Details:
In this all-day improv intensive, students will learn how to initiate organic scenes with a focus on emphasizing discovery over intention. The class will also focus on giving and using gifts; which allows players to focus on relationship over situation and to dig deeper into character and story. It is taught by legendary comedian, improviser, actor, and writer Rich Talarico.
This class includes two class sessions, a rehearsal, and an improv showcase in the evening. The showcase will consist of two performing groups with 25 minute sets each.
Hosted by Hashtag Comedy.
Requirements:
Intermediate to advanced improv knowledge required.
Schedule:
10am - 1pm: Class session 1 - Initiations and gift-giving
1-2pm: Break
2pm-5pm: Class session 2 - Characters and story
5-7:30pm: Break
7:30-9:00pm: Rehearsal
9:30pm: Showcase at Hashtag's flagship theatre (1253 N. High Street)
About Rich:
Rich Talarico is a Peabody Award Winner who boasts four Emmy nominations and four Writer's Guild Award nominations. Rich is an actor, comedian, improviser and established writer/producer best known for his work on Comedy Central’s Key & Peele. Rich wrote K&P favorites Substitute Teacher, Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice and many more. Rich wrote and produced on MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically acclaimed, Review. Rich did punch up work on Mean Girls and Get Out. Rich’s most recent feature script The Widow Daredevil was an Official Selection of the 2020 Beverly Hills Film Festival Rich took his first improv class from Stephen Colbert at Chicago’s Second City. Rich went on to tour with SC’s National Touring Company and later co-created five original sketch comedy revues with SC’s Etc., and Main Stage Companies. While in Chicago, Rich was a performer and teacher at Improv Olympic (Now iO) under the direction of Charna Halpern and the late, Del Close. Rich played on the Improv Olympic house teams “Mr. Blonde” and “Faulty Wiring” – while co-creating long-form improv shows like “Strap Heads,” “Trio,” “Close Quarters,” and “Dasariski.” As an actor, Rich has appeared in featured roles on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant. — More at richtalarico.com
“Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers.” - Tina Fey
“Rich brings Lakers legendary coach Phil Jackson to mind. A cerebral educator who brings out the best in people.” — Keith "Lucky" Lehrer original drummer of “Circle Jerks”
“Rich is the embodiment of good improv: positive, giving, and genuine. We can’t wait to have him back!”— Colin Thornton - co-founder, Improv Cincinnati“
Rich’s workshop is considered a ‘must take’ at any festival he attends.”— Chris Moody - Producer, Detroit Improv Festival
“Rich's care for his craft and his students shines through.” — Stefanie Jewett, Student, Atlanta, GA
“Rich loves to teach, but also wants to learn from his students. His passion and respect for improv as an ever-evolving art form is infectious. Also, he’s a shitload of fun.”— Amy Rhodes, Student, Los Angeles
Questions?
If you have any questions, please reach out to Hashtag's Director of Curriculum, Shannon Poulsen at shannon@hashtagcomedy.com
