2013 SUMMER I SEMESTER

Current Term:
Begins: Saturday, May 11
Ends: Sunday, July 14
Days Off: No Sat, Sun, Mon classes during Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27). No classes July 3-7. Class reviews will be given July 8-14, or via email (teacher's discretion).
Class Shows: Mon. July 1 & Tues. July 2

The Program:
Go U offers classes for a wide range of experience levels and personal motivations. Think you're the funniest person in the office and want to take that to the stage? Wish you could be more confident when speaking in front of others in a professional setting? Already performing and looking to hone your skills? We can place you in a class that is right for you. Taught by the best working improv teachers in town, these classes are a great way to meet new people and push yourself to do something new, fun and challenging.

The Improv Academy is broken into four programs: Intro and Advanced Improvisation, Skills, and Sketch Comedy Writing. We also offer Workshops. Classes are $200 and run for eight weeks. Our next term begins May 11, 2013. Please do not sign up for a later class unless you have taken the previous classes, or checked with Go U staff.

Paying for Classes:
Each term costs $200. Click through to either the Intro or Advanced tabs to register or pay for class. You can also sign up during box office hours at our theater.

If you're interested in becoming an usher or intern, and getting a discount on our improv classes, take this survey!

Questions?
Visit the FAQ page

If you have further questions, please contact Pj Jacokes or Jessica Loria at 248.677.1772 or classes@gocomedy.net.

• These classes are open to anyone, from any background with any skill set.  Everyone new starts at Intro 1. Please do not sign up for a later class unless you have taken the previous classes, or checked with Go U staff. Experienced improvisers should look to Advanced Improv.

• Current Term:
  Begins: Saturday, May 11
  Ends: Sunday, July 14
  Days Off: No Sat, Sun, Mon classes during Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27). No classes July 3-7. Class reviews will be given July 8-14, or via email (teacher's discretion).
  Class Shows: Mon. July 1 & Tues. July 2

  Intro 1: Welcome to Improv
  Every improv education starts somewhere - yours starts here. Learn the fundamentals of improvisation, basic games, scene work and skills. Get used to being on stage and working with others in safe, supportive environment.

  Thursday | 7-10pm | Teacher: Michelle Giorlando
  

  Saturday | 3-6pm | Teacher: James Quesada

   

  Intro 2: Improv Tools
  Intro 2 picks up where Intro 1 leaves off, taking the concepts covered and looking deeper into them. This class looks at the tricks, tips and tools of improv and incorporates them into a variety of games.

  Tuesday | 7-10pm | Teacher: Jenny Bloomer
  

  Sunday | 12-3pm | Teacher: Joe Hingelberg

   

  
  Intro 3: Improv Skills
  Intro 3 takes all of the skills learned in Intro 1 & 2 and focuses towards the goal of telling a solid story through scenes and games.

  Wednesday | 7-10pm | Teacher: Brian Papandrea
  

  Saturday | 12-3pm | Teacher: Clint Lohman

   

  Intro 4: Improv Games
  Games are the bread and butter of every improvisers diet and can be seen at Go Comedy! every weekend. Learn all about improv games from the classics to challenging new games, you’ll even learn a few of Go Comedy’s signature games.
  

  Tuesday | 7-10pm | Teacher: Chris Petersen

  Saturday | 12-3pm | Teacher: Pete Jacokes

Current Term:
Begins: Saturday, May 11
Ends: Sunday, July 14
Days Off: No Sat, Sun, Mon classes during Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27). No classes July 3-7. Class reviews will be given July 8-14, or via email (teacher's discretion).
Class Shows: Mon. July 1 & Tues. July 2

Advanced Improv focuses on scene work and long form montages. Moving past the gimmicks of game-based improv, Advanced Improv will challenge you to create memorable scenes and skillful shows.

• Advanced Improv requires some previous improv education. Contact us if you are unsure where you should start.
•  

Advanced 1: Scene Work
Shake the cobwebs off your improv or reinvent your approach. Learn the GoU Improv Philosophy and be free of the “rules” of improv. This class will focus on how you create a scene, work with a partner and keep an audience interested. 

Sunday | 12-3pm | Teacher: Gary Lehman

Monday | 7-10pm I Teacher: Sean May

Advanced 2: The Elements of Montage
Building upon the scene work skills of Advanced 1, Advanced 2 begins stringing those scenes together through an improvised montage. Learn and master the elements that create a montage.

Tuesday 7-10pm | Teacher: Lauren Bickers

Advanced 3: Forms
Now that you’ve learned the basics, learn how to perform signature montages in a variety of styles.

This class will not be offered this term.

Advanced 4: Long Form 2
Explore a series of advanced long form styles, while working on finding the game and building relationships!

Wednesday | 7-10pm | Teacher: Chris DiAngelo

Monday | 7-10pm | Teacher: Pj Jacokes

Advanced 5: The Show
Create and develop a one-act sketch show through improv. This is an audition only class.

Not offered this term. Will be offered in Fall 2013.

NEW! The new and improved Sketch Comedy Program is open to actors, comedians, improvisers, and writers. It tackles every aspect of creating a sketch comedy revue from brainstorming to writing, from acting to opening night. There will be assignments each week. If you're scared of a little extra work, this is not the program for you.

*Note: This class might not run the entire three hours each night. The length of the class depends on the number of students, whether they come to class prepared, and how long it takes to present the work and complete the in-class exercises.

Current Term:
Begins: Saturday, May 11
Ends: Sunday, July 14
Days Off: No Sat, Sun, Mon classes during Memorial Day Weekend (May 25-27). No classes July 3-7. Class reviews will be given July 8-14, or via email (teacher's discretion).
Class Shows: Mon. July 1 & Tues. July 2

Sketch 1: Writing
Sketch 1 focuses on the written word. It's a great class to learn the basics of comedy writing. From idea to draft, this class will give you all of the tools you need to be a polished sketch script writer. Everyone will be expected to write weekly.

Not offered this term. If you are interested in taking sketch, please email us at classes@gocomedy.net

Sketch 2: Creation
Sketch 2 will get you up on your feet. Creating new material from a variety of means in class and honing it into scripts during the week.

This class is not offered this term.

Sketch 3: The Show
Sketch 3 revolves around creating a show. Using material generated in Sketch 1 & 2, as well as new scenes, students will put together a 45-minute revue, complete with ligts, sound and music.

Monday | 7-10pm | Teacher: Pete Jacokes

Sketch 4: Performance
Sketch 4 is the grand finale. The class will rehearse the show created in Sketch 3 culminating in a short run at Go Comedy!

Not offered this term.

The Skills Program is an exciting new addition to the GoU curriculum. It offers a variety of classes in theater, film, writing, and improvisation. Each semester will have different choices, so check back to see if there’s something that interests you.

Improv Boot Camp: Bad Habits | Garrett Fuller | Sundays 3-6PM

Harold Boot Camp
This intensive stand-alone class will focus on developing the Harold improv form. The smaller class size will allow for more one-on-one feedback, and provide students the opportunity to closely develop an understanding of the Harold. Students must have at least 2 years of improv experience, and have a keen understanding of long-form improv.

Acting for Improvisors 
Do you want to improve your improv?  Do you wish you could be in one of the Thursday sketch shows?  This class will use acting exercises and improvised scene work to lead to stronger stage presence and stronger choices.  Will cover movement work, voice work, connecting to your partner onstage, whole body listening and much more.

The Art of Allowing Improv Workshop

• Instructor: Mark Beltzman
• Thursday, April 25, 2013 | 7pm | $35
•  

The ART OF ALLOWING IMPROV WORKSHOP is for the ensemble actor and improviser who desires to cultivate the ability to flawlessly and spontaneously create magic on stage and in life. Through engaged scene work, you will learn to develop tools to let fulfilling scenes emerge organically, including:

• - Cultivating a heightened sense of listening and an awareness of the scene around you
• - Learning the game within the scene
• - Making your partner look good
• - Finding the joy in the exploration
• - Getting out of your own way to allow creativity to flow
• - and more!
•  
• About Mark                                                                      
  
•  
• Mark Beltzman has been acting, writing, and directing since 1981. He was a founding member of Improv Olympic in Chicago and of the legendary group, Barons Barracudas. Mark has worked and directed at the famed Second City in Chicago. He was also an instructor/director at the The Second City Training Center, Improv Olympic West, and the Upfront Comedy Showcase. His generosity of spirit and love for the art has influenced many young performers who continue to value him as a source of creativity and inspiration through personal contact and theater workshops. He continues to be a requested advisor, director, and acting coach to some of the hottest young talent in the business.

Mark has also acquired a great deal of knowledge about the creative process of producing, writing, and directing while performing in such notable productions as: Mo Money, Billy Madison, The Wedding Singer, Speed 2, Star maps, Lovely and Amazing, Employee of the Month, Factory, Seinfeld, Roseanne, Norm, Curb Your Enthusiasm, According to Jim, Cold Case, House, True Jackson VP, The Young and the Restless, and Pretty Little Liars.

_________________________________________________________ 

GoYouth! Summer Camps

If your kids are fans of the TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? they’ll love Go Comedy’s Improv Camp. Our weeklong camp focuses on improv basics and performance games with an emphasis on listening, teamwork and support. At camp’s end, the kids perform a show for family and friends. The camps are taught by veteran teachers and improvisers from GoU: The Improv Academy's staff.

This year, we're excited to announce a partnership with the Franklin Athletic Club. Some of our classes will take place at the Club, and registration is available through their website, located here.

For all of the camps, drinks and snacks will be provided every day. However, students should bring a lunch each day. 

To Register, or ask any questions, please email classes@gocomedy.net or call Go Youth at (248) 677-1772.

Camps

Our 4-6 grade classes will be held at the Franklin Athletic Club. These classes run from 9:00am-4:00pm. To register, or for more information, please go to their website here.

Kids Camp 1 - Kids ages 8-12 | June 17-21 | At the Franklin Athletic Club

Full Day ($240)
Morning Session | 9-12pm ($45/day)

Click here to register for this class.

Kids Camp 2 - Kids aged 8-12 | July 29 - Aug. 2 | At the Franklin Athletic Club

Full Day ($240)
Morning Session | 9-12pm ($45/day)

Click here to register for this class.

The camps for students entering 7-12 grades will be offered at Go Comedy Improv Theater. These camps run from 9:00am-3:30pm each day, and feature a performance for friends and family at 3:30pm on Friday. Pizza lunch will also be provided on Friday. Half days are available; please contact us if your child is interested in signing up for a half day. To register, scroll down. If you have any questions, please email classes@gocomedy.net or call us at (248) 677-1772.

Kids Camp 3 - Kids entering grades 7-9 | July 15-19 | At Go Comedy Improv Theater

Full Day ($225)

Kids Camp 4 - Kids entering grades 10-12 | July 22-26 | At Go Comedy Improv Theater

Full Day ($225)

"There is no question that improv is a skill any aspiring actor needs to have and there is no question that GoU: The Improv Academy is the best place in the state to learn how to improvise."
Tony DiMambro | President, I-Group Talent and Casting

"I've been to Chicago, London, L.A. and San Francisco and I still haven’t found improv classes as fun and supportive as I had at Go U."
Darren Wong | Strategist, Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners

"Improv classes are a must for anyone who takes their craft seriously."
Ann Wilson | Productions Plus/Talent Shop

"My improv training with Pj Jacokes has not only made me a stronger and fearless stand up comedian, his invaluable guidance has also improved my abilities as a corporate trainer."
Mike Bobbitt | Comedian/SCEA Trainer

"Before taking classes at Go!, I considered improv only as entertainment. Now I realize that the theories underlying improv, especially the concentrated listening skills, are directly applicable in professional settings. Improv has made me a better instructor and administrator."
Professor Holly Helterhoff | Director, LTU Scholars and Undeclared Programs Senior Lecturer, Technical and Professional Communication College of Arts and Sciences, Lawrence Technological University

"Before I took GoU's Improv Academy classes, I was terrified to go "off script" when I did my standup. I prayed every time I got up that there were no hecklers or interruptions I'd have to address during my set.

After taking classes at GoComedy, my attitude has changed and my fear of uncertainty morphed into welcoming arms. My standup sets are more fun and more in the moment. Thanks Go!"
Darnell Anderson | Stand-Up Comic

"I knew that I would be stretched and challenged, but beyond that? I didn't know what to expect when I walked in to the Intro 1 class at Go Comedy. It introduced me to live Improvisational Comedy (Whose Line is it Anyway is one of the greatest TV shows ever). I learned to listen more intently and pay closer attention to what was going on around me. I also learned not to take myself too seriously. Best of all, I had FUN! Doing the class show was a great experience."
Todd J. List | Clarkston, Michigan

"Taking improv classes has really helped my stand-up performance. I am more comfortable on stage in general, but more importantly I am more comfortable straying from my material and just riffing on a subject for a minute or two. Those moments have given rise to some of my favorite bits now. I have also learned to listen more, which helps tremendously with generating material. I am more aware now, even off stage, of what is going on around me in terms of picking out those little gifts that can lead to comedy gold. Finally, I would say that my improv classes have taught me to just have more fun on stage. And when we’re having fun the audience is having fun."
Marv Anderson | Stand-Up

How long is a class term? One term is 8 weeks long. Each class meets once a week for three hours.

What’s the deal with this class show? Every class culminates in a show for family and friends, usually on a Monday or Tuesday night. This is the class’s chance to show off what they’ve been learning all term. I have improv experience.

Where should I start? Generally, we recommend that every person starts from Intro 1. Our philosophy is a little different from other improv classes, and ideally a class of students will go through the program together. However, if you have significant improv experience, it is always possible to move into one of the later intro classes, or the advanced program. If you are unsure, please contact us at classes@gocomedy.net.

What is your refund policy? Students can receive a full refund if they need to back out of a class before it begins. If you decide not to continue a class after the first couple weeks, the refund is $150. No refunds are offered after the third class.

Do you offer gift certificates for your classes? We do! Gift certificates are available in all denominations here. They are good for show tickets, as well as all of our improv classes.

Do you have age restrictions? For our classes, we generally ask that students are 18 or older (with the occasional exception). There are no other age restrictions, and we do get students of all ages and experience levels.

Can I take multiple classes at once? The improv classes are designed to build off of one another, so it’s recommended not to take more than one in a term. However, the Skills classes are usually perfectly fine to take along with another improv class, and many students also opt to take an improv and sketch class at the same time.

What are some of the benefits of improv classes? Improv classes have many real world benefits. They will help you be more comfortable on your feet, and in front of a crowd. In addition, you will learn to work with a group, and better understand how to support the people you’re working with. Our classes are very popular with attorneys and sales people, in addition to those who wish to explore improv comedy as a hobby or career.

Will you teach me to be funny? You are funny! But improv classes are not about being the funniest person onstage. It is all about getting out of your head, and learning to relax and feel comfortable. Oftentimes improv IS funny, but that is not the ultimate goal.

Do you offer any classes for kids or teens? We sometimes offer a teen drop in class on Friday from 7-9pm. For kids, we have three weeks in the summer for summer improv day camp. Unfortunately, as of right now, those are the only programs we offer for younger improvisers.

Summer School is all wrapped up for 2012. We'll keep you posted on future events! 
Thanks to everyone who attended - it was a blast!