Category: Calendar

Prerequisite: LEVEL ONE or previous stage or public speaking experience. Must be comfortable acting in a group and working with others in scene work.

Though the emphasis of the class is still on fun, LEVEL TWO includes some conceptual and technical information to help build your improvisational skills. LEVEL TWO introduces students to principles of teamwork, character building and other concepts that will help to build comfort in spontaneity.

Based on games learned in Level One, LEVEL TWO students get to enhance their performance skills through exploration of their own style of play.

All classes will be held virtually on Zoom.

Classes run on Saturdays from April 17 – June 5th – 2-4pm.

This is course is $160 as the base rate. That said, Silverbacks believe that price should not be a barrier for the study of improv. We are committed to the following initiatives for our 2021 courses:

• Payment Plans – we can set up a payment plan for students – simply contact us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com.
   
• We are invested in providing scholarships to Black students for our courses to create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable improv community. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please email silverbacksimprov@gmail.com
   
• Other arrangements can be made as necessary – reach out to us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com.

Teacher Biographies:

Mike Honore is a stand up comedian and improviser based in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a member of the Family Dinner improv troupe. His debut comedy album, “Splenda Afternoon,” can be found on iTunes.

Sarah Mikayla Brown is a member of Silverbacks Improv Theatre as well as improv ensembles Rag Tag and Two for the Road. Brown is a graduate of the improvisation program at the Annoyance Theatre in Chicago.

LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA –  

Silverbacks Improv Theatre will begin a round of virtual improv classes, starting February 6th, via Zoom. Silverbacks began offering improv classes in the summer of 2015, and has had great success and fun with their students. Improv troupes Weaning Process, The Plural Noun, and Lively Banter found their beginnings in Silverbacks improv classes. 

Silverbacks will begin by offering Virtual Improv 1. Students will then have the option to continue to Improv 2 and 3 if they choose. 

VIRTUAL IMPROV ONE Class Details:
Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teacher: Aren Chaisson) 
Dates: Saturdays February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 6, 13.  
Time: 2pm – 3:30 CST
Where: Anywhere in the world – via Zoom. 
Ages: 16+Cost: $120*

Register online here: https://silverbacks-improv-theatre.square.site/
Students may also message the Silverbacks Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/SilverbacksImprov, or email us with questions at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com. 

*Silverbacks believe that the price should not be a barrier for the study of improv. We are committed to the following initiatives for our 2021 courses: 

1. Payment Plans – we can set up a payment plan for students – simply contact us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com. 
2. We are participating in the Black Improv Alliance’s program, 100 Black Improvisers. The goal of the program is to sponsor 100 Black improv students taking Improv 101 by the summer of 2021. We are participating by offering a number of scholarships for Black students. Please reach out to Silverbacks or see the Black Improv Alliance’s website for more information: https://blackimprovalliance.com/100-black-improvisers
3. Other arrangements can be made as necessary – reach out to us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com. 

IMPROV LEVEL ONE is an entry-level journey into the joys and thrills of improvisation, or “improv.” Students will learn and practice the application of “group mind” and the all-important “yes, and” – and other improv concepts and vocabulary. Students will practice new skills, perform and play in a safe, low-stakes, and friendly atmosphere. These classes will be held virtually through Zoom. 

LEVEL ONE is perfect for the super fan of comedy or improv who has yet to perform, the curious introvert wanting to try something new, or someone looking to improve their public speaking or quick decision making skills. At the conclusion, you can move on to Level Two or continue to take LEVEL ONE again – as many times as you’d like. You’re sure to get something new out of it each time!

Still on the fence? Hear from a former student! 

“Silverbacks Improv Theatre classes were a great experience. I felt like I was in a slump, and these classes lifted me up. I made friends, gained confidence, and had the opportunity to play. The teachers miraculously offer a relaxed yet rigorous environment where challenge is welcome, but never judgment.” -Leslie Tidwell.

About your Teacher: 
Aren Chaisson III  –  Aren is from Lafayette, Louisiana and teaches Talented Theatre in Iberia Parish. Since moving back from New York City in May 2011, he has performed in many productions, including John Proctor in The Crucible, Huey P. Long in The Kingfish, Dale Pittman in The North Plan, Harry “Jazzbo” Haywood in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Lenny in Of Mice and Men, Foreman in Twelve Angry Men, Cliff in Cabaret, Officer Lockstock in Urinetown and William Shakespeare in William and Judith. In the summer of 2018 he was in his first CCT production as Jud in Oklahoma! Since graduating from University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a BFA in Performing Arts, he has performed in NYC, Chicago, Syracuse, Alabama, Indiana, on regional and national tours, and in short films and commercials. He studied improv with Armando Diaz at the Magnet Theatre in NYC and is the current Artistic Director of Silverbacks Improv Theatre in Lafayette. During 2020, Aren took the opportunity to learn more about the virtual instruction of improv.