Submitted by Orcas Center.

Kyle Duncan Graham and Orcas Center are offering a series of improv classes starting this January. Sign up at www.orcascenter.org; select the drop-down tab “Events & Classes,” and then select “Classes.” For all sessions, wear close-toed shoes and bring a bottle of water. It is $150 for the five-week session, and we are offering two subsidized level prices at $120 and $90.

IMPROV 1 – Foundations of Improv

In this Foundations of Improv class, we will focus on the core tenets of improv: to say yes to the action, to listen closely, to work as a group, to discover organically and, most importantly, to have fun. Games and group work will be shared and enjoyed by all participants in the class, and by the end of the five-week course, you will have the tools you need to not only become a great performer but to become an even better human being.

Whether you’re a seasoned improviser, new to the stage or are interested in improv as a tool for personal enrichment, this class has everything you need to get your feet wet and have fun! Duncan Graham believes that “Improv is for everyone,” and, in this class, we can do it together.

Students need to show a willingness to be in class regularly, stay focused and work hard. There are no prerequisites for doing this work, other than that it will be physical and vocal in nature, and there will sometimes be bodily contact between participants.

Ages: 18-plus.

When: Tuesdays from Jan. 13 to Feb. 10, 6-8 p.m.

Where: The Black Box at Orcas Center.

IMPROV 2 – Advanced Improvisation Techniques

Here in this Advanced Improvisation Techniques class, we will focus on how to create more immersive experiences within the realm of improvisation. Games, group work and stage time will be used extensively by all participants in the class. In only five weeks, you will build on the previous things you’ve learned and also learn the skills needed to make great choices, create memorable characters and build scenes with your classmates.

Topics covered are: the rules of improv (and when to break them!), how to commit to brave choices, how to cultivate a group mindset, finding “the game” and many more!

Students need to show a willingness to be there regularly, stay focused and work hard. Previous enrollment in an improv class here at Orcas Center or an awareness of what improvisational theater is is required to be in Improv 2. The work will be physical and vocal in nature, and there will sometimes be bodily contact between participants.

Ages: 18-plus.

When: Wednesdays from Jan. 14 to Feb. 11, 6-8 p.m.

Where: The Black Box at Orcas Center.

Middle/high school classes

Have you ever wondered how your favorite actors and comedy influencers became so good at what they do? You, too, can learn how to act, create and make audiences laugh without a script!

In these middle and high school improv classes, we will focus on the core tenets of improv: to say yes to the action, to listen closely, to discover organically, and — most importantly — to have fun. Games, group work and stage time will be shared and enjoyed by all participants in the class. By the end of the five-week course, you will have the tools you need to not only become a great performer but to become an even better human being.

Whether you’re a seasoned improviser, new to the stage or are interested in improv as a tool for personal enrichment, this class has everything you need to get your feet wet and have fun! Duncan Graham believes that “Improv is for everyone,” and, in this class, we can do it together.

Students need to show a willingness to be in class regularly, stay focused and work hard. There are no prerequisites for doing this work, other than that it will be physical and vocal in nature, and there will sometimes be bodily contact between participants.

Age:

Middle school: must be enrolled in sixth through eighth grade.

High school: must be enrolled in ninth grade through 12th grade.

When: Middle school: Tuesdays from Jan. 13 to Feb. 10, 3:30-5 p.m.

High school: Mondays from Jan. 12 to Feb. 9, 3:30-5 p.m.

Where: The Black Box at Orcas Center.

Whalewreck – The Improv Jam Room

Have you ever been interested in doing improv theater but something has always held you back? Perhaps you’ve never had the chance to do it, or you’ve been too intimidated or maybe a hideous giant squid wrapped you up in its tentacles before you could reach the theater doors. Whatever the reason, you don’t need to wait a moment longer. We have an improv jam every Monday night where you can try it out!

Each week, we will focus on a different aspect of improvisational theater to work on, and we’ll close with stage time to try those ideas out. At WhaleWreck, everyone gets in the lab, everyone gets on stage and everyone’s a star!

There are no prerequisites for doing this work, save for being present, staying focused and listening closely. The work will be physical and vocal in nature, and there will sometimes be bodily contact between participants.

Age: Middle school to the oldest star in the universe.

When: Mondays from Jan. 12 until June 1.

Where: The Madrona Room at Orcas Center.

Cost: Suggested donation of $10.