Theater Games and Improvisation

DRA2123.01
Course System Home Terms Fall 2025 Theater Games and Improvisation

Course Description

Summary

Whose class is this anyway? Yours! Improv is for everyone鈥攋ust like life, it鈥檚 all about making it up as we go.

In this course, we鈥檒l explore the fundamentals of improvisation through high-energy theater games, pattern and rhythm exercises, and ensemble-building activities. We鈥檒l dive into character, object, and environment work while staying grounded, truthful, and spontaneous.

Inspired by improv greats like Viola Spolin, Paul Sills, Keith Johnstone, Del Close, and Mick Napier鈥攁s well as techniques from Second City, iO, National Comedy Theatre, and Upright Citizens Brigade鈥攚e鈥檒l sharpen our skills and have a blast. And of course, we鈥檒l cap it all off with a wild, anything-goes performance of improvised madness!

Learning Outcomes

  • Honing the ability to listen and react in real time.
  • Develop comfort with moment to moment work and unknown consequences.
  • Engender a sense of play through performance.
  • Learn to collaborate in an ensemble setting or with a partner.
  • Begin to develop your comedic point of view a.k.a. "the comedic voice."

Corequisites

Completion of Dance or Drama lab assignment.

Instructor

  • Shawtane Bowen

Day and Time

MO,TH 1:40pm-3:30pm

Delivery Method

Fully in-person

Length of Course

Full Term

Academic Term

Fall 2025

Area of Study

Credits

4

Course Level

2000

Maximum Enrollment

16

Course Frequency

Once a year