Longform Improvisational Comedy

from the Macalester Public Knowledge Base

Fundamentals of Longform Improv

Macalester Experimental College Instructor: MacArthur Antigua Location: TBD Time: TBA (2 hour class), Winter 2007

[edit] Class Description

This class is intended for people who want to learn the fundamentals of performing powerful longform improvisation. This class hones an improvisor's head, hand and heart skills so that the improviser moves beyond trying to be just funny. Improvisers practice truthfulness, being in the moment, soulful listening, creating universes on stage, and creating a group mind to sustain a longform improvisational performance.

Ideal for smart, playful individuals who want to learn how to be in the moment, listen soulfully, unleash one's own personal genius, co-create worlds and universes with other smart, playful individuals. Whether you're an actor looking for an edge in your auditions/scenework, or an absolute beginner wanting to have fun on stage and enjoy camaraderie of being in an ensemble, you will this class to be absolutely valuable. No previous acting experience necessary. Playful risk-takers preferred.

Students will spend the majority of the time engaged in interactive exercises and scenework to learn the fundamentals of longform improv. There will also be some reading, video and reflection. The culminating event will be a student performance at the Improv-A-Go-Go at the Brave New Workshop.

[edit] Registration

This class is still be considered for next semester. However, if you are interested, please e-mail your name and contact info to MacArthur Antigua. (infoATmassivecreativity.com) The class will be have a maximum of 14 students.

[edit] About the Instructor

Before moving to Saint Paul in August 2006, MacArthur Antigua was the founder of Massive Creativity Improv, the premier longform improvisational theater ensemble in Houston, TX. In just two years, he grew the ensemble from three founding members to eighteen performers, and trained over sixty students in its Training Center. During his tenure, Massive performed at the Del Close Marathon (New York City, NY), Dallas Comedy Festival (Dallas, TX), and the Austin Out of Bounds Improv Festival (Austin, TX), San Francisco Improv Festival (San Francisco, CA). They also conducted an annual Chicago performance where they had sold-out shows at The Playground Theater and the Green Door Tavern.

While living in Houston, he also found time to perform in Austin, TX. He performed with Tight, an improv ensemble comprised of relocated Chicagoans. They earned Best of The Week honors at the 2006 Frontera Fest. He also provided workshops for local ensembles Heroes of Comedy, Girls!Girls!Girls!, and Foolish Mortals.

Prior to moving to Houston, MacArthur performed longform improvisation at ImprovOlympic Theater in Chicago, Illinois from 1997-2003 with house teams Genealogy and Space Mountain.

He also performed shortform improvisation with Titanic Players from 1995-1996, and is a member of that 10 year old troupe’s Hall of Fame. He is a graduate of the famed ImprovOlympic Training Center, as well as the Annoyance Theatre Training Center.

He has studied under Del Close, Charna Halpern (founder of ImprovOlympic Theater, Chicago, IL), Peter Gwinn (author of improv manual, Group Improvisation), Joe Bill (Annoyance Theater, Chicago, IL), Pat Shay (People’s Improv Theater, New York City, NY), and Kevin Mullaney (Training Director of the Upright Citizens’ Brigade Theater in New York City, NY).

In addition to teaching improv, he has worked as a trainer/facilitator for five years in national/community service and volunteerism. He is an associate facilitator for the National Service Leadership Institute, where he has facilitated learning groups and provided training for executive directors and management level-staff of non-profit organizations and government agencies. He has also provided learning experiences throughout the country (Indiana State Commission on Community and Volunteerism, the Colorado State Commission, and the Montana State Commission, National Civilian Conservation Corps/Central Cluster, and the OneStar Foundation), and works toward facilitating environments that are inclusive and affirming.

For comments from past students, please click here.