Improv Shakespeare Workshop Saturday

If you're thinking about taking the Improvised Shakespeare workshop: do it!

If you're still thinking about it, say hellow to Michael Lewis. He'll be teaching the class this Saturday at Blacktop Comedy Theater in Rocklin. I had a chance to ask him some questions.

What are some of your favorite improv teams?

Some of my favorite "dead" improv teams: Bitter Noah, Alexis Stiencamp, and Pete and Paul Explain it all. These were all teams from iO West in the early 2000's. Some of my favorite "living" improv teams: Beer, Shark, Mice, Improvised Shakespeare, and Hello Laser.

You're a great improviser. Was there a moment you realized, you wanted to be involved in comedy? What was that moment?
I don't remember the first moment but I feel in love with improv from about the first time I started improvising at 17 in Bakersfield. I continue to fall in love with improv the more I learn about what is possible as an improvisor, teacher, and artist. My god I'm a sappy romantic for improv. 

When and where did you begin improvising?
I started improvising in hight school with ComedySportz Bakersfield in 1995. 

Where have you studied?
I was introduced to improvisation through ComedySportz where I performed for about 7 years. I was introduced to long form and got what my serious improv training at iO West. I also take the opportunity to study at improv festivals, and at improv theaters whenever I get the chance to.

What do you love most about improv?
Improv is pure process, our work is never done. You get to hold on to nothing. Your best work and your worst work is completely ephemeral you have to step onto stage and begin anew every time.

Is there a favorite character you've created?

I don't think so but my favorite character fictional or actual person is Timothy "Speed" Leveitch. He is a real person who is endlessly fascinating, go watch The Cruise.

What do you hope students learn in your class?

I hope that all of my students will learn to get out of their own way and let their subconscious lead them. Don't trust your thinky brain it will almost always lead you astray. Be present and trust that how you feel is how you should be feeling.

What's the most valuable piece of advice you received from a teacher?

Trust how you feel and follow that.  Your feelings are never wrong. I can't quote anything accurately but that is what I took from Dave Razowsky.

Special Improv Workshop

Michael Lewis is smart. Lewis is also a veteran improviser who loves to teach. That's why we called him, and asked him to come teach a class. Are you looking to become a better improviser? Looking for a special improv workshop? Lewis is coming to Blacktop Comedy and he's offering a Improvising Shakespeare class next Saturday, Aug. 22nd. It's a three hour class you want to take!

You might not know you want to take the class, but you do! Michael Lewis has worked with some of the best improvisers in the country. In fact, he has worked with Blaine Swen of Improvised Shaekspeare Company.

Yes. That amazing Improvised Shakespeare Company. The Improvised Shakespeare Company that performs in iO in Chicago, and tours nationally performing at prestigious theaters like UC Davis Mondavi Center.

But, don't just take my word for it. Here is some more information about the class.

Improvised Shakespeare Workshop

Come and learn to improvise with the styles and themes of The Bard—from the simple eloquence of his language, to keeping thee, thine and thou straight. Shakespeare doesn't have to be scary and difficult. Discover how much fun this underutilized but fabulously entertaining form can be.  Improvising Shakespeare style works to get improvisers out of their heads by focusing on letting their emotions lead them.  The focus on flowery language helps to teach performers to let there words get ahead of their brains, and from their, they will discover they are capable of things they had no idea they could do.

Micahel Lewis 
An alumnus of iO West (formerly Improv Olympic West), Michael studied and performed there for five years. While at iO he performed with Harold teams G.U.S. and Pit Boss as well as The Award Winning Documentary. He was on two retired Champion teams of the iO West Cage Match, first with The Backstreet Bards and then with Blaine is Obviously Gay. Michael spent two years as an artistic advisor for Major League Improv, teaching several workshops for them. For two years he worked as an artistic consultant for iO Chicago's wildly successful Improvised Shakespeare Co. He ran Empire Comedy of Reno, creating the class curriculum and teaching Levels 1, 2, and 3. Last spring he began teaching improvisational theater at University of Nevada Reno through the theater department. He has performed with Police Cops! and Empire's house teams, Like a Banshee and Hostel Greetings.