The Dallas Comedy House School of Improv has three areas of study:  Improvisational Comedy, Comedy Writing, and Production. New classes are enrolling every month. In order to secure your spot in class, pre-registration is recommended, as we cap our class sizes. Click on the PayPal link to enroll in a class.  For questions regarding the school, contact Amanda Austin – amanda@dallascomedyhouse.com and visit our Staff page.

IMPROV PROGRAM

Our Improv class structure is as follows:

Level 1:  Introduction to Improv (6 weeks)

This level introduces the fundamental skills and vocabulary of long form improvisation. We believe that students best learn by experience and by example. Therefore, we begin playing on stage on day one of classes and encourage you to attend performances of long form troupes. Learn what we mean when we say “if we treat each other like rock stars or geniuses on stage, that’s what we’ll be.”

Cost: $170  Pre-requisite: Zero experience required

Level 2: Improv Devices (8 weeks)

Once you are familiar with the basics of improv we focus on developing your personal strengths. We explore character, dynamics, and status to help you identify your role in each scene. We take a closer look at what happens at the top of a scene and how it can guide your choices. This level helps to build your confidence and skills to work within an ensemble.

Cost: $200  Pre-requisite: Level 1 improv class

Level 3: Patterns (8 weeks)

This class works on helping you identify patterns and use devises to find possible directions based off of the information at the very top of the scene. We teach you how to find, explore and play through the patterns and games of your scene.

Cost: $200  Pre-requisite: Level 2

Level 4: Formats (8 weeks)

Students  will learn 8-10 improv show formats  while receiving advanced scene coaching. The formats are used to teach in-depth scene study and demonstrate the tools used to create original shows and explore new formats.

Cost: $200  Pre-requisite: Level 3

Level 5: Performance Level (8 weeks)

Understanding the dynamics of an ensemble is vital to doing great improv. The focus of this class is to identify and use the strengths of the ensemble and work together to discover your organic, unified voice.

Cost: $200  Pre-requisite: Level 4

*Each class culminates in a showcase for friends and family

WRITING PROGRAM

Level 1:  Introduction to Writing (6 weeks)

In the Intro to Writing course, students will learn to incorporate the fundamentals taught in Level 1 Improv to create original written material. Monologues, original characters, and short scenes will be created as a group, with partners, and on an individual basis.

Cost $170 Pre-requisite: Level 1 Improv

Level 2:  Writing for The Stage (8 weeks)

Students will take the basics of writing original comedic material and develop scenes for the stage. Learning to incorporate stage direction and specific dialogue will aid in the development of original sketches at the end of the eight week course.

Cost: $200 Pre-requisite: Level 1 Writing

Level 2: Writing for The Screen (8 weeks)

Students will take the basics of writing original comedic material and develop original commercials and short films for the screen. Learning to incorporate technical cues, narratives, and the “less is more” theory for screenplays will aid in the development of original Short Films at the end of the eight week course.

Cost: $200  Pre-requisite: Level 1 Writing

PRODUCTION PROGRAM

Level 1 Production (6 weeks)

In this Intro to Production Course, we will learn the basics of using a camera and computer software to shoot and edit material. You will learn how various filming techniques combined with selected software programs will enhance your product.  (Class limit of 6)

Cost: $200   Pre-requisite: Level 1 Improv

Level 2 Production (8 weeks)

This course will take the fundamentals of Level 1 Intro to Production and use them to create original small group projects. While working with the instructor, you will write film and edit commercials using proven production techniques.  (Class limit of 6)

Cost: $250  Pre-requisite: Level 1 Production

Level 3 Production (10 weeks)

This course is a culmination of the techniques used to write, film, and edit your own original material. You will audition students from the school of improv to star in your original short film that will be screened before your family, friends, and industry professionals.  (Class Limit of 6)

Cost: $325   Pre-requisite: Level 2 Production