Relax & Focus: Improv Workshop with Sam Forbes

Starting your scene off on the right foot always feels great. The path to achieving that feeling can often begin before a suggestion is even given. In this workshop, we’ll work on your state of mind before a show and in the middle of scenes. Relaxing and not putting so much emphasis on what you’re “supposed to do” keeps you in the moment responding organically. Focusing, not on any specific improv-objective, but on being truly present and connected to whatever is about to occur in your scene will then further keep you in that moment.

From Sam:

The thought behind this workshop was inspired by a breakup that I had gone through. I was sad and feeling a “who even cares” kind of way. Classic. I ended up bringing that energy to my improv shows – not caring about how they went, what our team’s objectives were, or really about anything at all beyond showing up and going onstage. To my surprise, I actually played better. I didn’t think so much about what I was supposed to be doing; I just did. That anarchy only took me so far though. It was nice to discover that I could be more in the moment than I had previously thought, but complete lack of care isn’t really the answer either. Over time I’ve tried to hold on to that lack of caring by having a feeling of relax – but still be open, present, and focused for my scene partners.

I’ve been performing and studying theatre for over fifteen years, with a large emphasis on improv for the last ten or so. I’ve had long standings on both long and short form teams, and traveled to Improv Festivals throughout the country with groups: Pictures of Spaghetti and Community Theatre 3000. Positive, supportive class environments are very important to me; students should feel listened to and cared for while navigating the, sometimes vulnerable, class experience.

Class Details:

Saturday September 23rd 2-5pm at the Improv Collective (1215 Baker, Costa Mesa). This is a small class with a limit of 8 enrollments.