Beginning Improv for Teens
Jan
8
to Feb 12

Beginning Improv for Teens

  • Sebastopol Main Stage Theater (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

REGISTER HERE

Class is six Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm / Cost $200

Like our beginning classes for adults, our teen class will be a gentle and super fun introduction to the world of improv. We’ll explore the basic elements of what makes improv work through games and exercises, all designed to get students playful, open and supportive of one another.

Keeping in line with the ZipLine style of improv, students don't have to be quick, funny or outgoing to do improv—in fact they will be encouraged to slow down, listen and simply work together to create improv magic.

This class will be co-taught by improvisers Jennifer Hayworth and Dylan Pereira, bios below.

Jennifer Hayworth

Jennifer has always loved developing and playing characters onstage. Her earliest theater experiences in Jr. High and High School included embodying the lead characters in both Once Upon a Mattress (Queen Agravaine) and The Madwoman of Chaillot (Madwoman), as well as roles in West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof.  

As a kid, Jennifer was drawn to sketch comedy shows like The Carol Burnett Show and Saturday Night Live, where the characters were bigger than life, comedic and flawed. Improv allows her to explore all kinds of characters for herself and she had a blast learning the basics at 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, where she performed in several improv shows between 2018-2020. In 2022 she found Laura and ZipLine Improv and “the rest is his (her)tory!” Her love of the art of improv has grown deeper while studying with Laura and her favorite improv cohort. Digging deeper into characters and taking risks in improv has brought about growth both onstage and in life.

Jennifer has her multiple subject teaching credential, and after working with elementary school kids for a few years, she went on to manage Youth Employment programs for high school ages for nine years, teaching pre-employment skills courses to over 150 teenagers. She found that teaching and watching them grow, and then seeing their excitement when they get their first job was incredibly rewarding.

She is thrilled to be bringing her array of skills to the new ZipLine Improv class for teens.

 

Dylan Pereira

A Sonoma County native, Dylan is a scientist with a penchant for playing around and having a good time. He graduated from UCSC in 2018 with a degree in Biology and worked several labs and field gigs, ranging from ornithological research to capturing and collaring live mountain lions. 

He has a deep appreciation for the sciences and education while also fostering his sense of humor. He grew up watching “Whose Line is it Anyway” and countless stand-up comedians, and also has two hilarious brothers who continue to give him ideas and cowrite sketches with him (one of whom he currently performs with on stage).

It was after college when he decided to stretch the creative/artistic side of his brain a bit more, finally joining Evil Improv in early 2023. After learning some basics of improv and performing a few shows, he wanted to dig deeper into the art form and began classes with ZipLine. Over a year later he continues to enjoy the class on a weekly basis and has grown to not only love improv, but all his cohorts in the class as well. He now performs in the comedy troupe Creature Comedy, writing and performing sketches, improvising, and filming digital shorts. 

Dylan truly believes that comedy is not just for fun, but for healing and growth. As a stage-shy science guy (hey that rhymed!), improv comedy has helped him get out of his insecurities and grow as a person. He strongly believes laughter is one of the best forms of medicine, and he lives that truth daily. He wishes to share this with anyone it may help, particularly those who may not consider themselves “theater” types, just like him.

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Improv Next Steps
Jan
13
to Mar 27

Improv Next Steps

  • Sebastopol Community Center Youth Annex (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Continuing where the beginning classes leaves off. Here we start cementing the principles you’ve been learning: listening, saying yes to things, dropping your agenda and staying in the moment, and so on. We start exploring the physicality of improv and what goes into creating characters.

We also go deeper into what makes for a promising scene start and why some scenes flow and others are more challenging to navigate.

This is for continuing ZipLine improv students. If you have prior experience elsewhere, please contact me for a discussion so we can make sure you get into the right class!

When: 8 Mondays January 13th - March 17th skipping 1/27 & 2/24

Time: 6:15-8:15

Location: Sebastopol CC Youth Annex (same place)

Registration HERE (Payment plan option available at checkout) or Venmo @Laura-Wachtel (last 4 digits are 9168)

Cost: $265

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Beginning 6-Week Improv Series
Jan
15
to Feb 19

Beginning 6-Week Improv Series

Welcome to this gentle and super playful introduction to the world of improv.

We'll focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow, and start exploring scene work while learning the basic elements that make improv work. You'll learn to think on your feet (which actually means to STOP thinking), trust your instincts, and work collaboratively with others. Expect lots of laughter, spontaneity, and unforgettable moments.

You don't consider yourself “naturally” quick, funny or outgoing? Perfect! You don't need to be to do improv, all you need to do is show up--truly! You will surprise yourself, then watch your confidence grow. Improv tools can help us be more comfortable with ourselves, thus enabling us to be more relaxed and engaged in our work, social situations or onstage, for those who perform or wish to.

Mostly it’s just really, really fun!

Six Wednesdays: 1/15 - 2/19

6:15pm-8:15pm

Cost: $200 for the series via clicking HERE.

You can also pay by Venmo @Laura-Wachtel — if you do PLEASE include your email address and phone # to receive class info and updates.


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Intro to Improv
Dec
18
6:00 PM18:00

Intro to Improv

  • Sebastopol Main Street Theater (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Cost: $45—REGISTER HERE

Welcome to our Intro to Improv one-time class!

Have you thought about trying out improv but have been a bit wary to commit to a full series? This single class introduction is perfect for getting a sense of what it's about (and maybe discovering that it's not as scary as you'd thought).

ZipLine Improv wants you to know that the way we approach improv is not about being the quickest and cleverest person in the room, it's about paying attention and working (playing) as a team. We will focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow; these are games that lead to what makes improv work. We'll also get a mini-start on simple scenework, using the skills you're learning.

Still nervous? Said one recent student: "...never once have I felt out of place in your class; you have this way of making all of us feel safe to play like children."

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Intro to Improv
Dec
15
12:00 PM12:00

Intro to Improv

Cost: $45—REGISTER HERE

Welcome to our Intro to Improv one-time class!

Have you thought about trying out improv but have been a bit wary to commit to a full series? This single class introduction is perfect for getting a sense of what it's about (and maybe discovering that it's not as scary as you'd thought).

ZipLine Improv wants you to know that the way we approach improv is not about being the quickest and cleverest person in the room, it's about paying attention and working (playing) as a team. We will focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow; these are games that lead to what makes improv work. We'll also get a mini-start on simple scenework, using the skills you're learning.

Still nervous? Said one recent student: "...never once have I felt out of place in your class; you have this way of making all of us feel safe to play like children."

View Event →
Beginning 6-Week Improv Series
Oct
7
6:15 PM18:15

Beginning 6-Week Improv Series

Welcome to this gentle and super playful introduction to the world of improv.

We'll focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow, and start exploring scene work while learning the basic elements that make improv work. You'll learn to think on your feet (which actually means to STOP thinking), trust your instincts, and work collaboratively with others. Expect lots of laughter, spontaneity, and unforgettable moments.

You don't consider yourself “naturally” quick, funny or outgoing? Perfect! You don't need to be to do improv, all you need to do is show up--truly! You will surprise yourself, then watch your confidence grow. Improv tools can help us be more comfortable with ourselves, thus enabling us to be more relaxed and engaged in our work, social situations or onstage, for those who perform or wish to.

Mostly it’s just really, really fun!

Six Mondays: 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, (skip 10/28), 11/4, (skip 11/11), 11/18, 11/25

6:15pm-8:15pm

Cost: $200 for the series via clicking here: Fourth Wall Tickets

You can also pay by Venmo @Laura-Wachtel — if you do PLEASE include your email address and phone # to receive class info and updates.


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Scenework Level I
Sep
15
2:00 PM14:00

Scenework Level I

This class is a continuation of where Next Steps leaves off. We’ll be delving deeper into creating characters and having them interact with each other to discover what each scene is about.

Continuing students contact me for payment info. If you are new to ZipLine classes but have other improv experience please get in touch! We’ll have a conversation to see where you’d fit best.

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Beginning 6-Week Improv Series
Jul
23
to Aug 27

Beginning 6-Week Improv Series

  • Main Street Theater (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Beginning Improv 6-Week Series

Welcome to this gentle and super playful introduction to the world of improv.

We'll focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow, and start exploring scene work while learning the basic elements that make improv work. You'll learn to think on your feet (which actually means to STOP thinking), trust your instincts, and work collaboratively with others. Expect lots of laughter, spontaneity, and unforgettable moments.

You don't consider yourself “naturally” quick, funny or outgoing? Perfect! You don't need to be to do improv, all you need to do is show up--truly! You will surprise yourself, then watch your confidence grow. Improv tools can help us be more comfortable with ourselves, thus enabling us to be more relaxed and engaged in our work, social situations or onstage, for those who perform or wish to.

Mostly it’s just really, really fun!

Six Tuesdays 7/23 through 8/27

6:00pm-8:00pm

Cost: $200 for the series via Eventbrite HERE

You can also pay by Venmo @Laura-Wachtel — if you do PLEASE include your email address to receive class info and updates.


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Improv Next Steps
Jul
7
to Aug 25

Improv Next Steps

  • Arlene Francis Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This class is full, you may request to be on the waiting list.

In this series we will continue where the beginning course ends. It's still early days but you're more comfortable and ready to layer on some more skills. We'll start to explore character and Space Object work (miming things that aren't there) and get more into scene work, where we'll delve into the elements that set a scene off in the right direction. We'll continue with games and exercises that focus on listening and responding, and examining why "daring to be ordinary" and not trying to be clever and funny end up making for the most satisfying scenes.

$200 pay via Eventbrite HERE or Venmo @Laura-Wachtel

Six Sundays: July 7, (skip July 14), July 21, (skip July 28), Aug 4,11,18,25

2:00pm-4:00pm

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Beginning 6-Week Improv Series
May
26
to Jun 30

Beginning 6-Week Improv Series

  • Arlene Francis Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Beginning Improv 6-Week Series

Welcome to this gentle and super playful introduction to the world of improv.

We'll focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow, and start exploring scene work while learning the basic elements that make improv work. You'll learn to think on your feet (which actually means to STOP thinking), trust your instincts, and work collaboratively with others. Expect lots of laughter, spontaneity, and unforgettable moments.

You don't consider yourself “naturally” quick, funny or outgoing? Perfect! You don't need to be to do improv, all you need to do is show up--truly! You will surprise yourself, then watch your confidence grow. Improv tools can help us be more comfortable with ourselves, thus enabling us to be more relaxed and engaged in our work, social situations or onstage, for those who perform or wish to.

Mostly it’s just really, really fun!

Six Sundays 5/26 through 6/30

2:00pm-4:00pm

Cost: $200 for the series via Eventbrite HERE (can also Venmo @Laura-Wachtel)


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Beginning 6-Week Improv Series
Mar
12
6:00 PM18:00

Beginning 6-Week Improv Series

Six Tuesdays 3/12 - 4/16

6:00pm-8:00pm

Cost: $200 for the series via EVENTBRITE or Venmo @Laura-Wachtel

Please note new venue

Beginning Improv 6-Week Series

Welcome to this gentle and super playful introduction to the world of improv.

We'll focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow, and start exploring scene work while learning the basic elements that make improv work. You'll learn to think on your feet (which actually means to STOP thinking), trust your instincts, and work collaboratively with others. Expect lots of laughter, spontaneity, and unforgettable moments.

You don't consider yourself “naturally” quick, funny or outgoing? Perfect! You don't need to be to do improv, all you need to do is show up--truly! You will surprise yourself, then watch your confidence grow. Improv tools can help us be more comfortable with ourselves, thus enabling us to be more relaxed and engaged in our work, social situations or onstage, for those who perform or wish to.

Mostly it’s just really, really fun!


View Event →
Beginning 6-Week Improv Series
Jan
7
to Feb 11

Beginning 6-Week Improv Series

  • Arlene Francis Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This class is sold out. CONTACT HERE to be on the waiting list.

Six Sundays 1/7 - 2/11

3:00pm-5:00pm

Cost: $150 for the series

Beginning Improv 6-Week Series

Welcome to this gentle and super playful introduction to the world of improv.

We'll focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow, and start exploring scene work while learning the basic elements that make improv work. You'll learn to think on your feet (which actually means to STOP thinking), trust your instincts, and work collaboratively with others. Expect lots of laughter, spontaneity, and unforgettable moments.

You don't consider yourself “naturally” quick, funny or outgoing? Perfect! You don't need to be to do improv, all you need to do is show up--truly! You will surprise yourself, then watch your confidence grow. Improv tools can help us be more comfortable with ourselves, thus enabling us to be more relaxed and engaged in our work, social situations or onstage, for those who perform or wish to.

Mostly it’s just really, really fun!


View Event →
Intro to Improv
Dec
16
12:00 PM12:00

Intro to Improv

Have you thought about trying out improv but have been a bit shy to commit to a full series? This single class intro is perfect for getting a sense of what it's about (and maybe discovering that it's not as scary as you'd thought!).

Yup! Improv is not about being the quickest and cleverest person in the room, it's about paying attention and working (playing) as a team. We will focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow; these are games that lead to what makes improv work. We'll also get a start on simple scenework, using the skills you're learning.

Still nervous? Said one recent student: "...never once have I felt out of place in your class; you have this way of making all of us feel safe to play like children."

Fee: $30 via Venmo @Laura-Wachtel or EVENTBRITE

View Event →
Intro to Improv
Dec
10
3:00 PM15:00

Intro to Improv

Have you thought about trying out improv but have been a bit shy to commit to a full series? This single class intro is perfect for getting a sense of what it's about (and maybe discovering that it's not as scary as you'd thought!).

Yup! Improv is not about being the quickest and cleverest person in the room, it's about paying attention and working (playing) as a team. We will focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow; these are games that lead to what makes improv work. We'll also get a start on simple scenework, using the skills you're learning.

Still nervous? Said one recent student: "...never once have I felt out of place in your class; you have this way of making all of us feel safe to play like children."

Fee: $30 via Venmo @Laura-Wachtel or EVENTBRITE

View Event →
Improv Next Steps
Aug
31
to Oct 5

Improv Next Steps

  • Arlene Francis Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

$150 pay via Eventbrite HERE or Venmo @Laura-Wachtel (Please include your email address for confirmation and class notifications)

Six Thursdays August 31 - October 5

6:00pm-8:00pm

In this series we will continue where the beginning course ends. It's still early days but you're more comfortable and ready to layer on some more skills. We'll start to explore character and Space Object work (miming things that aren't there) and get more into scene work, where we'll delve into the elements that set a scene off in the right direction. We'll continue with games and exercises that focus on listening and responding, and examining why "daring to be ordinary" and not trying to be clever and funny end up making for the most satisfying scenes.

Note: If you are new to ZipLine Improv and want to make sure this class is the right fit for you, get in touch.

View Event →
Beginning 6-Week Improv Series
Aug
30
to Oct 4

Beginning 6-Week Improv Series

  • Arlene Francis Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

$150 pay via Eventbrite HERE or Venmo @Laura-Wachtel (Please include your email address for confirmation and class notifications)

Six Wednesdays August 30 - October 4

6:00pm-8:00pm

This 6-week beginning improv series is a gentle and super fun introduction to the world of improv.

We will focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow, and start exploring scenework while learning the basic elements that make improv work.

You don't have to consider yourself “naturally” quick, funny or outgoing to do improv, all you need to do is show up! Truly. You will surprise yourself, then watch your confidence grow. Improv tools can help us be more comfortable with ourselves, thus enabling us to be more relaxed and engaged in our work, social situations or onstage, for those who perform or wish to.

Mostly it’s just really, really fun!


View Event →
Beginning 6-Week Improv Series
Jul
20
6:00 PM18:00

Beginning 6-Week Improv Series

$150 pay via Eventbrite HERE or Venmo @Laura-Wachtel (Please include your email address for confirmation and class notifications)

July 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17 & 24

6:00pm-8:00pm

This 6-week beginning improv series is a gentle and super fun introduction to the world of improv.

We will focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow, and start exploring scenework while learning the basic elements that make improv work.

You don't have to consider yourself “naturally” quick, funny or outgoing to do improv, all you need to do is show up! Truly. You will surprise yourself, then watch your confidence grow. Improv tools can help us be more comfortable with ourselves, thus enabling us to be more relaxed and engaged in our work, social situations or onstage, for those who perform or wish to.

Mostly it’s just really, really fun!


View Event →
Improv Next Steps
May
7
to Jun 11

Improv Next Steps

  • Arlene Francis Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In this series we will continue where the beginning course ends. It's still early days but you're more comfortable and ready to layer on some more skills. We'll start to explore character and Space Object work (miming things that aren't there) and get more into scene work, where we'll delve into the elements that set a scene off in the right direction. We'll continue with games and exercises that focus on listening and responding, and examining why "daring to be ordinary" and not trying to be clever and funny end up making for the most satisfying scenes.

Dates: May 7, 14, 21 & 28, June 4 & 11

Time: 11a-1pm

Cost: $150

Register via Eventbrite HERE or Venmo the class fee to @Laura-Wachtel — please include your email address for confirmation and class notifications.

Note: If you are new to ZipLine Improv and want to make sure this class is the right fit for you, get in touch.

View Event →
Beginning 6-Week Improv Series
Mar
19
to Apr 23

Beginning 6-Week Improv Series

  • Arlene Francis Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

$150 pay via Eventbrite HERE or Venmo @Laura-Wachtel

March 19 & 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23

11am-1pm

This 6-week beginning improv series is a gentle and super fun introduction to the world of improv.

We will focus on games and exercises designed to get us out of our judging minds and into a playful state of flow, and start exploring scenework while learning the basic elements that make improv work.

You don't have to consider yourself “naturally” quick, funny or outgoing to do improv, all you need to do is show up! Truly. You will surprise yourself, then watch your confidence grow. Improv tools can help us be more comfortable with ourselves, thus enabling us to be more relaxed and engaged in our work, social situations or onstage, for those who perform or wish to.

Mostly it’s just really, really fun!

NOTE: Some participants will be repeat students but first-timers are easily folded in; if you are interested in a one-time Intro class to bring you up to speed before this begins, please email laura@ziplineimprov.com


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