Instructor: Lisa Frederickson
Prerequisite: None
Start Dates: TBD
Duration: 8 weeks
Cost: $300

Foundation I is a great workshop for someone who has never taken improv, as well as someone who is looking to learn a new improv style. This class focuses on the basics of improv, how to give simple, clear information to get a scene started, how to be changed by information given to you, and mostly to get out of your head, leave your inner critic at the door, and have fun on stage.

By the end of an 8 week session an F1 student will know:

• Improv Lingo: (they are given a glossary of terms)
• Relaxation: Through warm-up (vocal & physical) they are given tools to relax under pressure and be “present”.
• Having fun while frying. Letting go of the “getting it right” syndrome.
• Embracing Failure, Mistakes are truly Gifts.
• Basic Stage Presence: the student can be seen and heard, is not constantly upstaging or turning back on audience.
• Learn to build a scene by learning how to CROW (establish Character, Relationship and the Objective and Where of the scene) through a series of exercises where they learn CROW through their bodies and not just intellectually. They will be able to execute CROW or at least know when it isn’t there. They will have an understanding of Building Characters, Emotions, Relationships, Objectives, Where’s, Endowments, & Narrative.
• Saying Yes – able to move action and not block. Playing first offer out all the way until it organically flips into something else. Getting in tune with their own impulses and starting from that clear space – then learning to accept others impulses.
• Ensemble/making your partner look good, sharing control. Clicking into the Group Mind and getting out of your own way, serving your partner, making your partner look good,
• Letting go of Control: not planning ahead.
• Status is introduced, but more of a focus in F2

• Learn the fundamentals of improv in our Foundation Series. Actors and non-actors alike can benefit from our foundation classes. No previous experience required.

• Take the next step with Scene Study, a great weekly improv workout. Foundation I or Dean approval required.

• Studio Classes require an extended time commitment and present the opportunity to build a tight-knit performing ensemble, delve into long form, and explore genre-work. Scene Study or Dean approval required.

Lauren Rose Lewis, a SoCal native, received her BA in Theatre from Pepperdine University. Lauren has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in David Mamet’s “The Water Engine” and John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.” Since then, Lauren has appeared in numerous television shows, including: “CSI:NY,” “Entourage,” “NCIS,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Rules of Engagement,” “Ugly Betty,” “Days of Our Lives,” “Lincoln Heights,” and the Hallmark Channel’s movie “A Kiss At Midnight.” Recently, Lauren booked the FOX pilot “Inside Jokes,” and appeared on TBS’s “Glory Daze.”