IMPROV TRAINING CENTER
The goal of iO West’s Training Center is to introduce performers to longform improvisation through iO’s signature form, The Harold.
Each level of iO West’s Improv Training program is designed to build upon the previous level of study, including the class performances in Levels 4, 5 & 6.
Internships Available for Classes
iO West’s internship program allows students to work at the theatre in exchange for improv classes. If you are interested in an internship, please fill out an application and return to the iO West Office or Box Office. Applications can also be emailed to info@iowest.com.
To download the Internship application Click Here
Internships are only available to currently enrolled students. Please call the Training Center with any additional questions!
IMPROV TRAINING PROGRAM
Click here to register and for more information
CLASS CURRICULUM
Level 1
Introduction to long-form improv & Harold. This level introduces the basics of agreement, making strong choices, supporting your partner, exploring pattern, heightening, and intro to Harold: iO’s signature long-form based on a single suggestion.
Level 2
Scenework. Extensive work in two-person improvised scenes, Level 2 sharpens listening skills, emotional choices and investment in the dynamics of a scene, such as status and “game”. Introduction to editing techniques, tag-outs, walk-ons, and further work with Harold.
Level 3
Who & Where: Characters & Environment. Focuses on advanced character work and exploring environment, using exercises and games designed to take the improviser out of his/her head and into the character and the world onstage. Object work, physical investment in character choices, wants & objectives, and advanced listening exercises provide the foundation for Level 3.
Level 4
The Harold. Level 4 applies the skills from Levels 1-3 to iO’s signature piece, The Harold. The class focuses on the structure of Harold, including openings, group games, and scenes. Advanced pattern work, group work, editing, and scenework are used to explore the challenges and magic of The Harold. Students have class shows in addition to weekly class sessions. Shows are twice monthly on Sunday nights.
Level 5
Advanced Harold & Longforms. Continues exploration of Harold and introduces other longforms, including Armando, The Deconstruction, The Improvised Movie, and others. Elements from other forms are applied to Harold, strong emphasis is placed on creating full longform pieces. Level 5 students have shows twice monthly on Sunday nights.
Level 5b
Advanced Scene and Form Study. The goal of this level is to give the player a template with which they can further analyze their own work as well as the work of others. To accomplish this we will be looking at: How to identify and play three primary scene types. Scenes in relationship to the piece they are in. Deconstructing scenes to identify five distinct types of information that can be played with and how to play with them.
Level 6
Performance Level. The goal of Level 6 is to prepare students for their Grad Show run, which begins after the completion of Level 6. Each class session focuses on developing the class into an ensemble through advanced group work and further exploration of The Harold and other forms and building on the skills and concepts introduced in levels 1-5. Upon completion of Level 6, students begin their Grad Show run, eight weekly shows on Sunday nights.
Call 323.962.7560 for more info. For questions regarding classes, please email classes@iowest.com.
iO WEST WRITING PROGRAM
Now in its fifth year, the IO Writing Program has become an intrinsic part of the training center. the Writing Program is open to both writers and performers looking to develop their skills. By the end of the program you will have a professional writing portfolio as well as submitted material to ongoing shows on the Main Stage. The Writing Program is 24 weeks and is taught over three levels using both in and out of class assignments.
LEVEL ONE: Structure
Introduction to the comic structure. This class breaks down and examines the mechanics of comedy. Comic structure, premise, character, styles, and genre are simplified and explained. Much like a personal trainer for writers, the writer’s routine is taught.
“What I got out of this was a strong grasp of the fundamentals. This is the basics of what you need to know to write comedy”
- Tim Gibbons producer HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Taught by: Doug Karo
Cost (per class) is $325 plus a $10.00 Processing Charge.
LEVEL TWO: Writing for Television
This class shows how the basics elements of comedy are applied to late night talk shows and sit-coms. Monologues, desk pieces, and sit-com structure are taught. Guest speakers explain the weekly routine of a talk shows. This level concludes with a performance of late night inspired material.
“The Writing Program gives you the basics and gets you fired up to use them. This class got me thinking and writing in a whole new way” - Dave Holmes actor/host CBS’s “Fire Me Please”, “E”, MTV
Taught by Doug Karo
Cost (per class) is $300 plus a $10.00 Processing Charge.
Completion of Writing 1 or instructor’s permission is required.
LEVEL THREE: Writing for Sketch Shows
Level three focuses solely on sketch comedy. Students learn to write for the specific voice of a show, whether it be Madtv or Saturday Night Live. Sketch sub-genre’s explored include: Character Vs. Premise driven material, musical theater, black outs, writing for specific performers, satire vs. parody, video writing and more.
“The Writing Program brought me back to the basics of comic structure and helped me to focus on characters, relationships, and premise. The class also helps you develop a routine as well as a portfolio.” - Susan Clarke writer Nickelodeon
Taught by George Caleodis
Cost (per class) is $300 plus a $10.00 Processing Charge.
LEVEL FOUR: Portfolio and Presentation
Material written in the program is edited into a writing portfolio. The best sketches from the program will be put into a sketch show performed by the students along side veteran performers. Students will learn to market their showcase and themselves as writers.
Taught by TBA Cost (per class) is $300 plus a $9.00 Processing Charge.
Call 323.962.7560 for more info. For questions regarding classes, please email classes@iowest.com.*