Upcoming Classes
In this 6 week class, we play with the red nose as a means to discover the world of clown. Together we will embark on the very serious work of how to be profoundly stupid. The red nose is a “small mask”, a poetic tool that amplifies every move we make and compels us to play, make huge choices, and be radically seen on stage, This class is perfect for those interested in unlocking playfulness, becoming more aware of how they are perceived by an audience, and anyone interested in clowning or developing solo work. For participants: Each week please wear dark-colored clothing that you can move in, without patterns or logos. No flip-flops or heels, please. You are welcome to go barefoot. We will be looking at the way the body moves, so we don't want the eye drawn to or distracted by the clothing or the way you walk radically influenced by your footwear
INSTRUCTOR(S): Kristen Schier & Emily Newton
DAY / TIME: Saturdays 1:45 - 4:15 PM (2.5 hours)
DATE RANGE: 6 weeks. 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/14, 2/21 *skip 2/7
LOCATION: 1006 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
PREREQUISITE: n/a
Now that you’ve been set up with the tools for successful scene work, it’s time to strengthen those skills and hone your comedic voice. Level Two will reinforce, revisit, and add nuance to your play, add strong character techniques, explore the concept of justification, and provide a foundational understanding of UCB-style "game-of-the-scene". We will work on recognizing the first unusual or interesting thing that emerges to build collaborative, honest scenes that highlight what you and your scene partner find funny, avoiding tropes and caricatures. Students with any previous long-form improv experience are welcome to register for this class.
*Kickstand's improv track is a four-level program followed by Advanced Study, where students can learn and apply their skills to different formats. Each week of class builds on the previous one, and each Level builds on the Level before.
*Level 2 includes 6 weeks of instruction with 2.5 hours of instruction each week.
INSTRUCTOR: Kristen Schier
DAY / TIME: Wednesdays 6:30 - 9:00 PM (2.5 hours)
DATE RANGE: 6 weeks. 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11
LOCATION: 1006 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214 (ADA accessible)
PREREQUISITE: Level 1 at Kickstand or elsewhere
SOLD OUT
Improvising Shakespeare
with KRISTEN SCHIER
Sat Jan. 3 & Sun Jan. 4 2:30 to 5:30 pm
Chapel Theatre Annex / 4117 SE Harrison St / Milwaukie 97222
Start the New Year with the Bard!
Kristen Schier, director and founding member of “Love, Shakespeare,” will guide you through a two-day intensive where you’ll will tap into your inner poet and learn to create Elizabethan drama on the spot. Kristen will draw from Shakespearean text and help you explore the way Shakespeare uses antithesis, metaphor, and various literary devices to create dynamic language, themes, characters, and scenes. Then . . . you will improvise it! By the end, you’ll not only have sharpened your improv skills but have a handle on improvising Shakespeare as well.
NOTE: Make sure you bring what you need for each 3-hour class: water, snacks, layers of clothing.
The class will take short breaks, but you’ll be working most of the time, so be prepared.*Kickstand's improv track is a four-level program followed by Advanced Study, where students can learn and apply their skills to different formats. Each week of class builds on the previous one, and each Level builds on the Level before.