Session 1 of GET PHYSICAL! for the iO Theater Summer Intensive is sold out. A second session has been added on Saturday, July 30th.
Contact the iO Training Center to reserve a spot: classes@ioimprov.com or (773) 880-0199.
GET PHYSICAL! for regular iO students happens on Saturday, August 20th. Hope to see you there!
I plan to lose 30 pounds just from teaching this workshop 3 times in a row. Realistic?
- Jay
I am teaching my GET PHYSICAL! improv workshop especially for iO Theater Summer Intensive students.
Friday, 7/22, 12pm-2:30pm. $20.
Contact the iO Training Center to sign up: classes@ioimprov.com or (773) 880-0199. Not a summer intensive student? You’ll get your chance in August! Stay tuned…
When plugged into the Improv Matrix we can do anything we want. So why are we standing in a line talking – again? From blocking a simple 2-person scene to creating full-cast spectacle, emotion will be our guide to creating scene work – that moves. Talk less, do more, go further. GET PHYSICAL!
“I LOVED your workshop!! It was awesome, and I still have the carpet burn to prove it! :-)” – Amanda Chapel Hill, NC
“Jay’s energy is infectious and his ability to read and critique scenes is one of the best I’ve worked with…his coaching is like injecting improv adrenaline straight into your mind veins.” – Bethany Chicago, IL
“Thanks a bunch for a GREAT class! I learned and re-learned a lot thanks to your brave, profanity-laden insights.” – Steve Chicago, IL
“I loved the positive energy and positive approach…Longer longer longer. More more.” – Hannah Oxford, England
Decades late, but we’ll take it!
“The Modern Educator Is Not a Teacher”: Updating Learning for the 21st Century
Why do classrooms and schools operate almost the same way they did 100 years ago? A group of middle schoolers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area began asking themselves this question during a class discussion of Orson Scott Card’s science fiction novel Ender’s Game. More importantly, they began to wonder, “Could children, using the internet, have a dramatic impact on the world around them? Could they influence public opinion, and make a mark on their world?” Thus began “Education Evolution,” a class video project that brings a student perspective to what’s going wrong in the modern classroom, and offers up ideas of how it can be fixed.
» via Good
I am offering the new Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, improv training for Chicago city employees of all levels - free of charge.
Follow me on Twitter @jay_olson and please also Tweet Mayor @rahmemanuel telling him what a great idea it is to empower Chicago with new ideas about teamwork, creativity and flexibilty.
What if he says yes? And then other cities follow his lead? And states?
I believe in the power of our homegrown artform, improvisation. I believe in Chicago. I want the whole world to be better for my sweet baby boy.
NEW MAYOR. NEW CHALLENGES. NEW ERA.
Thanks,
- Jay
I had a blast rocking a workshop for Clemson University’s improv wunderkinds Mock Turtle Soup. They take an annual spring break trip to Chicago to watch shows, learn from <ahem> the best, and generally soak in the Chicago improv scene. Which is frustrating, because what the Fuuuuuu… was I doing at that age?
Can you spot the fat old man in the picture below? I can!
Thanks Mock Turtle Soup! You’re extremely talented and a blast to work with!
So, I’m teaching this now. Level 1 Sold Out last term.
Based on our popular “MadSkillz” elective, this 3-level program trains students in the use of Hiphop in improv comedy. From the actual act of rapping, to the infusion of Hiphop’s characteristic energy confidence into every scene, this program is recommended for improv students with experience in short-form and traditional musical improvisation.
About the program:
Each level of training features four sessions of 2 hours and 50 minutes each with a MadSkillz instructor, and culminates in a showcase for a live audience. After the initial launch, ComedySportz plans to expand the program with additional performance opportunities as well as Master’s Classes in advanced hiphop and improv concepts. As this program is designed to be a conservatory experience for advanced students, entry requires completion of ComedySportz’s 505 class or permission from the instructor.
NOTE: You can be approved for this program even if you haven’t been through ComedySportz Level 505. Email jamie@comedysportzchicago.com with the details of your experience with music improv and/or hiphop improv to be considered for the program.
MadSkillz 1 - Intro to Hiphop Improv
“All right stop, collaborate, and listen.” Although these lyrics were penned by one of rap’s worst performers, they are the core of learning to rap! This introductory course is designed to make improvisers comfortable with both the rhythm, rhyme, and lyric creation of rapping. To prepare for the Level 1 performance, students in this class will also be familiarized with rap-adaptations for some common short-form games. Each student in this level will receive a CD of royalty-free beats so they can practice their rapping outside of class.
Pre-req: ComedySportz Training Center’s 505 class or instructor approval (NOTE: You can be approved for this program even if you haven’t been through ComedySportz Level 505. Email jamie@comedysportzchicago.com with the details of your experience with music improv and/or hiphop improv to be considered for the program).
Wednesdays from 7p-9:50pm.
4/21, 5/11, 5/25, and 6/1
Student performance will be on Sunday, June 5th at 7pm.
Instructor: Rene Duquesnoy
Price: $150
To register, Call 773-549-8080 ext. 230 or email jamie@comedysportzchicago.com
NOTE: This class sold-out last term. Register ASAP!
MadSkillz 2 - Scenic Hiphop Improv
This level features the use of rap as well as hiphop effects and attitude in scenic improvisation. From applying hiphop to more traditionally scenic games, to breaking into improvised rap monologues, to using hiphop’s characteristic intensity and presence, this class will benefit all onstage performances.
Pre-requisite: MadSkillz 1
Class meets on Saturdays from 1p-3:50pm.
4/30, 5/14, 5/21, and 5/28
Student performance will be on Sunday, June 5th at 7pm.
Instructor: Jay Olson
Price: $150
MadSkillz 3 - Hiphop Longform
Currently the final level of the program, students will learn and perform a hiphop based long-form structure. Serving as a culmination of the entire MadSkillz experience, this class will review and strengthen all the lessons of the previous levels as well. Students who complete all 3 levels of training may be invited to take part in additional performances.
Price: $150
Pre-reqs: MadSkillz 2
This class is scheduled to begin in June.
Dates and Times TBD
Class space is limited. Register ASAP!
Enroll today at 773-549-8080 x230 or email jamie@comedysportzchicago.com
Perhaps you’ve studied only longform improvisation? Maybe you’ve just
forgotten your shortform roots? Regardless, (re)discover the pleasure of
getting to the point and hauling ass. You’ll learn shortform games and
skills to enhance your longform scene work, game work and group work. Find the
relationship faster, heighten further, and know you have an extra gear when you
need it. Oh - and short-form is fun on its own, too!
Saturday, February 5th, 5:30PM - 7:30PM
$20
ColdTowne Theater
4803-B Airport Blvd. (next to I Luv Video)
Austin, TX 78751
coldtowne@coldtownetheater.com or 323-485-8920
Some people have enjoyed my classes:
Thanks a bunch for a GREAT class! I learned and relearned a lot thanks to your brave, profanity-laden insights. - Steve Chicago, IL
I loved the positive energy and positive approach…Longer longer longer. More more. – Hannah Oxford, England
Jay’s energy is infectious and his ability to read and critique scenes is one of the best I’ve worked with…his coaching is like injecting improv adrenaline straight into your mind veins. – Bethany Chicago, IL
I loved the workshop! I loved how laid back and comfortable it was. Thanks for letting me play! – Mandy Seattle, WA
When plugged into the improv matrix we can do anything we want. So why are we standing in a line talking - again? From the blocking of a simple 2-person scene to the creation of full-cast spectacle, emotion will be our guide to creating scene work that moves. Talk less, do more, go further. GET PHYSICAL!
WHEN: Sunday, November 7th. 1:00PM - 3:30PM.
WHERE: Studio44, 1944 W. Montrose Ave - one block west of the Montrose Brown Line station.
WHAT ELSE?: $15 / 2.5 hrs. Class size is limited to ensure maximum stage rocking.
To register, or if you have any questions, please email jjayolson@yahoo.com.
About Jay…
“Thanks a bunch for a GREAT class! I learned and relearned a lot thanks to your brave, profanity-laden insights.” - Steve Chicago, IL
“I loved the positive energy and positive approach…Longer longer longer. More more.” – Hannah Oxford, England
“I loved the workshop! I loved how laid back and comfortable it was. Thanks for letting me play!” – Mandy Seattle, WA
Jay Olson performs with ComedySportz Chicago where he is also a faculty member and Artistic Associate, with Mike Helicopter at iO Theater, and with the long running hip-hop/improv hybrid, THE BEATBOX. He has been a creative consultant and trainer for numerous corporate clients and universities, and is honored to have performed and taught at comedy and theatre festivals in Amsterdam, Dublin, Toronto, Chapel Hill, New York City, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and sweet home Chicago.
