Springfield,
MA
– Improvisation, the skill of performing without a script may
make some
nervous, but a new introduction class aims to make it accessible
and
enjoyable.“LaughCrafters
101: Into to
improv basics” is a weekly workshop beginning January 27th
taught by
members of Phantom Sheep Players, western MA’s longest running
professional comedy
troupe.
Phantom
Sheep
has been providing original entertainment and Arts education for
over 20
years, including in partnership with Unity House Players in
Springfield, MA since
2019.Lead
instructor and artistic
director Eric Boucher is excited to be offering this “back to
basics” series to
encourage people to participate in the program who may’ve felt
intimated
beforehand. “Improv is for anyone!, “ said Boucher. “We are
proud to offer a
very welcoming and encouraging environment where people can
unleash their talents
no matter their experience level.”Using
theater games, participants will hone skills such as quick
thinking and
collaboration.There
is no expectation or
pressure to be funny, but plenty of laughs are expected as
participants learn
to discover the comedy in common situations.
The
class
is for adults 18+, but students ages 16 and 17 may participate
with
parent permission. Recent participants in their improv workshops
come from a
wide range of backgrounds, professions, and generations adding
to a rich
experience of meeting and working with others. Boucher adds
“even though the
improv games we teach are exercises used by actors, the skills
gained are
useful in everyday life.”
The
class
will meet each Monday 7-9PM for six weeks at Unity House
Players, 245
Porter Lake Drive, Springfield, MA. The fee for the entire
session is $85. There
is also a “New Year’s Improv Jam” on January 6th to
get a taste of
the class and opportunity for all levels to meet and play.The troupe also offers
tuition assistance to
make the programs more accessible.More
information and registration can be found at www.phantomsheep.com
and
Facebook/phntmsheep.