Spring Focus: Modern Longform Improv

Enrollment Open

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

Students should have basic foundational skills in improv and improvised sceneework.

Single Month Enrollment – $240.00

Full Focus Enrollment – $225.00 monthly

Dramatic Improv

Discover the Magic of Longform Improv

Improv Comedy training you can’t find outside of LA, NYC and Chicago

Every actor, comedian, improviser should train in longform to level up performance, writing and audition skills! We’re so excited to offer this class led by our own legendary Jacque Arend. This style of improvisation is what evolved the careers of actors and writers like Amy Poeler, Tina Fey, Adam McKay, Donald Glover, Ed Helms, Aubrey Plaza and many, many more. Expand your performance and audition skills. Gain confidence and trust. Discover your magic, yours alone, that only emerges in longform improv training!

Class Details:

16-Week focus Tuesdays April 8th-July 29th.

Full 16 week enrollment deeply discounted and including final performance.

April and May open for single month enrollment.

  • Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM depending on class size.
  • Cost: $240 per month – or $225.00 for full program enrollment.
  • add on tuition cost for AZAA Ongoing Student bundles: $225 per month
    • Or $175 monthly for bundled full focus enrollment
  • Instructors: Jacque Arend
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 Jacque Arend is a visionary leader, performer, and teacher with a passion for the art of improvisation. Trained at Chicago’s renowned iO Theater, Jacque’s deep roots in longform improv have shaped her 15+ years of experience as a performer and educator. As the Associate Artistic Director of Arizona Actors Academy, Jacque leads the Improv and Comedy programs, bringing her expertise to inspire students with creativity and authenticity. She also serves as Executive Director of SAVI Fest, fostering an annual celebration of improvisation, and as Managing Director of the global non-profit Improv Utopia, supporting improvisors around the world. Jacque’s commitment to cultivating community and artistic excellence makes her an invaluable force in the world of improv.

In this four month course Jacque Arend leads you through all the nooks and crannies of modern longform improvisation. A master class in scenework, editing technique, collaborative ensemble performance and the three beat structure of non-linear storytelling. This class culminates in public performances at AZAA!

  • April 8th – 29th – Scenework & Heightening the World

  • May 6th – 27th  – Editing Technique & Ensemble Support

  • June 3rd – 24th  – The Three Beat Structure & July 8th – 29th – Synthesis for Performance

  • Single Class Audit available for April 8th – $25 – Try before your buy!

Students can opt in for April, May or the full program. Students wishing to just join June and July should contact jacque@azactorsacademy.com for approval and availability.

The intensive culminates in public performances!

Tentatively scheduled for August 2nd & 9th.

“Learning longform improv with Jacque was not only incredibly fun, but allowed me to develop a formidable array of foundational core skills. From edits, to group games, to themes, and much more, working on the Harold format consistently pushed me and expanded my capabilities as an improviser and as a performer, all while maintaining a sense of freedom and play. Jacque’s skill as a coach enables her to create a class environment that is free of judgment and wonderfully focused on finding the joy in the work. When we finally performed as a group in our showcase at the end of the unit, seeing all the time and effort we’d put in paying off was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my artistic career thus far.”

Andrew Riggs

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

2024 Registration For HP Improv Programs

High Performance Improv Program

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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.

Class Waiver & Policies

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.

Payment

Terms of Full Focus Monthly Billing

• You will be charged the monthly tuition upon submission and set up for automatic billing on the first every month through July 1st.

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

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

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Enrollment Changes

Forms for students already enrolled in classes 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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