Winter Focus: Dramatic Improv

Enrollment Open

This class is an advanced focus and not recommended for beginners.

Join the Intensive and Get the Primer for 1/2 Price!

Dramatic Improv

Improv in the Raw

Class Details:

12-Week Intensive on Tuesdays January 7th – April 1st

Add the Dramatic Sense Primer for just $75.00 December 3rd, 10th & 17th

  • Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM depending on class size.
  • Cost: $240 per month – Or $675 Paid in Full ($750 with Primer)
  • add on tuition cost for AZAA Ongoing Students: $225 per month – Or $600 Paid in Full ($675 with Primer)
  • Instructors: Jacque Arend

This 12 week intensive is one AZAA’s flagship programs. All actors at any level will benefit from this unique focus. Expect to touch, feel and see work that is brave, vulnerable and surprising. This is not dark improv, it’s real. From hilarity to tragedy this special improv focus highlights what honesty reveals in performance to all of us.

Are you ready to explore the depths of human emotion through the power of improvisation? This intensive class is designed to hone your two-person scene work skills and delve into the raw, unfiltered moments that connect us all. We’ll dive into the emotional spectrum, exploring topics such as despair, passion, heartbreak, and love. Throughout this three month intensive, you’ll learn how to create authentic, compelling characters and navigate challenging conversations with ease.

Open

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of improvisation and unlock your full potential as an actor.

  • Enhanced two-person scene work skills: Develop your ability to create dynamic, engaging scenes with a partner.
  • Emotional depth: Explore a wide range of emotions and learn how to convey them effectively.
  • Authenticity: Discover techniques for creating genuine, relatable characters and rich human connections.
  • Connect Deeply: Create human bonds and resonate with audiences.
  • Collaboration: Work with your classmates to build a supportive and creative environment.
  • Confidence: Gain the confidence to take risks and explore new emotional territories.

New actors and improvisors interested in the Dramatic Improv Intensive are highly encouraged to take the Dramatic Sense Primer.

The intensive culminates in a public performance in April, 2025

Dramatic Sense Primer

Class Details:

Three-Week Primer on Tuesdays December 3rd, 10th & 17th

  • Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM depending on class size.
  • Cost: $150.00 – Or add to Full Intensive for $75.00
  • add on tuition cost for AZAA Ongoing Students: $125.00 – add on to intensive for $75.00
  • Instructors: Jacque Arend

A three week stand alone intensive focusing on the range of human emotion and your unique expression of it. Utilizing the fundamentals of Improvisation this class hones in on your emotional range, depth, action and reaction as a performer. Take this three session primer on its own or add this primer to our 12-Week intensive to elevate your dramatic performance.

Open
  • Unleash Your Emotional Arsenal: Explore the full spectrum of human emotion.
  • Command the Stage: Be bold, brave, and captivating in your performances.
  • Discover Your Inner Depth: Uncover the emotional richness within your characters.
  • Embrace Fearlessness: Expand your range and conquer your self-doubt.

New actors and improvisors interested in the Dramatic Improv Intensive are highly encouraged to take the Dramatic Sense Primer.

From Tuner to Turbocharger

High Performance Improv is your turbocharger, taking your skills from winning to dominating.

This advanced class goes beyond the basics, focusing on synthesizing your knowledge. Just like high-performance engines, we’ll compound simple ideas into complex systems, layering advanced concepts onto your existing skill set.

This four-month module program includes a live show and dives deep into various high-performance “systems” of improvisation, including:

  • Summer features Longform Performance: Master the art of multi-scene storytelling, building intricate narratives on the fly.
  • Fall rotates Sketch, Genre and Short Form Performance: Hone your comedic timing and razor-sharp wit to create side-splitting scenes.
  • Winter/Spring Features Improvised Drama: Elevate your emotional connection and create deeply affecting scenes.

High Performance Improv is where your improv journey truly takes off. Be prepared to push your limits, explore uncharted territories, and become an improv powerhouse. Are you ready to leave the competition in the dust and dominate the stage? Buckle up and prepare for the ride of your life!

Classes start with a monthly primer, followed by a 12-week intensive that finishes with a performance. 

Registration Open

Join the Intensive and get the Dramatic Sense Primer for 1/2 Price!

2024 Registration For HP Improv Programs

High Performance Improv Program

All of our communications are through email, please give us your best contact.
Are you currently enrolled in AZAA classes?
The Dramatic Sense Primer is only $75 with the intensive and will be a one time separate charge.
The Dramatic Sense Primer is only $75 with the intensive and will be a one time separate charge.

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Class Waiver & Policies

Terms of Enrollment
• PAYMENT Your total tuition fee will be presented before submitting and charged upon completed registration using the information provided.
• REFUNDS Your payment is non-refundable. Cancellations should be made with at least 48 hours notice to pursue credit for future AZAA classes.
• INSTRUCTOR EMERGENCY In the event of emergency, we will send email notifications if classes are cancelled. Any cancelled classes will be offered a make-up class with ample time to adjust your schedule.
• Class Etiquette
We strive every day to create the safest creative environment for artistic development. This requires a working space of the highest integrity for personal risk taking and artistic exploration, both on and off the stage. Please review our student expectations.
Waiver of Liability:
As a participant in any program or class at Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC), understand and agree that in participating in any acting/voice/movement class, workshop, rehearsal or performance, there is a possibility of physical injury or death. I recognize and acknowledge there are certain risks of physical injury, and I agree to assume the full risk of injuries, including death, damages or loss that I or my minor child may sustain as a result of participating in any activities connected with or associated with such program or class. I agree to waive and relinquish all claims I or my minor child may have as a result of participating in any program or class against Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs. (Hotchner Studios LLC) and its officers, agents, servants, employees and independent contractors. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless and defend Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) and it's officers, agents, servants, employees an independent contractors from my claims resulting from injuries including death, damages and losses sustained by me or my minor child that arise out of, in connection with, or in any way associated with the activities of this program.
Optional Waiver:
Please check this waiver if you will permit use of you or your child's image as described below. If you do not check this waiver, we will not use you or your child's image. I understand that Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Sudios LLC) is a non-profit organization that promotes acting as an art form not only to it's students, but also to the community at large. As such, articles, brochures, videos and websites may be used either promotionally or educationally and may include images of Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) students or other participants in our programs. I hereby permit the use of my, or my daughter/son's image to be photographed, videotaped or otherwise recorded for the use in Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) publicity or educational materials. These materials include, but are not limited to, photographs of classes and performances, newsletters, various other school publications, Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) internet webpage and video of class/performances.

Terms of Monthly Billing

• You will be charged the monthly tuition upon submission and set up for automatic billing one month from your first payment for your balance due.

• Registration is a commitment to the full program and tuition payment.

• Cancellations should be made with at least 48 hours notice of the first class to pursue credit for future AZAA classes. Any cancellation beyond that you forfeit all payments.

• If you added the Dramatic Sense Primer at the discount you will be charged for the Primer with the first payment in full and 

if you are selecting the Intensive with Primer the $75.00 charge will be made separate from above.
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Enrollment Changes

Forms for students already enrolled in Meisner wishing to make payment extension requests, continue or cancel enrollment. All change requests should be made before the 25th of the month and a withdrawal outside of your commitment requires a 30 day notice. 

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