IMPROV COMEDY for Adults
Improv provides a fun way to learn how to think on your feet by freeing your mind, body and imagination through group exercises and games in a safe and supportive atmosphere. These classes delve deep into the craft of improv with more complex games as the weeks progress. All classes are taught by improv professionals.
If you’ve always been curious about improv, this is your chance!
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No experience required to begin
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Learn traditional improv games
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Explore your own creativity in a supportive environment
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Develop spontaneity and learn how to shed your inhibitions
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Not just for actors, but for anyone who wants to develop these skills for personal or business use
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For actors who want to try another angle on performing
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Repeat any class to deepen your understanding and tighten your skills
Discount: Buy one class at full price, get the second in the same session at 20% off!
For questions or discount: sarah@vividstage.org
CLASSES:
Offered Every Session:
The Joy of Improv
Take a joyful dive into improv with this class, which introduces and polishes the foundational skills of improv.
Prerequisite: None
Beyond the Basics
Are you ready for more complicated games with wilder challenges? Then this class is for you.
Prerequisite: The Joy of Improv or the equivalent
Offered Select Sessions:
Characters and Games
Learn the secrets to creating memorable characters on the spot and learn a variety of short-form games. Building on "Joy of Improv" and "Beyond the Basics," this class will enhance your performance skills, expand your repertoire with a wide array of engaging games, and help you explore new personas. Perfect for those eager to take their improvisational abilities to the next level.
Prerequisite: The Joy of Improv and Beyond the Basics
Exploring Long Form
Embark on a journey into the art of long-form improv, where you'll learn the foundational techniques and build towards performing the famous Harold form. This class covers the essentials of long-form improvisation, fostering deep relationship development and strong ensemble work. Ideal for those who want to delve into extended scenes and complex comedic connections, culminating in exploring the Harold form.
Prerequisite: The Joy of Improv or the equivalent
Happy Hour
Calling all squatters, rollers, runners, jumpers and belly floppers! This class is a non-stop workout of physically active games, using fun and laughter as stress reducing tools. This class requires a desire to physically play using your whole body! Please wear comfy clothing that you can move freely in and bring a water bottle. Students should also be comfortable with basic physical contact, as the class will involve team, duo and partner work.
Performance Workshop
This advanced class is designed for students who have completed "Joy of Improv," "Beyond Basics," "Characters and Games," and "Exploring Long Form." Over six weeks, you'll prepare for two live performances on the main stage under the guidance of Dave Maulbeck, who will teach the class, direct the show, and host the performances. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to put all your improv training into practice in front of a live audience!
Prerequisite: The Joy of Improv, Beyond the Basics, Characters and Games and Exploring Long Form or the equivalent
Please note: Classes are appropriate for students 18 and up.
Withdrawals and Absences:
All tuition payments must be received one week before the class begins. After this date, please contact us for availability.
Withdrawal and Refunds:
Should you find it necessary to withdraw from your class, the following refund schedule will apply:
Withdrawal 20 days before class begins: 100% refund
Withdrawal 10 days before class begins: 50% refund
Withdrawal 5 days before class begins: 25% refund
No refund for withdrawal fewer than 5 days before class begins.
Absences during the session may be made up during a later session at the instructor's discretion.
Class Schedule
Early Fall 2024
The Joy of Improv
Dates: Mondays, September 9 - October 28 (eight weeks)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $300
Instructor: Shereen Hickman
Beyond the Basics
Dates: Wednesdays, September 11 - October 30 (eight weeks)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $300
Instructor: Dave Maulbeck
Happy Hour
Dates: Mondays, September 9 - October 28 (eight weeks)
Time: 6:15-7:15 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $230
Instructor: Shereen Hickman
Late Fall 2024
The Joy of Improv
Dates: Mondays, November 4 - December 16 (six weeks - no class Thanksgiving week)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $230
Instructor: Dave Maulbeck
Beyond the Basics
Dates: Mondays, November 4 - December 16 (six weeks - no class Thanksgiving week)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $230
Instructor: Sandy Fenelus
Characters and Games
Dates: Wednesdays, November 6 - December 18 (six weeks - no class Thanksgiving week)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $230
Instructor: Dave Maulbeck
Winter 2025
The Joy of Improv
Dates: Mondays, January 13 - March 3 (eight weeks)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $300
Instructor: Sandy Fenelus
Beyond the Basics
Dates: Wednesdays, January 15 - March 5 (eight weeks)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $300
Instructor: Dave Maulbeck
Exploring Long Form
Dates: Saturdays, January 18 - March 8 (eight weeks)
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $300
Instructor: Dave Maulbeck
Spring 2025
The Joy of Improv
Dates: Mondays, March 10 - April 28 (eight weeks)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $300
Instructor: Shereen Hickman
Beyond the Basics
Dates: Wednesdays, March 12 - April 30 (eight weeks)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $300
Instructor: Dave Maulbeck
Performance Workshop
Dates: Mondays, March 10 - April 25 (eight weeks)
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Performances April 18 & 25 at Oakes Center, 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Summit Public Library, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $300
Instructor: Dave Maulbeck
Late Spring 2025
The Joy of Improv
Dates: Mondays, May 5 - June 23 (eight weeks)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $300
Instructor: TBD
Beyond the Basics
Dates: Wednesdays, May 7 - June 25 (eight weeks)
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm
LOCATION: Oakes Center, Summit, NJ
Course fee: $300
Instructor: TBD
Instructors • Improv
Wendy Williamson Connolly has been involved in theater since she was in elementary school and has continued to enjoy acting, directing, writing, coaching and teaching for many years. She is currently a coach at Theatrical Artists Prep studio in Scotch Plains and a member of Contagious Laughter Improv Troupe. She received a B.A. in Theatre and Speech at Louisiana State University and went on to earn her MFA in Acting from The Theatre School, DePaul University in 1989. She studied improv at both LSU and DePaul and loves to play! She believes that improv is a skill that everyone should learn and that can help in all areas of life. Residing in New Jersey since 1992, she coaches and directs both youth and adults and continues to perform whenever she gets the chance.
Laura Ekstrand (she/her) was one of the founding members of Vivid Stage's house team, The Flip Side (formerly Multiple Personality Disorder) in 2002. Laura is the Artistic Director and founder of Vivid Stage, where she has appeared in What Stays; Sister Play; Rapture, Blister Burn; Motherhood Out Loud; and Shakespeare in Vegas, among many others. New Jersey Theatre: Bickford Theatre, Passage Theater, 12 Miles West, The Theater Project, Luna Stage, and the Pushcart Players. New York Theatre: Naked Angels, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and New Georges. Film: Fat Ass Zombies; Split Ends, High Art and I Shot Andy Warhol. Television: Hack, Sex And The City, Law & Order, and The Guiding Light.
As a director: Dead and Buried, Every Brilliant Thing, The How and the Why, Things Being What They Are, Next Fall, Distracted, The Pursuit Of Happiness, Melancholy Play, Pride’s Crossing, Full Bloom and many others. Podcast directing: The Weirdness and Young Ben Franklin for Gen Z Media. As a playwright: What Stays (with Jason Szamreta), Whatever Will Be, The Neighborhood (Book and Lyrics; Music by Joe Zawila), Brink of Life (Book; Lyrics by Steve Harper; Music by Oliver Lake) and Astonishment, How to be Old: A Beginner’s Guide, and At Ninety-Three (Adaptations). Laura is a private monologue and public speaking coach and holds a BA from Yale University and an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College. Laura is a member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA and the Dramatists Guild.
Sandy Fenelus has worked as a High School Theater Teacher for four and a half years and is thrilled to return to her love of teaching improv. She has worked with The Theater Project's production of Crowns as "Yolanda". LiveIn Theater as "Trixipop" in their flashmob film project. The Bullet Theater Collaborative's Godspell as a disciple. Vivid Stage’s The Electric Baby as "Rozie". Edison Valley Playhouse's Nunsense II: The Second Coming as "Sister Robert Ann." She has a BA in Theater from William Paterson University, and has studied acting at HB Studio. When she is not on the stage or teaching, you’ll find her drawing on her ipad or having dance parties with her toddler and husband.
Shereen Hickman is best known as a creator/lead clown for the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. She starred as Ginger in Zumanity in Las Vegas, then went on to Broadway to create the leading female role of Margaret in Banana Shpeel (directed by David Shiner). She then toured under the Big Top as Deeda in Amaluna (with Tony award winning director Diane Paulus). Currently, she is clowning around through the month of August at Rye Playland and the US Open. Fresh off a sold out run in Montreal, look for monthly performances with the Sunset Circus in early 2025 at The Marlene Meyerson Theatre in Manhattan. For current and detailed information, check her website periodically at Shereenhickman.com. Shereen studied at the Groundlings School of Improv in LA and has an extensive career in voiceovers. A lover of fun and general whimsy, Shereen seeks to spark laughter with others in need of a chuckle.
Gary Mahmoud is frequently seen playing intelligent, authoritative characters with a hint of smugness and sarcasm on New York dramas like Blue Bloods, New Amsterdam, FBI: Most Wanted, The Sinner, Jessica Jones, and Law & Order. Although frequently seen in dramas, Gary is a clown at heart often playing the high-status idiot or quick-witted jerk with appearances on TV comedies including: The Last O.G., Search Party, Friends from College, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and in online sketches for The Onion, Above Average, The Dad, College Humor, and Major League Baseball.
In addition to writing and performing with his PIT house sketch team and getting selected to perform sketch comedy in NBC’s annual diversity showcase, Gary has written and co-produced comedy videos seen by millions and shared by numerous outlets including: Time Magazine, ABC News, The Hollywood Reporter, College Humor, Funny or Die, BroBible, Ad Week, Entertainment Weekly, The Huffington Post, The New York Daily News, Gawker, CNET, The Daily Beast, Mashable, Mental Floss, Above Average, Gothamist, Decider, 22 Words, and many others.
Gary trained theatrically with Carol Fox Prescott and studied improv under Groundlings founder Gary Austin and at UCB with Chris Gethard and Charlie Todd. He continues to study on-camera with Bob Krakower (master class).
Dave Maulbeck (he/him) is an entertainment artist and member of the Screen Actors Guild and he recently relocated back to New York City after a multi-year stint in Los Angeles. He has starred in several commercials, including the Super Bowl Ad - Groundhog Day, for truTV, and as the Polish Polisher for Burger King. With film credits including the evil Dr. Wily in Megaman, and the main character Dracula Goes to Camp, Dave is no stranger to the screen. In 2007 Dave co-founded Chicken Scoop Productions where he executive produced several spec pilots, music videos, and web series. More recently he has been developing animation projects with BEHIND the BAG! Productions, where he is co-creator and illustrator of The Kinetix, a comic book series featuring high school superheroes whose powers derive from their respective disabilities, which recently reached full funding on Kickstarter.