A Not for Profit Organization Keeping you up to date on the "funny" in Durham Region.  *Make sure you click on "show images"! December 2017!Happy Holidays!!!!!Quick Links: Click here for the Durham Improv Website    Our new location!!! In the Keller Williams building 360 King Street West, Oshawa    THIS HIT SHOW IS BACK FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY!Gina & Joey's Mafia Wedding!Saturday, Jan. 27th, 2018Doors at 6pm, dinner at 7pm Tickets only $35! Show, buffet dinner and coffee/tea Cash bar. Dellagio's Banquet Hall1801 Dundas Street East, Whitby(in the Kendalwood plaza) For tickets:(905) 433-8828info@dellagios.ca ON-CAMERA FOR YOUTH, ONE-DAY WORKSHOP!SATURDAY, JAN. 6TH, 2018Time: 1pm to 4pm *At 3:30pm we ask the parents to return and sit in on the talk about the next steps: what a head shot looks like, a resume, how to find an agent, etc.What you'll need to pack: A water bottle, snacks, a highlighter. Total Fee:  $130 To register: contact Stephanie at info@durhamimprov.com or (647) 899-3342  ONE-DAY SPECIALTY WORKSHOP:VOICE OVER ACTING!Saturday, Jan. 13th, 201810am to 2pmLearn the basics of microphone technique, practice with scripts for narration, commercials, and animation. Learn about voice agents, what makes a good demo reel, what the different online sites are, and how to build your own home studio. Limit of 6 participants*Eligible as the free workshop for the "Funniest" Membership holders!Please register with Stephanie at info@durhamimprov.com(647) 899-3342Location is at a private studio in Whitby Shores.$150(We will send you your takes via Dropbox) ONE-DAY WORKSHOP WITH THE CREATOR OF LONG-FORM IMPROV: MICHAEL GELLMAN! Former Artistic Director of Second City (Toronto), Co-founder of the Second City Training Centre and Conservatory Program, creator of their "Improv for Actors" program, and member of the Chicago Second City cast with Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, and John Candy!Author of "Process: An Improviser's Journey".Gellman has worked with, directed, and taught thousands of people in North America including:  And here's what they're saying: "Any skill I have today was honed by Gellman." - Scott Adsit"Michael Gellman has been the most influential person to my acting education." - Patrick McKenna"Gellman is a comedy legend." -Danny Pudi Saturday, January 20th, 2018 from noon to 6pm with a showcase open to the public in the evening at 7:30pm Location: At the Commons Theatre, 587A College Street (east of Clinton), Toronto Only 16 spots available! $175  ($150 advance registration until Dec. 20th!)The first half of the workshop will focus on the DNA, tools, and techniques used to explore the original Harold. We then will delve into a practicum to explore not only the original Harold but the potential for today's audience. Culminating in an evening performance. This show will allow the participants to explore the techniques and form of the original Harold in front of an audience. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE DETAILS Audience tickets are $5 at the door, doors open at 7pm. Show at 7:30pmCash bar!*Due to the limited number of spots, there are no refunds.____________________________________   Time to take that class you've been dying to try! Scroll down and find the right class for you and your family!To register, contact Stephanie at:info@durhamimprov.com(647) 899-3342_______________________________________________Improv for Beginners (Adults)! Using improv games popularized on the TV show, 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?', participants will learn to trust their instincts, build on the skills of listening, connecting with people, being spontaneous, and most importantly, they will get out of their comfort zone and learn to react! It is a six week course followed by a performance. There will be a final class show which allows for a supportive audience of friends and family to witness the confidence shift in the workshop players first hand! Taught by Scott Barnes  *New day!*Mondays, starting Jan. 8th, 2018 Time: 7:00pm- 9:00pmFlat Fee: $170  Stand Up (Level 1)!     In six weeks the student will learn:- How to construct a joke- The three main parts of a joke- The seven types of jokes- How to pick topics to write jokes- The number one trigger of laughter- How to write a "Top Ten List"- Mic technique and stage presence- How to memorize a set list Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory course that will help the participants construct their first 5 min. set.Taught by Jim McAleese (see our "About Instructors" page). Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 9th, 2018Times: 7pm-9pmCost: Flat fee $170 Stand-up Level 2:(By invitation from the instructor)The goal is to expand the student's monologue from 5-20 minutes to the level of a professional opening act.In six weeks the student will learn:- How to break in new material with the current act- How to turn insights and opinions into jokes- How to get more laughs per minute with toppers and tags- How to file material as it goes through various stages of development- How to determine when new material is ready to be tried out on stage- The four types of jokes TV talent scouts and club bookers look for: incongruity, comedic irony, recognition, act outsPrerequisite: Successfully complete Level 1. Students with at least one year's experience in stand up are also eligible but most provide a five minute filmed set in front of a live audience that illustrates knowledge of basic stand up comedy skills. Dates: Thursdays, starting Jan. 11th, 2018Times: 7pm-9pmCost: Flat fee $170 Advanced Improv!Taking all we know about accepting offers, character and scene building from the Beginner's class, the Advanced Improv class let's us explore more about creating 3-dimensional characters, focusing on scene work that is relationship based rather than on games. More attention to "Long form" improv is in this class, which takes on more of a theatrical feel, allowing the improvisers to explore longer scenes, while learning how to carry a scene on their own as well as advanced games. This class is ideal for actors and anyone with a solid base of improv. There will be a show on the last class. Taught by Adam Wilkinson. *New day!*Wednesdays, Jan. 10th, 2018Times: 7pm-9pmCost: Flat fee $170  _______________________________________ CLASSES FOR YOUTH!!Taught by Connor Atkins  KIDS IMPROV!!!Ages 7-10 This class is the foundation for thinking spontaneously, creating scenes and characters, listening and focusing, with an emphasis on team work. With acting exercises and improv games, the kids will learn fun games that will strengthen their confidence and interpersonal skills while laughing! Dates : Sundays, starting Jan. 7th, 2018 Time: 1pm to 2:30pmCost: $130 (flat fee)     TWEEN CLASS!!!Ages: 11-13 This class is comprised of mature kids learning the Whose Line is it Anyways style improv games which centre on: focus, team work, listening, and creativity. Led by Connor Atkins, the kids will work on the skill of creating scenes spontaneously, and will let their imaginations fly! There will be a showcase for friends and family on the last class, where these Tweens will perform their favourite games.Taught by Connor Atkins.At the end of the 6 weeks there will be a "show" where friends and family are invited to watch the kids perform their favorite games. Dates : Sundays, starting Jan. 7th, 2018 Time: 2:30pm to 4pmCost: $130 (flat fee)    TEEN IMPROV!(Ages 14+) Learn those "Whose Line is it Anyways?" style improv! Improv has been shown to boost confidence, focus, communication skills, and to be a whole ton of fun! Taught by Connor Atkins.At the end of the 6 weeks there will be a "show" where friends and family are invited to watch the kids perform their favorite games. Dates: Sundays, starting Jan. 7th, 2018 TIME : 4:30pm-6pmCOST: $130 (flat fee)