Workshops

WHY IMPROV?

WHY IMPROV?

Improvisation is an invaluable tool for all actors, excellent creative play for any adult and enhances communication skills for all. Students are taught specific techniques and how to apply them truthfully - allowing the humor to come from the situation. You'll develop your timing, listening and rhythm skills. Each exercise is designed as a no-fail method to utilize each individual’s humor. It will assist you in determining strong character choices, pushing your boundaries as well as aid you in the audition process - strengthening your ability to get the job! Classes are formatted to include warm-up, technique, planning exercises and theatre games. Students work in groups of 2, 3, 4 and sometimes 5, adding layers of difficulty and interest. The workshop also explores characters, dialects, emotions and physical elements to enhance a scene. You will learn to identify your strengths and to make the most of them. Not to mention the fun and laughs you'll experience through the process.
WARNING - this workshop is addictive and cheaper than therapy!

About Laurie

Laurie A. Guzda, is a professional actor/director/writer with over twenty-five years of experience. In addition to her role as the Assistant Director for the beauty pageant in Miss Congeniality, Laurie has appeared in several films. Her comedic training began in 1980 with Harvey Lembeck at Paramount Studios. She continued with Bill Hudnut at ABC-TV. Additional acting training came from the Actor’s Studio in LA and the Actor’s Center in London. National commercials include Chevy and AOL. Laurie also performed with Esther’s Follies in Austin, TX.

Some of Laurie’s teaching credits include: the SAG Conservatory, San Francisco; CastingWorks LA, Austin; Cornerloft Studios, NYC, Black Rock City, NV; Playaskool and; Sacred Heart University, CT. – Graduate degree program.
As Director of Education for Curtain Call, Inc in Stamford, CT, Laurie provided workshops for many professional and community theatres, the public school system, corporations and various organizations throughout Fairfield County, CT and Westchester County, NY

Improv for Business

Improv is a great tool for problem-solving as well as teambuilding. Each workshop is tailored to your company's needs.

Prime Your Pitch

Improvisation is an invaluable tool that is not just for actors. It is excellent creative play while enhancing communication skills. In Prime Your Pitch you will develop your “one minute elevator speech” while using improv techniques to identify the core of your message. Working through your story, you will have a stronger understanding of your message and how to clearly communicate to the specific audience listening. Adaption, brevity, personal charm and entertainment along with being better prepared to answer spontaneous questions will increase your ability for greater success.

Improv for Filmmakers

Working in association with Mythic Bridge, this workshop focuses on exercises that build trust, push boundaries, and fuel creative thinking in a safe, comfortable environment. The exercises are selected to strengthen writing, directing, acting, and producing skills. The process is two-fold, stimulating creative thought and communicating those ideas.

Intro to Improv Comedy

8 week workshop covering basic technique and exercises and how to apply them truthfully - allowing the humor to come from the situation. You'll develop your timing, listening and rhythm skills. Each exercise is designed as a no-fail method to utilize each individual's sense of humor. It will assist you in determining strong character choices, pushing your boundaries as well as aid you in the audition process - strengthening your ability to get the job! Classes are formatted to include warm-up, technique, planning exercises and theatre games. Students work in groups of 2, 3, 4 and soemtimes 5, adding layers of difficulty and interest. The workshop also explores characters, emotions and physical elements to enhance your scenes. You will learn to identify your strengths and to make the most of them. Not to mention the fun and laughs you'll experience throughout the process.
WARNING - This workshop is addictive and cheaper than therapy!