effectively support a vocalist, and sharpen your skills at playing music by ear. Additionally, you'll discover how to smoothly start and end songs, capturing the mood of any scene.

Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced accompanist seeking professional development, this workshop offers valuable insights and techniques to enhance your musical journey. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your musical improvisation skills and unlock new creative possibilities! Meets once a week for three weeks.

Pre-requisites: Ability to play a musical instrument, especially piano, is highly encouraged. All skill levels are welcome. The course will be customized to participants' abilities based on a pre-class survey. No prior improv experience is necessary.

Adults 18+

ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: MONDAY

Dates: 6/3, 6/10, 6/17

Time: 7:00 P.m.  – 9:00pm

Class Room: 1976 (this is an accessible room)

NO SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE OFFERED WITH THIS WORKSHOP

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Dan (he/him) is a seasoned pianist with 20 years of experience, known for his dynamic range and musical versatility. He has spent several years performing in various cover bands, tribute acts, piano bars, and jazz ensembles, honing his skills across diverse musical genres. Recently, Dan has been an integral part of Philadelphia's musical improv scene, accompanying the premier team Thank You Places, The Good Kids, the improvised musical documentary Off the Record, and for various musical improv classes and indie teams. He is eager to play his part in further expanding the musical improv scene in Philadelphia!

What Others Say:

Dan is an incredible pianist and we were so lucky to have him, esp since we're all learning and he's so effortlessly able to adapt the backing music to help support.

Dan is amazing.

Dan is so skilled and easily adapts to anything we dish at him and has such great instincts when playing.