Home of the Silverbacks Improv Theatre, Lafayette, Louisiana
Come to the 2nd Stage at Cité des Arts on Friday, May 10th, at 8:30pm, for SuperCollider: Acadiana’s Improv Showcase brought to you by Silverbacks Improv Theatre!
Featuring Improv by:
Marvelous Misfits (Lafayette, LA)
The OverEducated (Baton Rouge & Lafayette, LA)
and Ghost Balloon (Houston, TX).
Hosted by your favorite comic’s favorite comic: Mike Honore.
Tickets are $10, and are available online at silverbacks-improv-theatre.square.site
Improv Level 2, taught by Elaine Kibodeaux Paramore (Assistant Instructor TBA).
8 Saturdays, January 13-March 9 (with a break for Mardi Gras) from 10am-Noon at Cite des Arts.
Class size: 6 students minimum; 12 students maximum.
$200 for 8 days of class.
Register online at https://silverbacks-improv-theatre.square.site/
Elaine Kibodeaux Paramore has been acting for 26 years and improvising for 22. She is a founding member of Silverbacks Improv Theatre, having just finished her term as the 2022-2023 Artistic Director. She is a proud Cult of the Stage Monkey (UL-Lafayette) Alumna (’01-’08) and has studied and performed improv in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Elaine began teaching Improv Fundamentals for Beginners in 2009 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 16 at Oasis Bellydance Studio, where she leads a Bellydance Fit class and instructs new dancers in Bellydance Basics. She regularly uses her improv and acting experience to enhance her stage presence when dancing. She can also be found on your favorite podcast app, alongside her creative partner, Mads Manuel, on Storybroke: Miserably Ever After, returning in 2024.
Our Improv workshops continue with Improv Level 2. Move beyond the basics with characterization and 2-person scene building! Past students have gone on to create their own troupes, have much more airtight excuses when they’re late to work, and have been told they’re hilarious on zoom calls. Our eight-session course has helped to foster talent in Acadiana for years, and now it’s your turn. Sign up today! Improv 2 – A Silverbacks Improv Class Teachers: Mads Manuel & Claudia Mijares
Tuesdays – January 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, BREAK for Valentines day and Mardi Gras, Feb 28, March 7, 14, 21
Time: 6pm – 8pm CST
Where: Cité des Arts
Ages: 16+
Cost: $160*
Register online here:
https://checkout.square.site/buy/3JSMNV4FTGNIOUCOHRV22JUY
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 2023 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 Black improv students in the study of improv. 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.
Instructor Bios:
Mads Manuel has been improvising since 2007, when they join UL’s Cult of the Stage Monkey. They grew with the organization and served as Director, training several successful classes of new improvisers while also working to continue the development of intermediate and advanced performers. In 2012, they began performing with the professional group that would eventually become Silverbacks Improv Theatre. They’ve gone on to perform as part of the Your Pretty Friend Improv duo. In addition to their Improv experience, Mads appeared regularly in local community theatre productions and is proud to have cobbled together their anxiety into a convincing human personality.
Claudia Mijares has been improvising since 2016, and is a current member of several Lafayette troupes including The Weaning Process, Ragtag, The Plural Noun, Your Spooky Friends, and Silverbacks Improv Theatre.
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!)
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!
“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, founding member of The Weaning Process – Improv Troupe
Level One students will also have the perk of free entry to all Silverbacks produced improv shows while they are taking classes!
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 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.
**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.
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!
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, founding member of The Weaning Process – Improv Troupe
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.
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.
DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE –
Local Improv Comedy Troupe, Silverbacks Improv Theatre, will begin another round of improv classes starting in September. Silverbacks began offering improv classes in the summer of 2015, and has had great success and fun with their students. Improv troupes Weaning Process and The Plural Noun 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 or 3 if they choose.
IMPROV LEVEL ONE is an entry-level course to 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!
Level One students will also have the perk of free entry to all Silverbacks improv shows while they are taking classes
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
Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teacher Aren Chaisson)
Dates: Saturdays, Sept 8 – Oct 6th, 2018
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Ages: 16+
Cost: $100
Where: The Omni Center, 227 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Online registration and payment is available at: https://squareup.com/store/silverbacks-improv-theatre
Or send a Private Message to the Silverbacks Improv Theatre Facebook page or by calling 337-205-2129
Aren Chaisson III is a Rosie Award winning actor from Lafayette, Louisiana. He is a Talented Theatre teacher in Iberia Parish. He studied improv with Armando Diaz at the Magnet Theatre in NYC. Before that, he was a founding member of Hubbub Improv Troupe in Lafayette. Aren graduated from University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a BFA in Performing Arts. He studied commercial acting with Sean Bradley at The Green Room in Chicago and worked with Bill Coelius to being his commercial acting class to Lafayette.
