Join Woodstock at Countdown

Four nights of improv. One all-inclusive price. Every imaginable perk. Introducing the Countdown Improv Festival Woodstock Pass.

Calling all improv fans! The Countdown Improv Festival wants YOU to come and be a part of the best festival experience in the world, from August 9-12, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.

Prices start at $299 for 2 nights, including lodging.

Our all-inclusive 2023 Woodstock Pass is perfect for improvisers and fans looking to enjoy a weekend’s worth of innovative showstop-tier workshopslaughtercamaraderie, and unparalleled hospitality. Come learn, laugh, and mingle with old friends and new ones in Florida’s most historic and walkable neighborhood — and then, at night, rest your head in a comfortable bed at Tampa’s best hotel.

For one all-inclusive price, passholders will receive:

  • Luxurious accommodations at the official festival hotel, the Hotel Haya, located two blocks from the venue.
  • An all-access weekend pass offering access to all 77 festival shows across three separate stages.
  • Tickets to two festival workshops of your choice, plus access to additional workshops.
  • Festival green room and after-party access, including snacks, beer, and wine in the green room, and late-night meals at the after party.
  • festival swag box including a T-shirt, a commemorative poster, a name badge, and more.
  • Improv jams every night except Wednesday.
  • Access to internal festival communications, Zoom calls, and FB groups.
  • And more!

*Meals and travel to/from festival are not included in the Woodstock Pass.

Get details and register now.

 

Unleash Your Creativity: The Benefits of Improv Drop In Classes

Improv drop-in classes offer a unique and exciting opportunity to explore the world of improvisation, even if you have no prior experience or commitment. These classes provide a relaxed and supportive environment where individuals can unleash their creativity, improve communication skills, boost self-confidence, and have a whole lot of fun. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of improv drop-in classes and why they are worth considering for anyone seeking personal and professional growth.

Benefits of Improv Drop In:

Unbridled Creativity

Improv drop in classes are a playground for creativity. They encourage participants to think outside the box, embrace spontaneity, and let go of self-judgment. Through various improvisation games and exercises, individuals tap into their imagination and learn to trust their instincts. The freedom to explore and create in a non-judgmental space allows for the emergence of new ideas, perspectives, and innovative thinking.

Enhanced Communication Skills

Effective communication is a vital skill in both personal and professional settings. Improv drop in classes provide a platform to improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Participants learn to actively listen, respond authentically, and collaborate with others in the moment. The exercises focus on clear and concise communication, adaptability, and building rapport with fellow participants. These skills can be transferred to various areas of life, including public speaking, team collaboration, and conflict resolution.

Increased Self-Confidence

Stepping outside your comfort zone and taking risks is an inherent part of improv. In drop-in classes, participants are encouraged to let go of inhibitions, embrace vulnerability, and trust in their abilities. This process cultivates self-confidence and self-assurance. As individuals conquer challenges and experience success in the supportive environment of improv, they gain a newfound belief in themselves and their capabilities. This boost in self-confidence can have a positive impact on various aspects of life, from presentations at work to social interactions.

Stress Relief and Fun

Improv drop-in classes offer a break from the demands and stresses of daily life. Engaging in playful activities, laughter, and spontaneous creativity brings a sense of joy and lightness. The supportive atmosphere and the emphasis on having fun create a positive and uplifting experience. Improv provides a healthy escape, allowing participants to let go of worries, reduce anxiety, and recharge their energy.

Building Connections

One of the beautiful aspects of improv drop-in classes is the sense of community they foster. Participants come from diverse backgrounds, yet they unite in their shared pursuit of creativity and personal growth. The collaborative nature of improv encourages connection, trust, and empathy. By engaging in group activities and working together towards a common goal, individuals develop lasting friendships and build a network of like-minded individuals.

Improv drop-in classes offer a wealth of benefits for individuals seeking personal and professional development. Whether you’re looking to boost your creativity, enhance communication skills, increase self-confidence, relieve stress, or build connections, these classes provide a supportive and enjoyable environment to explore and grow. So, why not step out of your comfort zone, embrace spontaneity, and join an improv drop-in class? Unleash your creativity, expand your horizons, and discover the transformative power of improv in your life.

To get started, check our improv drop in schedule or contact us to bring a class to your area.

I’m Funny, Now What?

funny

Dear Funny Future Comedian,

I’m glad to hear you’re funny! Having a sense of humor and the ability to make people laugh is a great quality to have, and it can definitely be an asset in the world of comedy.

But if you’re truly passionate about comedy and willing to put in the work, you can succeed.

Tips for Comedy Novices:

  1. funnyDevelop your skills: Whether it’s stand-up, improv, or writing, it’s important to develop your comedy skills and figure out what you’re good at. This might involve taking classes, workshops, or open mics, or simply spending time writing and practicing your material. The more you work on your craft, the better you’ll become.
  2. Find your voice: Comedy is all about being unique and finding your own voice. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and explore what makes you funny. Experiment with different styles and types of material to see what works best for you.
  3. Be persistent: As mentioned earlier, getting into comedy can be tough, and it’s not uncommon to face rejection. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks – instead, use them as opportunities to learn and improve. Keep working on your craft and never give up on your dreams.
  4. Network and get involved: The comedy world is all about connections, so make an effort to meet other comedians and get involved in the community. This might involve going to open mics, joining comedy groups or organizations, or simply chatting with other comedians at shows. The more people you know, the more opportunities you’ll have.

Use your Funny

In conclusion, if you’re truly passionate about comedy and willing to put in the work, there is no reason why you can’t succeed. Keep developing your skills, find your voice, and never give up on your dreams. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals and make a career in comedy.

Want help in your journey? Take some of our classes to hone your funny bone.

Sincerely,

Improv U

Choosing the Right Comedy Classes

comedy classes

Comedy classes come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned stand-up looking to fine-tune your craft or a newcomer to the world of comedy, there’s a class out there for you.

Types of comedy classes:

  1. comedy classesStand-up classes: These classes are designed for aspiring stand-up comedians who want to learn the ins and outs of writing and performing comedy material. From joke structure to stage presence, stand-up classes cover a wide range of topics to help students develop their skills.
  2. Improv : Improv, or improvisation, is all about thinking on your feet and creating comedy in the moment. Improv classes teach students how to build scenes, create characters, and think quickly and spontaneously. It’s a great way to boost creativity and develop confidence on stage.
  3. Sketch: If you love Saturday Night Live and Monty Python, sketch comedy classes might be right up your alley. These classes focus on writing and performing sketch comedy material, which can range from political satire to absurdist humor.
  4. Physical comedy: If you’re the type of comedian who loves to make people laugh through pratfalls and facial expressions, physical comedy classes might be for you. These classes teach students how to use their bodies to create comedic moments and how to take falls safely.
  5. Comedy writing: Not everyone wants to get up on stage, and that’s okay! Comedy writing classes are perfect for those who prefer to work behind the scenes. These classes cover topics like joke structure, comedic storytelling, and how to write for different mediums (TV, film, etc.).
  6. Comedy acting: Whether you want to star in a sitcom or just want to improve your comedy skills, comedy acting classes can be a great way to learn how to bring characters to life. These classes may focus on improvisation, character development, and comedic timing.
  7. Stand-up comedy boot camps: If you’re serious about pursuing stand-up comedy, a boot camp might be the way to go. These intensive classes last a few days or a week. They take students from beginner to pro in a short period of time. Just be prepared to work hard and laugh a lot!

Start Today

No matter what type of comedy class you choose, the most important thing is to find a teacher or program that resonates with you. With so many options available, there’s bound to be a class that fits your needs and goals. So go ahead and take the plunge – your funny bone (and your career) will thank you. See our full calendar of classes.

Improv Comedy- Is that Like Stand Up?

Improv comedy is a type of live performance that relies on improvisation to create comedic scenes and sketches. It is often associated with comedy clubs and theaters. More recently it’s also seen in other venues such as schools, corporate events, and festivals.

In an improv show, the performers typically start with a basic premise or idea. Then they build upon it, making up the dialogue and actions on the spot. There are often no rehearsals or scripted elements. The performers must rely on their creativity, wit, and ability to think on their feet to create a successful performance.

Improv comedy can take many forms, ranging from short-form games and sketches to long-form improvised plays. It can be funny, absurd, or even poignant, depending on the performers and the direction of the scene.

Improv Comedy Tenets

There are many different techniques and approaches to improv comedy. Performers may use a variety of games and exercises to warm up and get into character. Some common techniques include:

  • Yes, And: This is a basic rule of improv. Performers accept offers from their scene partners and build upon it. For example, if one performer says “I’m a chicken,” the other performer should not negate this statement, but rather build upon it by saying something like “Yes, and I’m a farmer trying to catch you for dinner.”
  • Characterization: In improv, performers create and portray characters on the spot. This can involve developing a physicality, voice, and personality for the character.
  • Object work: This involves using objects in the scene to create comedic moments or to help establish the setting or characters.
  • Scene work: This refers to the process of creating a scene and establishing a relationship between the characters. Scene work may involve building upon a premise, establishing a conflict or goal, and resolving the scene in a satisfying way.

But overall, the goal of improv comedy is to entertain and engage the audience through spontaneous and unplanned moments. It can be a challenging and rewarding form of performance that requires quick thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

Sound fun? Then learn improv with us at our weekly drop in classes.