The Torch Theatre Longform Improv Training Center
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The Torch Theatre is proud to offer professional training in improvisation for the theatre. Our instructors have studied and performed with masters of longform improvisation all over the country, and we are excited to be building a community of funny, passionate and interesting players right here in Phoenix, Arizona.
With a core curriculum based on longform improv, The Torch aims to build strong actors and ensembles in Phoenix, Arizona. So, what is longform improv? It is a performance built collaboratively on stage from a single suggestion. It could be a series of scenes, songs, characters or even movement that explore a theme. It is built by the performers together as the audience watches.
The Torch Theatre Longform Training Center offers ongoing courses in improv to help students develop and explore this craft. Class sizes are kept small to promote ensemble building and to allow instructors to cater courses to the individual needs of our students. Our regular curriculum is for ages 18 and older, however, the Torch is now offering a High School Summer Improv Course. We offer flexible payment plans and internship opportunities. If you are interested in enhancing your acting skills or learn the craft of improv, call or e-mail to learn more about our program.
We can also custom build workshops that can cater to your business, non-profit or social group.
Level 2: Longform Ensemble Work
- Instructor: Mack Duncan
- Next Class Begins: Saturday Jun 1st, 2013 at 11:00am
- Session length: 8 weeks
- Tuition: $195.00
Continuing with the concepts of Level I this class will build on the idea of working as an ensemble to create a cohesive group mind. The class will focus on discovering themes and patterns that will strengthen the performance. Students will learn to make strong choices at the top of the scene that will develop strong character wants and create emotionally rich relationships that will give them confidence on stage.
Prerequisite: Level 1
Class includes a student performance.
Registration for this class will close on Tuesday, May 28th and has a minimum requirement of six students to continue.
FREE Drop-in Improv Class
- Instructor: Sam Haldiman
- Next Class Begins: Saturday Jun 1st, 2013 at 2:30pm
- Session length: 3 hours, 1 session
- Tuition: $0.01
Wanna give improv a try? Here’s your chance!
This FREE class will focus on basic exercises and the fundamentals of improv. It’s a brief glimpse into the core curriculum of The Torch Theatre’s training center. This class is superfun and a great way to sample what we teach.No registration required.
Just drop in and give it a shot!
Level 5: Longform Master Class
- Instructor: José Gonzalez
- Next Class Begins: Sunday Jun 2nd, 2013 at 2:30pm
- Session length: 8 weeks
- Tuition: $195.00
Taught by a senior instructor of the Torch Theatre, this class will focus on the individual performer in an effort to strengthen the ensemble. In-depth feedback will be given to challenge and inspire students to make choices they would not normally explore.
Prerequisite: Level 4
Class includes a four week run of performances.*Retakes for Level 5 will go onto a waiting list.
Level 6: Longform Synthesis
- Instructor: Bill Binder
- Next Class Begins: Monday Jun 3rd, 2013 at 6:30pm
- Session length: 8 weeks
- Tuition: $195.00
Taught by a senior instructor of the Torch Theatre, this class will focus on the ensemble. As a group the students will create and develop a format that is tailored to the strengths and abilities of the individual to complement the whole.
Prerequisite: Level 5
Class includes a run student performances.* Students retaking the graduation Level will be put on a waiting list.Level 3: Longform Performance
- Instructor: José Gonzalez
- Next Class Begins: Tuesday Jun 4th, 2013 at 6:30pm
- Session length: 8 weeks
- Tuition: $195.00
Students will create an entire show focusing on the format Harold, created by Del Close, the father of longform improvisation. This format will introduce openings and group games as well as continue the enrichment of on stage relationships through strong, emotional characters choices. The discovery of thematic elements in Harold will bridge the gap between scenes that will create a world in which connections are established throughout the show.
Prerequisite: Level 2
Class includes a student performance.Registration for this class will close on Sunday, June 1st and has a minimum requirement of six students to continue.Level 1: Beginning Longform Scenework
- Instructor: Sam Haldiman
- Next Class Begins: Wednesday Jun 5th, 2013 at 6:30pm
- Session length: 8 Weeks
- Tuition: $195.00
Students will learn the fundamental tools of improvisation to build confidence both on and off stage. Classes will focus on honest and truthful reactions to discover the humor in scenework. Students will participate in a fun and creative environment in which all ideas are supported through improvisations core concept of saying “yes…and” to help further the scene. Concepts will focus on emotional reactions, listening, character development and environment work to allow students to be in the moment on stage.
Class includes a student performance.
High School Summer Improv Course
- Instructor: Mack Duncan
- Next Class Begins: Monday Jun 10th, 2013 at 1:00pm
- Session length: 2 Weeks, 8 Sessions
- Tuition: $150.00
The Torch Theatre is offering an exciting summer opportunity for High School students with our intensive two-week training program that mirrors our Level 1: Beginning Longform Scenework. Students will learn the fundamental tools of improvisation to build confidence both on and off stage. Classes will focus on honest and truthful reactions to discover the humor in scenework. Students will participate in a fun and creative environment in which all ideas are supported through improvisations core concept of saying “yes…and.” Concepts will focus on emotional reactions, listening, character development, environment, support & acceptance. Students will build an entire show as an ensemble on the spot. The skills learned in this class will be useful in life as well as on stage.
Meeting Times: June 10th – 20th Monday through Thursday
- 1pm – 4pm
This class will enjoy a showcase at the end of the session.
- Showcase is scheduled for Thur., June 20th at 6pm
Find out more about our instructors and scholarships here.
Improvised Singing
- Instructor: Shane Carey
- Next Class Begins: Saturday Jun 15th, 2013 at 2:30pm
- Session length: 3 Hours
- Tuition: $20.00
In improvised singing, you don’t need to be a candidate for American Idol; all you need is the same confidence that allows you to play an astronaut, a giraffe, or a neutrino on stage despite never having been one of those. This workshop will cover the basic mechanics of rhythm, meter, and song structure, which are literally all you need to know to make up a song on the spot. Beyond that, we’ll explore how improv principles such as emotional commitment and ensemble support extend to musical improv, and when and why you may choose to break into song even if you’re not in a musical improv troupe.
Prerequisite: Torch Level I or equivalent.
*All retakes will go on a waiting list.
*This workshop is a prerequisite to register for the Musical Lottery group which will open on June 16th and start rehearsing in July. Get more details.
Go With The Flow
- Instructor: José Gonzalez
- Next Class Begins: Saturday Jun 22nd, 2013 at 2:30pm
- Session length: 3 Hours
- Tuition: $20.00
Feeling stalled on stage? Ending up in scenes with nothing going on except bickering? Not having fun? Go With The Flow is for you! Improv is simple, exciting, and fulfilling when we get out of our own way and really open up to creating on stage together. Whether you’re an improv newbie or a vet feeling slumpy, Go With The Flow is here to help make your scenes clearer, better, and more fun through listening, honoring the moment and what’s already there, and making active choices that avoid arbitrary conflict.
Prerequisite: Level 1 Or Equivelant
FREE Drop-in Improv Class
- Instructor: Sam Haldiman
- Next Class Begins: Saturday Jul 6th, 2013 at 2:30pm
- Session length: 3 hours, 1 session
- Tuition: $0.01
Wanna give improv a try? Here’s your chance!
This FREE class will focus on basic exercises and the fundamentals of improv. It’s a brief glimpse into the core curriculum of The Torch Theatre’s training center. This class is superfun and a great way to sample what we teach. No registration required, just come and give it a shot!No registration required.
Just drop in and give it a shot!
Carte Blanche
- Instructor: Jacque Arend
- Next Class Begins: Saturday Jul 13th, 2013 at 2:30pm
- Session length: 3 Hours
- Tuition: $20.00
Structure becomes a useful tool in longform – but longform isn’t determined by structure. It does exist without it. Free up your performance by throwing away the boundaries of format, start with a blank card and experience instant longform. Focus on creating strong characters and relationships early in your montage without feeling the need to follow plot so that the world can expand and snap back together. Through randomness, playfulness and fun we still make brilliant connections and callbacks, even without structure holding our hand. This workshop is great to take back to your troupes – if structure starts to stifle you – use the Carte Blanche to refresh.
Prerequisite: Level 3
SceneBlast!
- Instructor: José Gonzalez
- Next Class Begins: Saturday Jul 20th, 2013 at 2:30pm
- Session length: 3 Hours
- Tuition: $10.00
SceneBlast! is, um, a blast of scenes. We’ll start with some warmups and then it’s a continuous stream of just one scene after another. When you finish a scene, you’ll come off stage and get notes directly from one of three teachers in the house. Then you’ll get right back on stage and into the scene rotations. SceneBlast! is the improv workout you’ve been looking for!
Instructors – Jose Gonzalez and two guests TBD
Prerequisite: Any improv training
Level 1: Beginning Longform Scenework
- Instructor:
- Next Class Begins: Saturday Aug 3rd, 2013 at 11:00am
- Session length: 8 weeks
- Tuition: $195.00
Students will learn the fundamental tools of improvisation to build confidence both on and off stage. Classes will focus on honest and truthful reactions to discover the humor in scenework. Students will participate in a fun and creative environment in which all ideas are supported through improvisations core concept of saying “yes…and” to help further the scene. Concepts will focus on emotional reactions, listening, character development and environment work to allow students to be in the moment on stage.
Class includes a student performance.