Improv Training/Schools

I have studied improv in improv schools since 2003. The schools I have studied at are:

Comedy Sportz
Upright Citizens’ Brigade Theater (UCB) - (NY and L.A.)
People’s Improv Theater (P.I.T. — writing only)
Magnet Theater
iO West

There are 2 basic styles of improv: short and long form. Comedy Sportz taught me short form, the others taught me long form. Of the 3 I have taken improv, here’s the BASIC breakdown of what I’ve heard each school is known for.

UCB: game
Magnet Theater: relationship
iO West: have fun, take risks
Groundlings: characters (I haven’t studied there…this is what I ‘hear’ they’re known for)

Please remember, this what I’ve heard, that doesn’t necessarily mean that is what’s true. I have to say that those “titles” are sort of accurate to how the shows are performed, not to what is taught. I have taken classes at the same time at different schools and heard the same school of thought (UCB/Magnet/iO West/PIT coaches).

The structure of the levels in each school are different. I’ve picked up each of the schools’ summary so you can see it in one spot. The schools I picked are the one’s I’m most familiar with. There are many more schools out there in different locations, I just don’t know enough about them. If you want more details, please go to their respected websites:

Comedy Sportz (L.A. – but this group is all over the country)
Short Form Improv Classes
Underclassmen: Beginner Improv — basic skills
Juniors: Intermediate — narrative driven improv with characters
Seniors: Advanced — advanced narrative and characters
Long Form Improv Class — occasionally offer these to expand your horizon

UCB (NY & LA)
101: Improv Basics — fundamentals of long for improv
201: Game of the Scene — identify and heighten the game, second beats
301: Harold Structure — group games, learning the Harold form
401: Harold Workshop — fine tuning the Harold, scenes, and games
Advanced Study: There seem to be different kinds of advanced study. Please refer to their website and see what is available.

Magnet Theater (NY)
Level 1: Improv Fundamentals — principles of improv
Level 2: Improv Fundamentals — intro to long form: scenes, group games, second beats
Level 3: Improv Core — learning the Harold structure
Level 4: Improv Core — learning advanced forms
Level 5: Improv Conservatory — advanced training, learning advanced forms
Level 6: Improv Conservatory — member of an improv team with 8 wk run

PIT (NY)
Level 0: a class for absolute beginners
Level 1: getting confident on stage, scene work, fundamentals
Level 2: scene work
Level 3: relationship-based scene work, long form technique
Level 4: long form technique, openings, group work
Level 5: scene work, develop own long form structure

iO West (L.A. – iO Chicago: similar format — please refer to website)
Level 1: Intro to Improv — fundamentals of improv
Level 2: Character & Game — building off of ideas, breaking down elements of game
Level 3: You — find your comedic point of view and instincts
Level 4: Advanced Scene Work — creating stand alone scenes
Level 5: Harold — learning the Harold structure
Level 6: Advanced Harold — getting creative with the Harold structure
Level 7: Graduate/Create Own Show — create own improv form

Groundlings (L.A.)
Beginners:
Improv Workshop A — fundamentals of improv
Improv Workshop B — builds on fundamentals of improv
Intro to Sketch Writing — learn different styles of sketches
Improv and Beyond — connect the improvisor to the actor
Professional Actor
Level One: Basic — fundamentals of improv
Level Two: Intermediate — scene work and character development
Level Three: Writing Lab — writing & performance of written material
Level Four: Advanced — work with a group to put up a show

Second City (L.A. – there is also one in Chicago and Toronto)
1: Improv Basics — reviewing agreements of improv and building an ensemble energy
2: Improv Characters — enhance improv skills and exploring characters
3: Improvising Scenes — structure, content, character wants

I do not endorse any one school. I think I’ve gotten some kick-ass training from all the places I’ve studied at. Yeah, I know this sounds “politically correct,” but it really is true. I’m pretty hard core about my research (as you can kind of see) and the right schools and teachers came to me at the right time. I do believe that UCB gave me my core training, which makes sense since this is where I started my long form training and this is where I’ve studied (and still study) improv the most. I’ve most recently been training with iO West and the experience I’ve had with my teachers (Shulie Cowan and Craig Cackowski) has been awesome. I will continue to train at UCB and iO West because I like and respect their teachers. I get what these people are saying and they give me the tools to get better as both an improvisor and actor (and also as human too).

If you’re interested in learning improv. I suggest you go to the theater, see shows, see which performers you like, see what styles you like, and then talk to students and get feedback about the school and teachers. Listen to your gut. There’s a lot of options out there and you really can’t go wrong. Just keep in mind about the pacing and how quick/slow you’re picking up the tools/forms of improv. Some schools might get into learning about “the game” too quick and some might be too slow for you. You’ll also find that there are some teachers you’ll learn better/easier than others…but that’s another topic.

Massaged

I love getting massages. Any kind of massage. My favorite style is cupping which I got done once in NY. I looked like I was attacked by an octopus.

I have a lot of questions that pop in my mind when I get a massage…

How long have you been a masseuse?
Where did you study?
What made you want to touch people all day?
How are you ok with touching strangers?
How are you ok with touching gross people?
Do you ever get grossed out mid-session?
Do you ever get a finger cramp?
Do you get massages?
Do you have a specific criteria for people who give you massages?
Have you ever gotten annoyed with someone mid-session?
Have you ever been creeped up (aka: hit on) mid-session?
Does lotion have a different meaning to you?
Have you become a lotion/oil expert?
Is there an “Ivy league” version of massage school?
Why do you have to keep going over that knot over and over again?
Do you not care if I bruise?
Yeah, I know that leg is tight. Why you gotta keep at it?
Ok. Head massages are the best. Do you ever get creeped out by hair?
What creeps you out?
Aren’t you tired?

Go read this: Improv

The first time I saw Will Hines perform was when he was on the team Monkeydick. I think he’s one of the smartest improvisors out there. He’s amazing at playing characters that are grounded in scenes while performing the game of the scene spot on, along with the game of the character (which is sometimes the same thing). He’s also one of those guys that is loaded with knowledge and trivia, like he would know who invented post-its.

I can’t remember which team I saw Chris Gethard perform on first but I remember him, about to jump off the back line like it was on fire. He had so much energy and looked like he was having the time of his life. Gethard takes a lot of physical risks (which is my favorite kind of comedy to watch) and can justify just about anything. I also love it when he plays a scene as just himself responding. It’s like you’re watching everything in the moment as it should be.

I consider both Will and Gethard to be respected, knowledged, bad-ass improvisors and teachers.

Will’s bio on UCB.
Gethard’s bio on UCB.

Go read Will’s one on one with Gethard.

Why I did, do, done improv

I made a list of my improv experience because I get asked the question a lot. Now, easy for me, I can just give people that link. That list can be taken a few ways and “Holy crap that’s a lot of training!” is pretty much the sum of it. I have many reasons why I started doing improv:

I started taking improv classes because it looked like a lot of fun.
I was doing improv because I loved being on stage.
I do improv because I love making people laugh.
I now do improv to hone my craft as an actor.

I think improv gives folks a lot of tools for public speaking, talking to strangers, talking to someone you have a crush on, and performing on the stage and on screen. I know I can get pretty wrapped up in the mechanics of improv which is both good and bad. Right now I’m using improv as a tool to strengthen my scene work as an actor. I’m also a member of 2 independent improv teams which allows me to have fun with improv.

There are a lot of topics I’d like to cover about improv:
Improv and Self
Improv Community
Improv Teams
Teaching Improv
Schools of Improv
Improv Forms
My Improv Heros

My improv on paper

I’ve been taking improv classes since 2003. I’ve been performing improv since before then. I didn’t have a class, I didn’t even know it was called improv. All I knew was that I could make an audience laugh to tears. People ask me a lot about my training and who I’ve taken classes with. Here are my lists. I may have forgotten a few coaches, but you’ll get the gist.

Theater training list:
ComedySportz (2003)
UCB-NY (2004-2009)
UCB-LA (2011)
Magnet Theater (2005-2009)
Peoples’ Improv Theater (sketch only: 2006)
iO West (2011-2012)

ComedySportz
Ed Herro (also previous UCB performer)

UCB Teachers: Improv (15/11)
Owen Burke
Jackie Clark
Michael Delaney
Christina Gauses
Chris Gethard (sub)
Peter Gwinn
Joe Hartzler (sub)
Brian Huskey (sub)
Anthony King
Mike Leffingwell
Billy Merritt
Kevin Mullaney
Shannon O’Neill (sub)
Eliza Skinner (musical)
Joe Wengert

UCB Improv Workshops (5)
Neil Campbell
Seth Morris
Rob Riggle
Ian Roberts
Matt Walsh

UCB Teachers: Writing (3)
Liz Cackowski
Michael Delaney
Chris Kula

UCB Coaches (17/14)
Susannah Becket
Neil Casey (sketch)
Toni Charline (sub)
Jon Daly
Todd Fasen
Christina Gauses
Jeff Hiller
Rebekka Johnson
Ryan Karels
Allen Loeb (sub)
Michael Martin (musical)
Porter Mason (sub)
Glennis McCarthy (musical)
Megan Neuringer
Lennon Parham
Eliza Skinner (improv and sketch)
Betsy Sodaro
Zach Woods

iO West (3)
Craig Cackowski
Shulie Cowan
Michael McCarthy (writing)

Other improv teachers/coaches/workshops (9)
Gary Austin (Second City-NY)
Christian Cappozoli (Magnet)
Armando Diaz (UCB/PIT/Magnet)
Ali Farahnakian (PIT: writing)
Louis Kornfeld (Magnet)
Peter McNerney (Magnet)
Mike Myers (Magnet)
David Razowsky (Magnet/Second City/iO West)
Pat Shay (PIT/Magnet)

Teams
Continental Drift (LA indie)
The Cellar (LA indie)
The Lloyd Consipracy (NY indie)
Twenty7 (NY indie)
Great Heights (NY indie)
Fightin’ Lobcats (The Project)
Trademark (The Project)
Project Improvisor
Jungle Adventure (Magnet)
Sweet/Crüde (Magnet)
Pax Romana (Magnet)
Moxie (Magnet)
Glengarry Glass Menagerie (UCB)
Holiday Spectacular (UCB)
Let it Snow! (Unscripted Theater-SF)
Hobofish (SF indie)

The Ex Factor

In the last few months, exes have been popping up in my and my friend’s lives. Getting back together with them, hooking up, or just friendly and harmless hanging out. Well, that’s the thing. It’s never harmless, it’s always the opposite. Sure, hanging out one on one ONCE in a while is fine, but when it becomes a habit, it becomes a problem. Exes are exes for a reason. Something in the relationship didn’t work out. It’s ultimately nobody’s fault, it’s just not meant to be. But we can’t accept that, can we? Nooooooo! We think, “Maybe this time it will be different.” or “I can overlook that small thing that once bothered me.” or “But he/she’s so great! It’s my problem. I need to change. This time I’ll make it work.” Really? No. Because it won’t be different, that small thing is still a big annoying thing, and no one really changes (not enough for a relationship to work).

My Ex Rocks
There will be folks out there that will read this post and get all irritated in their bizness and spit at me with, “Jodi, you are wrong! I reunited with my ex and we have a beautiful family and a successful marriage.” If you did get back with your ex and it’s working out. Good on you. Seriously. Cuz life is too short and if you fall in love and you BOTH want each other that badly, get on it. But for the rest of us (myself included), we need to get over it.

Live Now
My life motto is “Live in the Moment.” I picked this up from improv and I feel it really pertains to everday life. If you’re living in the moment, you’re not living in the past. If you’re with your ex, be with them IN THAT MOMENT. Let your memories float in the past. Appreciate the past, let it be, then see what’s right in front of you.

Moving on sucks at first and sometimes it sucks for a long time. Holding on to the past, the should’ve/would’ve/could’ves does not help you to move forward in life. There’s so much happening right now that demands your presence and will help you to grow further into the person you want to be. People you love will come and go in life, be happy that you met them and experienced wonderful moments with them, and then respectfully let them exist. Don’t dismiss the memories, just say “Thanks” and refocus on what’s happening right now your life.

The term EX
One of the things I used to do was talk about my ex. It’s a poisonous thing to do. It’s annoying for the listener and painful for you. A friend of mine gave great advice on how to get over this one:

• When talking about an ex (any ex), refer to them as a friend … ex: “I saw that movie with a friend, it was really good.” It really takes the heat off the actual topic. It also doesn’t make the other person feel awkward (especially if you’re on a date). And it diffuses the memory…
• When telling a story about an ex and subbing the word “friend,” you’ll find that some of the stories you’re telling are only for your benefit. Meaning, you’re only telling a particular story to relive the memory. When you put “friend” in for “ex” you quickly find out when you’re doing this cuz you’ll realize you’re story is dumb…or, ah, unbeneficial to the listener.

Leave
Go far away from them. Seriously. Stop seeing your ex. I’m not talking about a couple of weeks either. I’m talking months or even years. There’s too much temptation to want to go back as friends, and then before you know it –“HOLLA”– you’re sleeping with him/her and arguing and somehow it’s just not working out again. Cut that crap out. You’re too good for the drama and it does too much hurt on your pretty little heart.

Another thing my friend recommended to do is when you’re thinking about your ex or daydreaming about getting back with them, quickly think about something else that’s going on in your life…preferably something positive.

Kiddies
I’ve heard people use the “but my kid loves him/her” excuse. Um…it’s your child(s). Your chillen’ is going to want what’s best for you, and even though it may lighten your kiddo’s face when he/she sees him/her, it’s tearing you inside. I don’t think your kid wants you to be miserable. I think your kid wants you to be happy and in love with the person that is right for you and will make you happy. Not someone who’s almost awesome if you change 1 or 2 or 3 things about them.

It gets better
Sometimes I think, “Man, but that guy was perfect!” Perfection pertains to each individual’s love of another. Did that make sense? We all have our flaws. That’s what makes us human. A person’s imperfection is their perfection. Another friend said to me, “We’re all messed up. We just have to find the other person who is as equally messed as yourself. Equal messes equal balanced love.” I think he was right on point. What’s also been happening with me is that with every guy I’ve dated or had a crush on, the next guy is better than the last. They just keep getting better and better. So if that last guy was sooooo close to being “it,” then the next one will be just that much closer.

Now lets get over our exes with a little jam by Linkin Park “Waiting for the End”
http://youtu.be/5qF_qbaWt3Q

This post can also be found on hub pages!

http://hubpages.com/t/2432ae

My thoughts on Valentine’s Day

There are so many possible things to say about today. The most popular one will be about the Hallmark of today. The generic-ness, forced love that was encouraged by jewelry stores. Sure, that’s obvious, but what has it given us? It’s forced every to think about love and how it affects us.

Our culture is riddled with stories on how to love and how love should be and look like in movies, songs, and literature. Love has been placed on an unrealistic pedestal or is seen as cheesy, an embarrassment when admitted to someone or themselves.

Unfortunately, those without a significant other, the single folk, sometimes end up feeling like rejects. Unworthy of love. Forced into being tortured because they often feel like they’ve done wrong in the eyes of love. There are those in new relationships that feel the pressure of today and the need to live up to the standards or instead act like they’re “too cool” for this holiday.

Today is a Holiday.

Today is Valentine’s Day.

Let’s change the original meaning or intention (I don’t even remember the story of it’s origin and frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn).

Valentine’s Day is about Love. The first person to love (enter cheese factor) is YOU. Let’s really think about this for a second. If you don’t love and respect yourself, how can you love someone else? You really can’t give love if there’s none within you in the first place. So give yourself love. It’s normal to feel ultra weird about this, which is due to our fabulous culture. But whatever. Eff it. Throw out culture. Throw out norms. Isn’t it more fun to say “I’m Awesome” than “I suck”? Each human is awesome. And that’s another thing. You are human. You are naturally a fuck-up in some way/shape/form. Accept that shit. If you want to change things you don’t like, take the time to change them. Have patience with yourself. I mean, you do have a whole lifetime to do what you want with who you are as a human. If you mess up, you mess up. Accept fault and move on.

Ok. So love yourself. Got it? Moving on.

“Yes and” the Love. Valentine’s Day is about giving love. Let’s not hinder on the shiftiness of Valentine’s Day. All that’s gonna do is make you feel like crap, and that is not the goal here. So you’re lovin’ on yourself, let’s spread that love around. Weird again, right? Stupid culture! Eff it again! Grab coffee with a friend and focus on their stories. Go smile at a stranger. Seriously. That small smile will lighten that person’s day. I mean, don’t get all creepy about it and force a smile, but look up at a person in their eyes and smile. Listen to your gut and it won’t be weird. You’ll know when the time is right to make a nice gesture. Let someone cut in line in front of you, put money in a meter when you’re leaving a spot, tell someone you don’t know that you think they’re cute/attractive. I did this once. It wasn’t on V-day. It was a random day. I was in a good mood and I decided I was going to tell one person that they looked good. I was sitting on the subway on the way into the city, and a man sat next to me. I told him he looked great today. He said, “Thank you. You really made my day.” Then he briefly told me how things haven’t been that great for him lately, but he now just felt better about things. How cool is that?

“Yes and” the Love pimps. Got that one? Ok. Nicely done.

You’re already loved. You may not know it, but people love you. I have no idea how many, but they’re there. Since admitting love is such a weird thing to do in our culture, certain people may not have told you they love you when they really do. Another thing is that there a TONS of different kinds of love. It’s not always romantic, but it’s just as valuable. All levels of love are great. Even love and respect for a stranger. It’s there. Open your eyes. If loving yourself is new and you start doing that, more love will pour around you and you’ll become aware of it. It’s pretty cool.

I suggest you do or think of these things everyday, not just today. Today is just a day where Love is place on the tippy top of our minds.

Here’s my deal. I am single. I have lots of love in my life. I will someday have balanced, romantic, respected love with a man, and it’s gonna fuckin’ rock. Until then, I love myself, my family, friends, pets and whatever else needs some loving. Today will not be spent in bitterness, but in appreciation for past and present relationships. I am happy. I am healthy. I am loved. And so are you.

1989 Dance Flashback

I said I would record myself dancing to Rhythm Nation to show that I can learn and dance, but now it seems a bit silly. Silly in a funny way. Watching myself do this dance cracks me up. Especially since I’m doing it in a garage wearing my geeky “Kern” sweatshirt for designers. Dork. You can see me laughing at myself while doing the dance because it’s a little insane that I still remember this dance. I learned it by watching VHS tapes my dad had recorded off of MTV. Some of the dance moves are reflections of the dance (which means – if Janet had her right arm up, I had my left arm up cuz I couldn’t compute flipping it as a teenager), so some of the moves aren’t exactly the same.

My life is currently nutzo right now and recording this video was a bit of a challenge. I really didn’t have a lot of remembering time because I’ve been busy prepping for my move, seeing pals at the last minute, and helping my mom with a arse-ton of shtuff. I said I would do this before I left for LA, so here it is. My personal dance reprise of Rhythm Nation. There are a couple of dance hiccups and I was tempted to do an editing job of the best takes, but I have zero time for that. Friday is booked, and I need to get up at 4am to catch my flight on Saturday. So please enjoy me dancing to the video of Rhythm Nation by Miss Jackson, if you’re nasty:

Near the end there’s a section where you might be confused cause I’m not really dancing (I’m slightly marking the movements of what the dancers are doing). It’s a flippy/turning part that I never took the time to learn. Maybe someday…

Furry Hearts

A friend of mine just lost her pet. This breaks my friggen heart. I knew the little munchkin since she rescued him from the parking lot horrors of Queens. He was a frisky little guy that loved loved loved to play with the lazer pointer. I kitty sat for him several times and he was always so sweet and loving. Since my cat was too good for the toys I bought her, Bentley got several fancy scratching posts that Miss Lil refused to touch. I know they went to a good home with a good owner.

I love my little buddies. Like my friend, I consider my pets my pals and not my baby or child. That doesn’t change the fact that I love the dickens out of them. I’m lucky to have one cat and one dog, even though it makes it difficult to date. Most dudes, for some reason, are either allergic or just plain hate cats. My cat is pretty awesome, though she has gotten more attention needy throughout the years.

I’ll be heading to LA May 1^st and Miss Lily will not be coming with me. She’ll be staying at my mom’s house with my mom’s cat Sammy. These two do not get along. Lily hisses at the very sight of Sam. She won’t leave my room and she can’t reach the windows to see outside. Both my mom and I feel really bad for Lil, but there’s not a whole lot we can do. I am looking into making a bench for her at one of the windows in my room so she can see the outside world. It’ll be hard leaving her with my mom and I’ll miss her dearly, but I’ll be more mobile without her. Emmie can come with me because she’s registered as a service dog and she’s much easier to travel with. I think I would be completely crushed if I couldn’t take either of them, so I’m very glad that Emmie can come with me.

I feel bad for anyone who’s lost a pet. I can’t even fathom what it feels like. I had one pet when I was in HS, a black gerbil named Onyx. He rocked the hizzouse. He would do flips, knew commands, and he had a little white gotee. I sobbed when he passed but he lived 4 good years, which is long for a gerbil.

My heart is with you fellow pet owners. Losing a best friend is never ever easy. xo

Glee Clubbin’

I worked with my awesome friend Douglas this weekend and put together some pretty great videos. 2 of the videos we made were for my online audition for Glee. Yes. Glee. The musical TV show that’s totally hyped up right now. They’re doing this “talent search” on MySpace involving video submissions and Gold Stars.

It’s silly. It’s fun. I submitted.

If you look at most of the videos that were submitted, people are using their webcams, pouring their hearts out, and singing crazy insanely well with broadway style vibratos. Mine is not even kind of like that. I played to my strength, which is my bubbly spirit and quirky sense of style.

I am rapping and beatboxing in my vocal section. I think that’s pretty unique, eh? A curly little white girl busting a move to Gold Digger.

I know I have a big personality and can be likeable. I say “can be” cause I know for sure that I have haters out there. I’m not sure why people dislike people without a really solid reason, but whatever. It happens. In fact, I was very much an outcast in grade school. I was insanely picked on and went home crying almost every night. The teachers did nothing and my parents were MIA. HS was a much better. Being an awesome cheerleader helped with my status but I never could really fit into the “cool kids.” It just seemed too fake for me and I much rather dance to the beat of my own drum.

This still holds true today. I’m friendly with a lot of “cool kids” but I don’t blend in all that well. My quirky confidence has a vibe that’s all it’s own, and not everyone digs it. I’m retardly supportive of people’s accomplishments. I love it when people achieve their dreams and I think that my strong support sometimes freaks people out. I just want to see people make it. I want to see myself make it!

I’m taking a huge risk moving out to LA. I only have a place to stay, no job, no car. Nada. I’m scared out of my freaking mind. I’m networking/meeting with as many people as possible. Hopefully I can get some freelance work or a good income source soon.

This submission is all in fun, but it may be frowned upon in some circles because it’s a publicity stunt. I could see that from a mile away. C’mon. MySpace?! No one is on MySpace anymore! Plus, over 8,000 people have already submitted. That’s nuts! And this voting thing is a little silly. You can give as many Gold Stars to as many people as you want in any given day. I already saw one lady with 30,000 Gold Stars. That’s a little ridic. Buuuuuut…I still want you to vote for me.

It’s really easy, but you do need a MySpace account. If you don’t want a MySpace account, just start one up then take it down one week later. You don’t have to enter any personal info if you don’t want to. No biggie.

This is where you vote for me:

http://www.myspace.com/gleeauditions?link=531778150

If the link sends you to the general Glee Audition website go to:
-> Gleeks
-> Search
-> Jodi
-> click on the Jodi that doesn’t have a picture (I’m not sure what that’s about)
-> vote for my submission that has both videos working (I have dup submissions)
-> spread the word!