CLASSES | cszrichmond

IMPROV CLASSES

LEARN IMPROV WITH RICHMOND'S LONGEST RUNNING IMPROV THEATER

PLEASE NOTE: Until further notice, proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required for all in-person classes at CSz Richmond.

FALL 2021 IMPROV CLASSES

IMPROV 101 - Introduction to Improv

Thursdays Sept. 23 - Nov. 11, 2020
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Showcase: Nov. 18, 7:30 PM

LOCATION: CSz Richmond Theater

For Adults 18 years and older • No pre-requisite

In Improv 101, we will learn the basics of improv comedy, focusing on agreement, safety, active listening, commitment, and being present in the moment. The lessons taught in this course improve presentation skills and public speaking, social skills and conflict management, and, of course, on-stage decision-making and humor, so whether your goal is to give the best speech at your sister’s wedding or to get on stage as a Major League ComedySportz player, we can help. You’ll learn practical ways to build teamwork and trust, all while making people laugh and having a lot of fun! If you’ve never done improv before, or you’d like to revisit the fundamentals of short-form (game-based) improv in an inclusive, safe, and fun environment, this class is for you. The class ends in a showcase for friends and family.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Rachel Garmon Williams has been an improviser since 2005 starting with CSz RVA. Rachel has been teaching a variety of improv classes and workshops for all ages for 11 years including Richmond, DC, and across the country. They continue to perform across the country and world each year. Rachel is one of our DEI Committee Co-Chairs and our Access Coordinator,producing our sensory friendly matches and classes for those on the autism spectrum as well as teaching accessible improv.

8 Weeks • $180

Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required.

IMPROV 101 for LGBTQIA+

Wednesdays Oct. 13 - Dec. 8 2020
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
(no class 11/24)
Showcase: Dec. 15, 7:30 PM

LOCATION: CSz Richmond Theater

For Adults 18 years and older • No pre-requisite

In Improv 101, we will learn the basics of improv comedy, focusing on agreement, safety, active listening, commitment, and being present in the moment. The lessons taught in this course improve presentation skills and public speaking, social skills and conflict management, and, of course, on-stage decision-making and humor, so whether your goal is to give the best speech at your sister’s wedding or to get on stage as a Major League ComedySportz player, we can help. You’ll learn practical ways to build teamwork and trust, all while making people laugh and having a lot of fun! If you’ve never done improv before, or you’d like to revisit the fundamentals of short-form (game-based) improv in an inclusive, safe, and fun environment, this class is for you. The class ends in a showcase for friends and family.

This course is designed specifically for members of the Rainbow Coalition, in order to provide a comfortable and supportive space for queer performers to explore improv skills.

Not sure if this class is the right fit for you? Please reach out to our Education Director, Theresa Burke, at theresa.burke@cszrva.com, and they will help you sign up for the course that best fits your needs.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Burke is a Major League player who joined ComedySportz Buffalo in 2009, and transferred to CSz Richmond in 2016. They also hold a Master's Degree in Special Education, and bring a lens for differentiation, adaptation, and inclusion into the improv performance space. They currently serve as the Education Director for CSZ Richmond, and have led improv workshops around the country, including in Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia.

8 Weeks • $180

Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required.

BIPOC IMPROV 101 - Online

Wednesdays Sept. 22 - Oct. 27, 2021
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM EASTERN TIME
Online Showcase TBD by class participants

LOCATION: Online via Zoom

For BIPOC Adults 18 years and older • Minimum enrollment 5 students; maximum 16 • No pre-requisite

In Improv 101, we will learn the basics of improv comedy, focusing on agreement, safety, active listening, commitment, and being present in the moment. The lessons taught in this course improve presentation skills and public speaking, social skills and conflict management, and, of course, on-stage decision-making and humor, so whether your goal is to give the best speech at your sister’s wedding or to get on stage as a Major League ComedySportz player, we can help. You’ll learn practical ways to build teamwork and trust, all while making people laugh and having a lot of fun! If you’ve never done improv before, or you’d like to revisit the fundamentals of short-form (game-based) improv in an inclusive, safe, and fun environment, this class is for you. The class ends in a showcase for friends and family.

This course is designed specifically for students that self-identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color, in order to provide a comfortable and supportive space for BIPOC performers to explore improv skills.

Not sure if this class is the right fit for you? Please reach out to our Education Director, Theresa Burke, at theresa.burke@cszrva.com, and they will help you sign up for the course that best fits your needs.

6 Weeks • $115
(full & partial scholarships available)

SOLD OUT

Why is CSz Richmond offering classes specifically for those in the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities?

Comedy has historically been and continues to be dominated by cis white men. Too many aspiring comedians have gone unseen because they didn’t see their faces, bodies and experiences reflected on stage, and this needs to change. AT CSz Richmond, we want our theater and stage to accurately reflect the community we serve, and having more BIPOC voices and perspectives will only improve our community and comedy. This class is just one step in our ongoing efforts to create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable space. Outside of this class, we will also offer scholarships for all of our other classes, and we’d love to see you in them!!

Proud to support the efforts of the Black Improv Alliance in speaking out against racism and amplifying underrepresented voices within the improv community nationwide.

Presenting a series of one-night workshops, designed for everyone to help bring improv into different parts of your life!

"Simple Simple Dance Moves" with GeGe Beall
Wed, Nov 17
CSz Richmond Training Center
Nov 17, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
CSz Richmond Training Center, 8906 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294, USA
For improvisers and performers wishing to boost their musical improv skills!
MORE INFO & REGISTER

"Accept the Unexpected" with Emily Arnold Fleming
Wed, Nov 24
CSz Richmond Theater
Nov 24, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CSz Richmond Theater, 8906 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294, USA
Using improv skills to help with those everyday moments of change!
MORE INFO & REGISTER

"You are Enough! Gaining Confidence" with Zinah Mack
Thu, Dec 02
CSz Richmond Theater
Dec 02, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CSz Richmond Theater, 8906 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294, USA
Gaining Confidence to Make the Hard Decisions
MORE INFO & REGISTER

"Make Bold Life Choices" with Emily Arnold Fleming
Thu, Dec 16
CSz Richmond Theater
Dec 16, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CSz Richmond Theater, 8906 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294, USA
Break out of routines and take steps towards your goals!
MORE INFO & REGISTER

"Overcoming Imposter Syndrome" with Emily Arnold Fleming
Sun, Dec 19
CSz Richmond Theater
Dec 19, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CSz Richmond Theater, 8906 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294, USA
Breaking through that self-doubt!
MORE INFO & REGISTER

"Build Your Caregiver Toolkit" with Dave Gau & Christine Walters
Wed, Dec 22
CSz Richmond Theater
Dec 22, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CSz Richmond Theater, 8906 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294, USA
Learning improv techniques to boost caregiver skills!
MORE INFO & REGISTER

"Being Present" with Emily Arnold Fleming
Thu, Dec 23
CSz Richmond Theater
Dec 23, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
CSz Richmond Theater, 8906 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294, USA
MORE INFO & REGISTER

"Network Yourself" with James Wasilewski
Wed, Dec 29
CSz Richmond Theater
Dec 29, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CSz Richmond Theater, 8906 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294, USA
Build your personal pitch!
MORE INFO & REGISTER

"Boost Your Public Speaking Skills" with GeGe Beall
Thu, Dec 30
CSz Richmond Theater
Dec 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
CSz Richmond Theater, 8906 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294, USA
Understand the why and how of talking in front of a crowd!
MORE INFO & REGISTER

WINTER 2022 IMPROV CLASSES

FREE IN-PERSON IMPROV SAMPLER CLASS!

Want to try this whole "improv" thing but are afraid of committing to an entire 8-week class? Then come try it out for FREE!! We're offering a free 2-hour Improv Basics class for the commitment-phobic. Come play with us and a bunch of other people just as curious as you. You still need to register so we know you're coming, but otherwise it's totally no strings attached. Yes, AND!

Ages 18 and up, please!

LOCATION: CSz Richmond Theater

Thursday, January 6th, 2022

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

For Adults 18 years and older

Our High School League and Middle School League teams meet and play all year long! Find out more HERE!

Our popular SUMMER CAMPS are are now closed for Summer 2021! We're looking forward to a triumphant return to in-person camps for the Summer of 2022. Be sure to subscribe to our email to be the first to know when they go online!

CLICK HERE to see the virtual camps we offered in 2021!

Our school age programs are designed to teach kids cooperation, collaboration, kindness, and creativity through the basic elements of storytelling, characters and interactive play. Our popular summer COMEDY CAMPS are when we offer the most classes for school aged kids.

And throughout the year, we offer weekly Middle and High School League® ComedySportz® programs. Find out more about our CSz School Leagues HERE!

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT US?

Quotes and testimonials from actual CSz Richmond Improv students

" 'Yes, And' opens up a whole

new world of endless

opportunity and possibilities!!"

"It's just really amazing to see someone come out of their shell and blossom before your very eyes."

"Taking a Comedysportz class is like going to funny boot camp except without the guns and uniforms."

"Improv training made me more confident with giving presentations to large groups of people."

"You support each other. You learn to share focus, which means you have each other's backs."

"It makes me feel better about myself, and it makes me feel more confident in a new situation."