The JaCKPie Theatre Workshop is quickly becoming known as the home for long-form improvisation and spontaneous theatre in Atlanta. Our classes are designed for both veteran improvisers as well as those completely new to the craft of improvisation. Many of the improvisers who complete our training program go on to perform on teams here at JaCKPie Theatre.

Level 1: Long-form Improvisation
Instructor: Jim Karwisch

This class covers improv theatre and long-form basics such as playwrighting dialogue, the director's eye, listening skills, and give-and-take. Solo and partnered exercises help students develop honest, fleshed-out characters and prepare them for the strange new world of Long-form Improv and Spontaneous Theatre.




Next class starts in July 2008 (8 weeks)
Location: Relapse Theatre in Midtown 380 14th Street N.W. Atlanta, GA 30318

Cost: $200 
Email info AT jackpie DOT com or call 404.272.1212 for more info. Click Paypal Icon to register.

JIM KARWISCH has been improvising for over 15 years. He was trained by Charna Halpern, T.J. Jagodowski, Bob Dassi, and Miles Stroth at IO in Chicago (Formerly the Improv Olympic.)  At Valdosta State University he earned his bachelors degree in Theatre with an emphasis in Playwrighting and Directing. He performs most Saturday Nights at the Relapse Theatre in Midtown and coaches the touring team Einstein meets Elvis and house team Babies mit Bearden. Jim is one half of the original JaCKPie Duo and the Artistic Director for the JaCKPie Theatre Workshop.

Each class meets once a week for three hours. Each session is eight weeks long.

To register for classes email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it   with your name, address, phone number and previous stage experience. There are a limited number of work-study positions and internships available to students. A $30 fee will be assessed for checks returned due to insufficient funds or closed accounts. Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable. All sales are final. Class size is limited to 14 to guarantee personal attention.

Somewhere during your studies at JaCKPie, your workshop leader may recommend you for one of our Harold Teams, so you'll get the additional benefit of learning while you perform!

We recommend you see a few of our shows before signing up for classes.

• Participation in or completion of classes does not guarantee placement on a JaCKPie Harold Team.
• Tuition is non-refundable and is non-exchangeable upon receipt of payment.
• The JaCKPie Theatre Workshop reserves the right to accept or deny any application.
• The JaCKPie Theatre Workshop reserves the right to postpone or cancel class if registration does not reach a minimum number of students.

WHO SHOULD TAKE CLASSES? 

Actors: Long-form will affect every aspect of your creative process. It will strengthen your stage presence, character creation, choices, confidence, and will make you a stronger, more prepared actor.

Directors: Training as a long-form improviser will hone your ability to see what is needed on stage, what would make for a more dramatic stage picture, and strengthen your confidence and problem-solving skills.

Playwrights: Long-form training can help you go deep inside the creative process and experience moment-to-moment character creation, the mechanics of scene work and story development.

Improvisers: Feeling like there must be another way to play than what you've been doing for years? There is!  Long-form improv is based on character creation, emotion and human desires. Stretch yourself farther than you ever have before.

Other Professionals:The JTW begins from the ground up, so no prior acting or improv training is necessary.  Boost your confidence. Exercise your creativity and think on your feet. Work with a team of others toward a common goal.  Training in improvisation can help you develop a fresh approach to your work.

Levels of the JTW Training School

Level 0 - An Introduction to Improvisation
$200 - 8 weeks
...for those who have no previous experience in improvisation or theatre.  Through improv games designed to teach specific skills and techniques of improvisation we will help you to get comfortable being onstage and prepare your body and mind for the process of learning long-form improvisation.

Level 1 - An Introduction to Improvised Theatrical Scenework
$200 - 8 Weeks
(Requires completion of Level 0 or the graduation from another improv training program or acting class)
...covers improv theatre basics such as playwrighting dialogue, the director's eye, listening skills, and give-and-take. Solo and partnered exercises help students develop honest, fleshed-out characters.

Level 2 - An Introduction to Long-form Improvisation
$200 - 8 Weeks
(Requires completion of Level 1)
...teaches various long-form styles, highlighting The Harold, in which teams create a series of scenes and games based on an audience suggestion.

 Level 3 - Intermediate Long-form Improvisation
$200 - 8 Weeks
(Requires completion of Level 2)
Go deeper into the Harold and learn how to approach second and third beats, group mind, cutting and stitching scenework and tying the entire Harold together.

Level 4 - Advanced Long-form Improvisation
$200 - 8 Weeks
(Requires completion of Level 3)
Take Harold to the next level by learning advanced forms and techniques like ghosting, transformations, time/space distortion, advanced edits and more! Put it all together in Level 4.

Level 5 - Performance Level
$200 - 8 Weeks
(Requires completion of Level 4)
...a performance level workshop series in which an established or new form will be honed, directed, produced and performed by members of the workshop.