Registration is now open for the Charleston Comedy Festival improv Workshop series.  Every year you get a chance to work with some of the best improv teachers from around the country.  This year we are hosting 4 incredible workshops, all taught by artistis who are performing in the festival.

All classes will be held on Saturday, January 23 at Theatre 99 or the Charleston Ballet Theatre. 

BULL/MATADOR Technique Class

Instructor: Matt Donnelly
3:00 - 5:00 PM
Saturday, January 23
Location: Theatre 99
Cost: $30.00

Open/Close is Matt Donnelly's signature improv scene technique that encourages scene partners to mutually accomplish the scene together.  The technique gets performers out of their heads by reacting to body language rather than over thinking about the dialogue.  Comedy and tension are maintained in the scene by one (closed) character exploiting the emotional vulnerability of the other (open) character and learning how to switch the role within the scene without changing the characters or circumstances.  Performers will learn how to comically and theatrically enjoy the scene as the (Open) emotionally vulnerable, voice of reality.  Performers will also learn how to enjoy the scene comically and theatrically as the (closed) exploiting character of another character's emotional vulnerability, while maintaining sympathy and likability.  Does this workshop sounds a little crazy to you?  Matt will make it remarkably simple.

The Switchboard Workshop: The Power of Fearless Support

Instructors: Jean Villepique, Rebecca Sohn and Deb Downing Grosz
Noon - 2:00 PM
Saturday, January 23
Location: Charleston Ballet Theatre
Cost: $30.00

Rebecca, Jean and Deb co-teach a workshop that caters to smaller groups who'd like to work together more seamlessly.  But don't worry; if you're not currently in a group, we'll form them in the workshop!

You will:
Experience true support.
Make bolder choices.
Take more risks.
Listen more actively, with your whole body.
Create and support a group mind.

Play What You Hear, Not What You Know

Instructor: Eric Hunicutt
3:00 - 5:00 PM
Saturday, January 23
Location: Charleston Ballet Theatre
Cost: $30.00

Every scene is loaded with information; most of it physical, tangible, and totally unexplored, because we make decisions as to what the scene is "about."  This workshop gives performers a vocabulary for and an increased awareness of the various kinds of information that comprise each and every scene.  To be in the scene vs. searching for it.  Get out of your head and into the moment...as Miles Davis said: "play what you hear, not what you know."

Cook County Social Club Workshop (Sold Out)

Instructors: Cook County Social Club
Noon - 2:00 PM
Saturday, January 23
Location: Theatre 99
Cost: $30.00

In this team taught workshop, CCSC take a look at game play and scenework, and where the two meet in playing small ensemble shows. This class is a condensed version of their curriculum now taught at iO Chicago as master classes.

How to sign up

Step 1. Email us so we will hold you a spot.

Step 2. Mail a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit ($30) check made payable to "Theatre 99" to: Theatre 99
PO Box 20291
Charleston, SC
29413

Call if you have questions.

Greg & Brandy
Theatre 99
843-853-6687