Improv for Actors

Train Your Instincts
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Hosted by

Brendan Hunter

Course Overview

Transform yourself with Improv for Actors

Why do some actors feel so confident improvising in their work and others seem to fall apart if the script isn’t followed to the letter? Improvising is a learnable skill, not just something you’re born with. It takes practice in the playing and risking, to get comfortable in the area of discovery and performance without safety nets. What better place to do that work than with other actors and instructors BEFORE you might need it on set, stage or in the booth. Improv is a tremendous skill to hone so that your work is always engaging, reactive and “real-feeling” to you and the audience. Over 6 weekly online live classes, we will play in many ways to familiarize you with techniques you can do solo or in a group to unlock your potential as an actor creatively capable of improvisation in script or unscripted work.

Improv helps actors with their auditioning and acting skills as well as giving them the tools to use on set, stage or in the booth. Many directors will ask actors to improvise on set with their fellow actors, and often before casting you, in the audition(s).

Course Outcomes

  • Rules of Improv:
    • Rule 1: Say Yes. The first rule of improvisation is AGREE. Don’t “deny”! Denial is the #1 reason scenes go bad.

    • Rule 2: Say Yes AND. The second rule of improvisation is not only to say yes, but YES, AND. Adding something, anything, to grow and evolve the work.

    • Rule 3: Make Statements, and if you “ask," don’t ask an open ended question. “Are you sad?” vs “how are you?”

    • Rule 4: There Are No Mistakes and you don’t have to “be funny.”

Hosted By

  • Brendan Hunter

    While Brendan Hunter has worked on several notable live action projects, he is best known for his many English-Version Anime roles. With classic roles on programs such as Dragonball, Dragonball GT, Cardfight! Vanguard, LBX, and others like Hunter x Hunter, etc. Video games include the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise and others like Mega Man: Powered Up, Order & Chaos and LBX for Nintendo. Since 2003 he’s been voicing the battle between good and evil in many forms, sometimes even rooting for evil. Currently appearing on Ladies vs. Butlers, LBX, Futurecard Buddyfight, and Cardfight! Vanguard and on TV, Film, Radio and online pieces the world over.

    Brendan has been an acting and voice coach for over 10 years in the studio.

Course Outline

01

Structure in Chaos

Using some script based as well as non scripted work, we will explore beats and instincts and develop skills for listening and being active and reactive.


  • -Stanislavski options for any moment with the “magic what if?”
  • -Meisner repetition and change/evolving games
  • -“One word” and one-sentence at a time stories and scenes
  • -Scripted works that encourage playfulness around a structured piece. By making most of the map for you, it allows for great improv to customize them and keep discovering new ways to perform it every time, helping hone instincts and choices.
  • -Games, games, games; allowing for solo, pairs and group work and discovery.
  • -Playfulness in emotional and energetic states to continue to solidify mind/senses/body/energy connection in your work and play.

The key is “playing," so showing up with a brave attitude (that doesn’t mean you aren’t scared) and a willingness to be silly and experiment is all you need. The falling down is natural, we will carry each other and fail forward! The actor who can improvise can not only SAVE a struggling scene, but also make it better than what was on the page initially.

02

No Homework

All sessions will be held in Zoom and you will be able to review the class recording if you miss a class. However, by enrolling in this course, you agree to not share any videos or images of any kind with anyone, both during and after the sessions. You may review the videos for your own viewing only. Nothing else. This is an issue that I take very seriously. Please respect the privacy of your classmates.

Due to the nature of the content, there will be no homework. In exchange, I will expect you to come to each class physically and mentally prepared, be willing to explore and fail spectacularly, and to do your best.

Course Schedule

2-4 hours per week

  • Wednesdays

    9PM-10PM EST

    Our live sessions happen every Wednesday.

Course Benefits

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  • Live interactive classes

    You will get personalized feedback and sessions will be just like a classroom setting

  • Video Recordings & Downloadable Content

    If you need to review a class or want to learn more, the content will be ready for you

Frequency Asked Questions

What happens if I miss a class?
We will record the live session for you to review.
What is your refund policy?
No refunds. Please be sure you want to take the course before you purchase it.
Do I have to turn on my video during sessions?
If you are uncomfortable showing your face on video, you don’t have to. It is helpful for instructors to watch your gestures and your movements in order to properly assess you as a student, but it’s not required.