A Two-Day Improv/Scene Study Intensive taught by Tracy Burns
Saturday & Sunday
April 1 & 2
10am - 4pm (with a one-hour lunch break)
In the Mendocino Theatre Company rehearsal room
at the Community Center of Mendocino
$150
Space is limited, so reserve your place in the class today.
Registration details are below.
When most people hear the word “improvisation” they usually think of improv comedy where performers make up funny scenes based on audience suggestions. While that is true, improv is also an invaluable tool for an actor to help bring life and spontaneity to their work. The same flexible and adaptable thinking improvisers need to create scenes is vital to an actor for being present in the moment, getting out of predetermined line readings, and avoiding predictable cliches.
Whether performing a comedic sketch or acting in a dramatic play, learning improv not only keeps scripted material fresh and alive night after night, but also makes actors a dream to work with for a director. In this two-day class, participants will learn basic improv skills and apply them to scripted material. Scenes will be provided.
Students will have the opportunity to explore:
• Trusting your instincts as well as your preparation
• Quieting your inner critic
• Really listening to your scene partner instead of waiting for your turn to talk
• Understanding that acting is a whole-body experience
• Knowing that everything you need in a scene is already there
• Improving communication between collaborators
• Discovering ways to shake things up when the process gets bogged down
• Finding your character’s objectives and actions more easily
• Bringing all of yourself to the work
Whether you’re comfortable with improv or have never done it before, Tracy creates a safe, fun and exciting atmosphere where everyone can explore, grow and have a great time.
ABOUT TRACY
Tracy Burns has been teaching and performing internationally for over 30 years. She coaches directors at Pixar on how to effectively communicate with actors, teaches acting to animators at DreamWorks and conducts performance analysis and visual storytelling at California College of the Arts, Chapman University and other animation studios and schools. She was named one of the top improv instructors in Los Angeles by Backstage magazine. She was the director of the improv program at Pepperdine University for 13 years and has taught at S.F. State, Middlesex College in London and the University of Central Florida, among others. She’s facilitated workshops for Google, General Motors, Telltale Games and Disney. Tracy was a founding member and co-artistic director of London Theatresports and was the artistic director of Los Angeles Theatresports. She has also taught numerous comedy groups in England, Germany and Holland. She was a core member and instructor for the award-winning improv group Impro Theatre. She has also taught and performed with many other groups such as BATS in S.F., Second City, ACME Comedy Theatre and ComedySportz. Tracy was a member of Mendocino’s own Hit & Run Theater for many years, as well as half of the comedy team Burns & Nunn with Doug Nunn.
“The greatest value of Tracy's class is you're so concentrated on exploration that you're not worried about trying to create a scene, and instead the scenes happen naturally. This naturally relaxed state happened to me more often than usual in Tracy's class.”
“It's not just that she challenges you to explore new creative avenues; it's that she provides a safe environment and encourages you to challenge yourself. It's one of the best improv classes I've ever taken. I'd recommend it to anyone who's serious about improv comedy.”
“Tracy’s class reminds you that you also have an entire body to bring to a scene. Allows you to really understand and explore how mistakes are just new discoveries. Allows you to find security in silence. Opens your eyes to movement all around you.”
“One of Tracy's superpowers is her ability to show her students how to work from the deepest source of their creativity, immediately and powerfully, with unconventional 'tools and techniques' that spring from her years of working with her own creativity, and watching others do the same.”
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT INFORMATION
To register for the class:
1. Email Tracy to let her know you’d like to take the class: tracyburnscreative@gmail.com
2. Pay the $150 class-fee (which includes a non-refundable $75 deposit). You can pay in any of the following ways:
• A check (Tracy will send you the address to mail it to)
• Money transfer to Tracy’s account at Bank of America using her email address
• PayPal. (If you use PayPal, please make sure to use the “Friends & Family” option, or she will be charged a fee. If she is charged, you will be required to pay the fee.)
The email address for both the PayPal and bank account is: tracyburnscreative@gmail.com
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel with more than 7-days notice, half the class-fee will be returned you. If you cancel the class with less than 7-days notice, you will not receive a refund. If Tracy needs to cancel the class for any reason, you will be refunded all of your money.Please wear soft-soled shoes and comfortable clothing as you will be moving around. There will be a one-hour lunch break.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Tracy: tracyburnscreative@gmail.com/
818-486-6677, or call MTC at 937-4477.
April 1 & 2 in Mendocino!
