Classes – Page 2 – Silverbacks Improv Theatre

Virtual Improv Comedy Classes starting February 6!

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:

Payment Plans – we can set up a payment plan for students – simply contact us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com.
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
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.

Interested in Classes? Get on our List!

Are you interested in taking a Silverbacks Improv class or workshop? Make sure you let us know! We are currently compiling names of children and adults who are interested in studying improv to schedule new classes and camps that meet demand.

Since 2015, we have offered Improv 1, Improv 2, and Improv 3 to the community, as well as special projects such as Movement workshops and Summer Camps. Participants have gone on to form their own improv troupes, join established ones, or simply enjoy the skills of Improv in daily life.

Improv Class of 2016 alum, and founder of The Weaning Process Improv Troupe, Leslie Tidwell had this to say about improv class with Silverbacks: “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.”

Interested? Let us know by sending us a message through Facebook or by email at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com. Let us know the season and day of the week that would be best for you to participate. Have you already “graduated” from Improv 3 and want to study more? Let us know what topics in Improv Theatre interest you!

We would love to have you in class. (Yes, you!)

Improv: Level 1- Winter 2020

Silverbacks Improv Theatre, will begin another round of improv classes starting in January. 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 recent grad troupe Lively Banter even found their beginnings in Silverbacks improv classes.

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

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.

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!

Registration is available online at https://squareup.com/store/silverbacks-improv-theatre

IMPROV ONE Class Details:
Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teacher Elaine Kibodeaux)
Dates: Saturdays – January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15.
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Cite Des Arts – 109 Vine St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Ages: 16+
Registration : $120

Still on the fence? Hear from a former student!

Level One students will also have the perk of free entry to all Silverbacks produced improv shows while they are taking classes!

The Early Bird gets the Gracious Goat!

Good News, Everyone!

Improv: Level 1 and Improv: Level 3 are currently open for registration at our Store! Not only is registration ready for you, but from now until December 28th, both classes fall under the Early Bird Discount umbrella!

Improv: Level 1, a 6 week introductory course, is only $110! ($10 off!)

Improv: Level 3, our 8 week advanced course, is only $135! ($25 off!)

Don’t miss your chance to start something new with Elaine or to brush up on your scene work with Sarah Mikayla! Register for one of our super-fun, super-affordable improv classes today!

Improv: Level 1’s Black Friday Sale

Just in time for the holidays, Silverbacks Improv Theatre presents special Black Friday thru Cyber Monday Pricing: Only $95 for our 6 week long Improv: Level One class! This deal will only be available from Midnight, November 29th through 11:59pm December 2nd. Set your alarms and tell your friends!

When the time comes, registration will be available online at https://squareup.com/store/silverbacks-improv-theatre

IMPROV ONE Class Details:
Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teacher Elaine Kibodeaux)
Dates: Saturdays – January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15.
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Cite Des Arts – 109 Vine St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Ages: 16+

Early Bird Special Pricing (Dec. 3-28) : $110
Regular Pricing (Dec. 29-Jan. 11) : $120

Improv: Level 2 is Back!

Improv 2 – A Silverbacks Improv Class
Instructor: Elaine Kibodeaux
Dates: Saturdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 2019
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Ages: 16+
*Early Bird Special runs through September 19: $135*
**Regular Price from September 20-October 5: $160**
Where: Cite des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Lafayette, LA 70501

Online registration/payment is available at: https://squareup.com/store/silverbacks-improv-theatre

Class size: 6 students minimum; 12 students maximum

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.

Elaine Kibodeaux has been acting for 22 years and improvising for 18. She is a founding member and assistant artistic director of Silverbacks Improv Theatre, a Cult of the Stage Monkey (UL-Lafayette) Alumna (’01-’08), Co-Director of Your Spooky Friends (an Improvised Horror Troupe), and has studied and performed improv in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Elaine began teaching Improv Fundamentals for Beginners in 2010 and has since added Improv Acting Techniques for Dancers and Movement for the Actor to her instruction repertoire. She is a belly dancer with Habibi Hips and Bal Amira, celebrating 12 years at Oasis Bellydance Studio, where she leads “BellyFit” classes. She regularly uses her improv and acting experience to enhance her stage presence when dancing.

Silverbacks and Lafayette Comedy present KIDS IN THE HALL’S KEVIN MCDONALD for Workshops this August

DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE –

Silverbacks Improv Theatre and Lafayette Comedy announce the following workshops:

Sketch Comedy Writing Workshop by Kevin McDonald – This workshop with Kevin McDonald is a writers workshop. Participants will arrive with a comedy sketch they have written, which will be workshopped by Mr. McDonald and the group, with active time for re-writes. Mr. McDonald will also follow up with the participants following the workshop with additional feedback on their sketch after a 2nd re-write!

Saturday, August 3
10am – 5:30pm
Venue TBA
Cost: $180, or $275 if signing up for both Workshops
Registration available at lafayettecomedy.com

Acting in Sketch Comedy by Kevin McDonald – This workshop will feature analysis of great sketch comedy acting, theatre games, and an afternoon of being directed in sketches by Mr. McDonald.

Saturday, August 4
10am – 5:30 pm
Venue TBA
Cost: $180, or $275 if signing up for both Workshops
Registration available at lafayettecomedy.com

Improv Comedy Classes starting July 20!

**DUE TO THE STORM IN THE GULF, IMPROV: LEVEL ONE WILL BEGIN ON JULY 20TH. STAY SAFE, FRIENDS!**

IMPROV ONE Class Details:
Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teacher Aren Chaisson)
Dates: Saturdays July 20, 27; August 10, 17, 24, 31.
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Cite Des Arts Dance Studio – 109 Vine St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Ages: 16+
Cost: $100

Silverbacks Improv Theatre, will begin another round of improv classes starting in July. 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 recent grad troupe Lively Banter even found their beginnings in Silverbacks improv classes.

The Silverbacks will begin by offering Improv 1. Students will then have the option to continue to Improv 2, 3, and 4 if they choose.

Still on the fence? Hear from a former student!

Level One students will also have the perk of free entry to all Silverbacks produced improv shows while they are taking classes!

Register online here: https://squareup.com/store/silverbacks-improv-theatre or by calling 337-205-2129. Students may also message the Silverbacks Facebook page with questions:www.Facebook.com/SilverbacksImprov

Teacher Biography: 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. This past summer 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 performs with Silverbacks Improv Theatre in Lafayette.

Improv Rumble! 2019

Who’s ready for a Rumble!?

Join us as Lafayette’s improvisers unite for the ultimate spectacle in competitive improvised theater!

The Improv Rumble will pit teams of improvisers against one another in an all-out brawl. Everything’s made up, but YOUR VOTES REALLY COUNT. Who will go home the victor? The answer depends on YOU. Audience members will vote on their favorite performances to determine a team winner.

This show will feature over 30 improv comedy performers, all from South Louisiana. These include Lafayette groups Silverbacks Improv Theatre, Cult of the Stage Monkey, Weaning Process, The Plural Noun and members from The Family Dinner and LATco in Baton Rouge. Improvisers will form mixed teams and compete against each other for the audience’s vote.

This show will focus on short and high energy improv “games” not unlike the popular show “Whose Line is it Anyway.” The Improv Rumble is sure to be full of high energy, big laughs and friendly sportsmanship. See performers who don’t normally perform with each other outside of their element and having a blast.

Come on down and see us Rumble on Friday, February 8, 2019, at 7:30 pm, at Acadiana Center for the Arts. Tickets are $12.

Improv: Level 3 with Sarah!

In Level Three, improvisers use scene work to develop specific skills, such as ensemble, character, acting, and other advanced improv skills.

The knowledge and practice from Levels One and Two provide students the opportunity to work on these new and deeper concepts and gives the instructor the chance to provide detailed feedback.

LEVEL THREE culminates with a performer showcase (on Feb 9 at 11am) where family, friends and the public are invited.

Prerequisite: LEVEL TWO. Must be comfortable acting in a group and working with others in scene work.

Schedule: 5 sessions (once a week for 5 weeks)
Saturdays | January 12 – February 9 | 10am-12pm
Class length: 2 hours (10 hours total)
Where: Cité des Arts (Dance Studio) 109 Vine Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
Class size: 6 students minimum; 10 students maximum

Tuition: $100

About the Instructor: Sarah Mikayla Brown has followed her obsessions with theatre and improv into the wacky life of a Talented Theatre teacher and performer. She is an ensemble member of Acting Up (in Acadiana) and artistic director of Silverbacks Improv Theatre. Brown is mildly “Cajun Famous” for her work with fellow theatre artist Lian Cheramie on projects such as “Cajun Face.” She is a graduate from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the improvisation program at the Annoyance Theatre in Chicago.

Pre-register at https://squareup.com/store/silverbacks-improv-theatre, or contact us with any questions through our Silverbacks Improv Theatre Facebook Page.