Welcome to the Blind Tiger Archives! Here you’ll find an exciting array of courses that we’ve offered in the past, and may offer again one day! You can help jump-start the revival process by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca about any/all archived courses that you’d like to take. Have a good browse!
Past Electives
We have offered a variety of one-off electives in the past, and been lucky to have an amazing cast of talented guest teachers drop by while doing shows in town. Below is a list of some former workshops we may or may not be able to offer in the future.
The Hustle – with Tom Hill
One class.
Comedy is an art and it’s a business.
In this class, we dive into the little-discussed side of comedy that every successful comedian has in common: hustle. Together, we’ll discuss the tricks, principles, and ideas that make good producers great, and try exercises in goal setting and career brainstorming. Wondering how to go from class to having your own show? Struggling with the challenge of working with bad (and good) collaborators? Trying to go get paid to do comedy? Curious about which festivals are worth doing at what point in your career, or about strategies for applying? Nervous about how to approach heavy hitters you admire? Come get some answers.
Whether you’re an experienced producer looking for representation or someone just looking to start their first monthly show, this class will sharpen your tool kit and take your hustle to the next level.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 1 or higher or email tom@blindtigercomedy.ca to talk about why you want to take the class.
Instructor: Tom Hill
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Fresh Air À La Carte – with Ese Atawo
One class. 2 hours. $20.
On Thursday, July 8th, we’re going to get some big laughs going. The kind that you can hear, without headphones and without delays! In this workshop, Ese Atawo will dive into her favourite parts of improv with you while we all get used to riffing and laughing in person! While there will lessons in this workshop, there will also be a lot of celebration of the sheer joy of making comedy together in one room.
The low cost of this workshop reflects that this is Blind Tiger’s very first session back in person. We will follow BTC’s Fresh Air class plan and get comfortable doing improv with masks on. Class size will be capped at eight people. This is also a great class for students to drop into if they are considering taking a longer course in person and want to get a feel for the space.
All are welcome for this workshop, the level will be tailored to its participants!
This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Fresh Air Dust Up – with Tom Hill
One class. 2.5 hours. $20.
On Sunday, July 11th, we’re going to get some big laughs going. The kind that you can hear, without headphones and without delays! In this workshop, Tom Hill will lead you in exercises celebrating one of his favourite things: games. We will dig into sharing what’s fun in a character and in a scene, and try some of the best improv games you can only play in person. While there will lessons in this workshop, there will also be a lot of celebration of the sheer joy of making comedy together in one room.
The low cost of this workshop reflects that this is Blind Tiger’s very first session back in person. We will follow BTC’s Fresh Air class plan and get comfortable doing improv with masks on. Class size will be capped at eight people. This is also a great class for students to drop into if they are considering taking a longer course in person and want to get a feel for the space.
All are welcome for this workshop, the level will be tailored to its participants!
This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Scene Study – with Aaron Read
Four weeks. $150.
“The more things you do, the more you can do.” – LUCILLE BALL
This class is an opportunity to practice the core techniques of great improv, with direct feedback. Each week, you will get up on stage to create improv scenes in front of the class and your instructors, with the goal of working your comedic muscles and augmenting the technical training you’ll find in our core curriculums.
Improv For Ears – with Taz VanRassel
Six weeks. One show. $200.
This class will explore the world of audio improv and its potential to sweet, fun, hilarious scenes. Take a suggestion and a powerful scene using nothing but your voice.
Emulating the style of podcasts like Comedy Bang! Bang!, Improv for Ears teaches you how to differentiate your characters, build scenes smoothly, and when to assume different statuses and roles within scenes.
As you go through the course, you’ll learn vocal techniques and affectations to craft strong, layered characters that function audibly and on-stage. You’ll also develop your ability to reveal key elements about environment and props without feeling forced.
Whether you’re looking to create an improv-based podcast, or just improve your scene skills and character skills, this course is a great fit for you and your ears.
Pre-requisite: Students must have completed Intro 1 to take this course.
This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Into the Sketch-terverse (neighbourhood edition) – with Tom Hill
Six weeks. Two shows. $225.
This is an experimental comedy writing class about stirring up comedy shit on the internet and–for this special edition–in your neighbourhood. Each week Tom Hill will present a different collection of comedy examples from around the web and present challenges for each writer to take on. We will also spend time thinking about what the uncharted mediums of Zoom, live streaming, and “on location” comedy offer us. Can we do a show where every sketch is done live from your street? Should we? Studying comedic voices like Nathan Fielder, Baroness Von Sketch, ClickHole, Jon Bois, and more, you will get into a playful mode and then just keep that keeping on.
Our shows will be open-ended and involve a lot of trial, error, and triumph. Maybe we live-stream an overnight patience sketch. Maybe we go viral on Twitter. We’ll discover as we go but each week we’ll explore new corners of the internet, new corners on your block, review your writing, and plan two wild shows.
Pre-requisite: Students must have completed Sketch 1 or have equivalent experience.
This class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Coachings with Ryan Beil
Tuesday afternoons. 45-minute sessions. $60.
In this very customizable offering join trained actor and comedian Ryan Beil for one or more 45-minute sessions. How do you prep for a show? What are other types of classes that have benefited you? What’s the worst time you have ever bombed and how did you get over it? What is the one piece of wisdom you learned in an improv class that you’ve always kept with you? How do you get out of your head? How do you produce a show? What are you favourite improv warmups? What kinds of media do you consume? How do you deal with imposter syndrome?
Similarly, if you have a specific set, monologue or project you want feedback on, Ryan is all ears. Rate will fluctuate depending on the specific request. To register, write a request with the subject like “Ryan Session” to info@blindtigercomedy.ca mentioning what you want to work on, your desired dates and times (Tuesdays preferred) and we’ll get you set up.
AD HOC CLASS
Tuesday Afternoons or Nights, 45 minutes at a time
Ongoing
Instructor: Ryan Beil
Genre Workout – with Amy Shostak
Five weeks. One show. $190.
A ring light flickers overhead. The door in the far corner of the room creaks opens slightly. A shadowy figure skitters across the…ceiling? In a raspy, broken voice we hear a comedian say…”is this…genre class?”
Join Amy Shostak for an intensive exploration of improvising in genres and how to add nuance, character and spice to your improv. In this workshop, you will dig into the tropes of four distinct genres of film: Horror, Film Noir, Science Fiction and Romantic Comedy, then learn to improvise scenes in those genres. You will play around with Zoom’s framing and sound capabilities to build visual references to the genres, while nailing great scenes and genre-inspired games.
Note: there will be 1-2 hours per week of homework assigned each week to build the ensemble’s familiarity with the genres…if that’s not too spooky for you.
Pre-requisite: Students must have completed Intro 2 or equivalent to take this course.
This elective is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Intro to Improv for Ears – with Taz VanRassel
Six weeks. One show. $200.
This class will explore the world of audio improv and its potential to sweet, fun, hilarious scenes. Take a suggestion and a powerful scene using nothing but your voice.
Emulating the style of podcasts like Comedy Bang! Bang!, Improv for Ears teaches you how to differentiate your characters, build scenes smoothly, and when to assume different statuses and roles within scenes.
As you go through the course, you’ll learn vocal techniques and affectations to craft strong, layered characters that function audibly and on-stage. You’ll also develop your ability to reveal key elements about environment and props without feeling forced.
Whether you’re looking to create an improv-based podcast, or just improve your scene skills and character skills, this course is a great fit for you and your ears.
Pre-requisite: Students must have completed Intro 1 to take this course.
This elective is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
DO Play Dumb with Me – with Ronald Dario
Four weeks. One show. $150.
We love dummies in comedy. Borat! Michael Scott from the Office! Every character guest on Comedy Bang! Bang! But how do we play one in our own improv without blocking our scene partners? It sounds like an oxymoron, but we have to play dumb in the smartest way possible. The same goes for playing characters who are sad, gross, annoying, inebriated, intoxicated or evil. Let’s make sure our satire is actually satirical and not just mean, shocking or off-putting.
In this workshop, we’ll explore playing those “dumb” characteristics and adding layers of nuance and justification to them. Sure, our character has never celebrated Halloween before, but why? Is it because their grandfather was murdered by a pumpkin? Brilliant! Play sad without bumming the audience out completely. Play evil in a way that makes the audience know you’re not actually a psychopath. Play drunk in any way other than unintelligible (and possibly problematic) slurred speech!
Pre-requisite: Students must have completed Intro 3 or have equivalent experience to take this course.
This elective is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Long Form Dust Up – with Devin Mackenzie
Eight weeks. Three shows. $300.
In this senior-level long form workshop, you will crack open the wide possibilities of long form improv online. In the first four weeks of class, Blind Tiger Comedy founder Devin Mackenzie will lead you in an exploration of two wild long forms: The Cell and the Domino. In the second four, you’ll create a form of your own.
Along the way, you’ll dig into the high-level group game, listening, and game of the form skills you need to excel in versatile formats like these ones. To top it off, this class comes with three shows: the show led by Devin, the show you create, and the classic long form show FONDUE, where students play with the Blind Tiger Comedy faculty. This time around though, you pick the cheeses (see: improv forms).
Pre-req: Long Form 1 or higher, or Blind Tiger Comedy House Team experience
This elective is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Improv Scene Study
Four weeks. $150.
“The more things you do, the more you can do.” – LUCILLE BALL
This class is an opportunity to practice the core techniques of great improv, with direct feedback. Each week, you will get up on stage to create improv scenes in front of the class and your instructors, with the goal of working your comedic muscles and augmenting the technical training you’ll find in our core curriculums.
FOUR WEEKS
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Extreme Characters – with Inbal Lori
Four classes. One show.
Have you ever wondered why most of us play “normal” or “neutral” characters most of the time? Do you have the urge to play characters which are bigger than life and /or are very different from you? Are you struggling with playing these kinds of characters in a believable way?
From my experience, when improvisers make the choice of playing an extreme character on stage, two main things happen: 1. they struggle between playing that character consistently and believably while keeping the scene going. 2. the scene will usually evolve around them and how “extreme” they are.
In this workshop you will develop the ability to play those characters in believable and focused ways AND use these characters to tell beautiful stories in various contexts and situations.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 3/ Advanced Scenes 1 or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor: Inbal Lori
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Rhythm and Change – with Amy Shostak
One class.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 1 or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor: Amy Shostak
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Logic of the Illogic – with Inbal Lori
Four classes. One show.
Improvisation, like any other form of storytelling, does not have to stick to reality as we know it. We can create different times and places and portray characters who are not from this world. However, those places and characters are not randomly different. They have their own internal logic and reason. It’s just different than ours.
This class will focus on creating unrealistic stories in a realistic way. It will help you to find order in chaos and logic in imaginary realms .
We will create alternative realities and challenge ourselves to play with the alternative structures that hold them.
It will be a trip of the imagination in an act of creation.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 3/ Advanced Scenes 1 or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor: Inbal Lori
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Get Out of Your Head – with Tess Degenstein
Three classes.
This workshop aims to further connect the improvisor with their impulses. Through exercises, scene work, and coaching, students will learn to play with less hesitancy and more fearlessness. Emphasis here is not on cleverness, but on playfulness, and joy. We will investigate how to inspire our scene partners and, in doing, surprise ourselves. When was the last time you surprised yourself…?
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 2 or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Tess Degenstein
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Devil is in the Details – with Annie O’Connor
One class.
So often performers find themselves in the “doing it right” trap of improvisation; creating scenes that feel and look safe and acceptable but have no life or risk to them. To play truly unique scenes we must dive deep into hyper-listening. We must give up control and lose ourselves in the exercise of specifically building off the last thing said, done or conveyed.
In this workshop we will learn techniques for harnessing and building specificity and detail all the while creating one of a kind scenes that do not require invention. Look beyond what seems so simple at first glance and explore the mysterious and complex world you are actually playing.
To put it simply: this class is the one for you if you’re stuck trying to get the rules of improv right in every scene.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 2 or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Annie O’Connor
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Authenticity & Comedy – with Coko Galore
Three classes.
Improv doesn’t need to be just about the imaginary, it can also rely on our authentic truths. What does authenticity look like in comedy? What if we could merge the fantastical with our realities and create enjoyable work? In this workshop with Coko Galore, Artistic Director of Bad Dog Theatre and one half of Coko & Daphney (Zoofest, Boston Comedy Festival), we explore the authentic selves in playing the reality of the moment and bringing emotional truth to scenes.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 3/ Advanced Scenes 1 or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Coko Galore
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Land & Personal Storytelling – with Todd Houseman
One class.
Where is such an important part of the stories in our lives and an important part of our identities. We talk about locations in our scenes but how deeply do they affect you?
Land and our relationship to it is an integral part of indigenous storytelling and in this workshop with improvisor and actor Todd Houseman you will explore how the connection to the land you come from can enhance your scenes from a deeply personal level. Using personal stories, physicality, and deep remembering, we’ll invite the land to our improv stories, because it’s always going to be there.
Disclaimer: the teachings in this workshop are not Elder-level as Todd is not qualified to teach those. The focus of this workshop is ultimately on improving our improvised scenes.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 3/ Advanced Scenes 1 or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Todd Houseman
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Play Like An Ally (Beginner) – with Stephen Davidson
One class.
This workshop will focus on practical steps you can take as a player to make sure everybody feels welcome. Improv can stagnate without diversity because it becomes predictable; turn on your awareness and let this art form continue to surprise and delight you.
This workshop will focus on awareness of what players need, and what they’re offering. We’ll play through a balanced warmup designed to make sure everybody starts on the same page, and talk about how (and if) to modify for people who are differently-abled or neuro-diverse, or have English as their second language. We’ll work on supporting different types of initiations and offers, players with different styles, diverse points of view, stage time, and amplifying less heard voices. Also: note that there is another Play Like An Ally class available August 9th for students with more experience with more advanced scenes!
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 1 or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor: Stephen Davidson
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Long Form Improv for Ears – with Taz VanRassel
Six weeks. One show.
This class will explore the world of audio improv and its potential to create wonderful and rich long form scenes and sets. Take a suggestion and build a whole wide world using nothing but your voice.
Emulating the style of podcasts like Comedy Bang! Bang!, Improv for Ears teaches you how to differentiate your characters, build scenes smoothly, and when to assume different statuses and roles within scenes.
As you go through the course, you’ll learn vocal techniques and affectations to craft strong, layered characters that function audibly and on-stage. You’ll also develop your ability to reveal key elements about environment and props without feeling forced.
Whether you’re looking to create an improv-based podcast, or just improve your long form skills and character skills, this course is a great fit for you and your ears.
Pre-requisite: students must have completed Long Form 1 to be eligible for this class, or have equivalent experience.
Instructor:Taz VanRassel
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Ghost Jail Theatre – with Caitlin Howden
Four weeks. Two shows.
Ghost Jail Theatre is a mixture of words and scenes. In this class, you will learn the original format from one of its creators, Caitlin Howden, and have two Ghost Jail shows of your own.
What is Ghost Jail?
In Ghost Jail, everyone is a writer. You’ll find yourself writing even when you are not inspired. Writing is about what you want to express. It can be short or long, but it must be delivered. And hopefully, we discover that the things that reincorporate will be things that are most interesting for us all.
Pre-requisite: students must have completed Long Form 1 to be eligible for this class, or have equivalent experience.
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Solo Improv – with Amy Shostak
Five weeks. One show.
In this class, you’ll focus on you and you alone – building up your personal repertoire of improv skills, honing your characters, and speeding up your comedic brain. Each week, Amy Shostak will work with you on what makes your improv tick, and then she’ll assign exercises and fun games you can play in all this unexpected home time.
Learn specially-curated exercises via a weekly Zoom session – featuring live explanations, demonstrations, and debriefs. With the encouragement of Amy and your fellow classmates, you’ll practice and perform your homework – word association, monologues, multi-character techniques, and more.
Sharpen your skills and give yourself an improv workout, even when you don’t have a buddy to perform with. In just a few weeks, you’ll be inspiring yourself and others with your solo skills.
Pre-requisite: to take this class you must have completed Intro 2 or have equivalent experience in improv.
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
The Weekly Dose: Improv Deep Dives with Amy Shostak
$10 a week or PWYC. Drop in style guided discussions.
Just because there won’t be lots of improv happening on stages doesn’t mean we can’t watch and explore cool comedy. In this open seminar, you’ll be part of a guided weekly discussion of improv concepts led by Amy Shostak and other faculty guests. Each week we send participants a topic and an example (or three) to watch before the next session. Next, you bring your notes, thoughts and jokes to the Zoom session to discuss with the group.
Learn new ideas, keep your improv-brain engaged, and connect with fellow students.
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Alter Egos – with Ese Atawo
Eight weeks.
This class is a character focus class to help form a strong and trusted character. With improv and theatre exercises, personal reflection and daily journaling each students will have the tools to create characters that they will enjoy playing. Building on years of training and experience with character development at Second City and theatre school, Ese will lead you through the processes that make her one of the most recognized comedic character actors in Vancouver.
Including work that explores physical, vocal, family, personal, values, jobs, monologuing and journaling you will uncover new ways to explore your range as a performer. Buckle up and explore your alter egos.
Pre-requisites: students must have completed Intro 1 to take this course.
FULL CLASS
Instructor: Ese Atawo
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Risk Your Writing: Experimental Sketch Comedy – with Tom Hill
Five classes. One show.
In this workshop, you will take some big, nasty risks with your sketch comedy. You will be introduced to some of the more experimental sketch comedy out there, and the principles and approaches that make it work. You will be encouraged to bring your wildest, most outside-the-box premises and you, along with Tom and your classmates will learn how to hone and develop them into a form that audiences can understand and approach, if not love. And then, to celebrate, we’ll do one of the weirdest shows Vancouver has ever seen.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Sketch 1, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Reps x Reps – with Caitlin Howden
Four classes. $120.
In this one-off ensemble, senior improvisors will be turned loose in a series of classes focus on reps on stage with notes from Co-Director Caitlin Howden.
Get on stage, do a scene, no time for chit chat, do another scene. This class is has no lesson plan, no curriculum, no discussions. Get on stage and work. Caitlin Howden will be leading this practice, offering notes and insight. She’s been doing improv for 20 years and now makes a career out of it. Take the note, or don’t.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have taken Long Form 1 or higher (whether you were encouraged to move on or not), or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
FOUR WEEKS
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Becoming Your Characters (Advanced) – with Aaron Read
Eight personalized classes. Two shows. $350.
In this intensive class–which has a low student cap to increase feedback and attention to individual development–you will learn to get into your character’s head while getting out of your own. Exercises curated and in some cases designed from scratch by Aaron will help you create rich, detailed, dynamic characters that drive strong scenes. Students will come out of this unique class with a better understanding of the characters they already play and the tools to create new characters on the spot.
The class comes with a personalized diagnostic of particular character range, and some tools to help you attack those tendencies.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed at least Intro 2 and been given permission to take Intro 3, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
8-WEEK
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
The Hustle with Tom Hill
One day. 2.25 hours.
Comedy is an art and it’s a business.
In this class, we dive into the little-discussed side of comedy that every successful comedian has in common: hustle. Together, we’ll discuss the tricks, principles, and ideas that make good producers great. Wondering how to go from class to having your own show? Struggling with the challenge of working with bad (and good) collaborators? Trying to go get paid to do comedy? Curious about which festivals are worth doing at what point in your career, or about strategies for applying? Nervous about how to approach heavy hitters you admire? Come get some answers.
Whether you’re an experienced producer looking for representation or someone just looking to start their first monthly show, this class will sharpen your tool kit and take your hustle to the next level.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 1 or higher.
Instructor: Tom Hill
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Improv For Moms! – with Amy Shostak
Four classes. One show.
After numerous requests, Improv For Moms is here! Improv for Moms is all about introducing people who identify as moms to improv. This class will help you dive confidently into the joy and delight of improv in the Blind Tiger style. The only difference? A sensitivity to the needs, wants and perspectives of moms. That may include a relaxed attendance/lateness policy, a focus on celebrating the unique stories of mothers, or other adjustments discovered mid-class.
Chances are, Improv For Moms will be a traditional, really-fun improv class with a bunch of folks who happen to have kids! No experience is required, all mothers are welcome! Note that childcare will not be available through Blind Tiger for this first rendition of the class.
Improv For Moms is not part of our core classes, and does not necessarily fulfill a pre-requisite for another class. You can contact us via directors@blindtigercomedy.ca if you have any questions!
4-WEEK
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Experiments in Improv Laboratory – with Becky Johnson
Seven customized classes. Three innovative shows.
In the signature offering from our first-ever Comedian-In-Residence, advanced improv students will explore the boundaries of what’s possible in improv and comedy amidst a one-time-only ensemble. This unique, twice-a-week intensive comes with three shows, which means the ensemble will be relentlessly generating new show ideas and then testing them on stage under the guidance of instructor Becky Johnson.
Designed as a lab space for advanced improv performers, this course focuses on tackling participant-generated hypotheses and questions. Through consideration of how and why we approach our time on stage, we will work towards a greater understanding of what to do with that time. Participants should come prepared for all the rigours that come with creative growth: we’re talking taking risks. We’re talking homework. We’re talking riffing about big ideas in and outside of class.
This class will expose participants to various approaches to physical theatre and improv that usually fall outside of a standard comedy improv curriculum. It will also explore the questions and ideas you have about improv under the guidance of instructor Becky Johnson. Participants will leave this course with new tools that will help them create forms, evaluate what they like in improv, and take risks.
“Let’s ask pressing and ridiculous questions and hope very hard that they take us to places we have never been before! And the let’s make those new places entertaining.”
Eligibility: students who have completed Intro 3 or higher may apply to be a part of this one-time program, though it is possible not all will be accepted. To register, email directors@blindtigercomedy.ca subject line “Experiments” outlining in brief (100 words or less) why you’d like to participate.
Instructor:Becky Johnson
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Characters You Recognize – with Lee White
One class. Three hours, thirty minutes.
This special, one-time workshop is designed to level up your characters with feedback from one of the all-time great characters improvisors, Lee White.
Characters should be familiar and yet new. They should remind the audience of themselves. Strong characters that make your audience fall in love with you and come back over and over.
Lee White guides you through simple character creation techniques that will challenge the way you approach your scene work, and allow you to maintain and expand your characters in both long and short form shows. You will learn how to make better, stronger choices to develop great characters for the stories you want to tell.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed at least Intro 2 and been given permission to take Intro 3, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Lee White
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Stage Friction – with Lee White
One class. Three hours, thirty minutes.
Improvisors are taught to avoid conflict but there is a way to use it to your advantage in stories and character building. Every story needs some conflict, right?
In this workshop from world-renown improvisor Lee White (CRUMBS), you will focus on how to play conflict with your scene partners and how to use conflict in character building. Students learn how to start scenes with conflict and how to avoid the tiresome arguments conflict often brings. Don’t avoid conflict – make conflict a skill to use!
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed at least Intro 2 and been given permission to take Intro 3, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Lee White
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Scenes Through Scenes – with Ryan Beil
Four classes.
What can improvisers learn from scripts? What makes a scene good, interesting, or even watchable? Ryan Beil (BFA in Acting, University of British Columbia) is interested in leading a workshop to explore the answers to these questions. Dissecting scenes from famous plays and films and then applying what we learn from that script work will launch you into improvised scenes. Come and learn what makes a scene “great.”
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed at least Intro 2 and been given permission to take Intro 3, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Specificity of Action – with Becky Johnson
One class. Three and a half hours.
From our Comedian-In-Residence Becky Johnson comes this unique elective that is approachable for students at almost any level.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed at least Intro 2 and been given permission to take Intro 3, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Becky Johnson
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Women Centre Stage – with Amy Shostak
Four classes. One show.
This workshop welcomes all people who identify as women, or identify with the experiences/struggles/strengths of womanhood. Our voices are in the minority on most improv stages, and this class will serve to create a supportive space for all participants to be bold and play fearlessly. Together, we will explore making strong offers, embracing our unique voices, and taking agency on any stage. Join us for an awesome opportunity to collaborate with other dynamic femme performers from around the city!
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Blind Tiger’s Intro 1 class, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Amy Shostak
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Comedy Collage: Using Real Life in Comedy – with Aaron Read
One class. Four hours. $60.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed at least Intro 1, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Aaron Read
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Book it with Beil! – with Ryan Beil
Three classes. $100.
An audition workshop with Ryan Beil. A working Actor for almost 15 years, Ryan has a robust body of work and has figured out a few things about the audition room. From script work to on camera analysis, join Ryan for a three-day audition bootcamp designed to highlight both your weaknesses and strengths making you more comfortable when you get in front of casting directors.
Pre-requisite: all levels welcome!
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Sketch For the People – with Tom Hill
One class. Four hours.
In this one-day class, you will get a first-hand taste of the sweet delights of writing and performing sketch comedy, as well as the methods and philosophies we bring to teaching it. You will discuss existing sketches, learn about how to identify what you find funny, core principles in writing sketch, and we will all do some writing and performing together.
By the end of the day, you will have a mini-show of your own, and leave understanding better how great sketch is, and how our sketch curriculums—created by Blind Tiger founders Caitlin Howden, Tom Hill and Devin Mackenzie—can support your growth as a writer and comedian. Oh, and you’ll laugh a ton.
No experience required. Sketch Sampler is not part of our core class program, and does not necessarily fulfill a pre-requisite for the sketch program.
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Solo & Character Sketch – with Kirsten Rasmussen
One class. Three hours.
So you want to write a solo sketch, but where do you start?This solo sketch workshop will give you brainstorming skills, writing techniques, physical exercises and format techniques to help bring your character ideas to their top form. Taught by character master Kirsten Rasmussen. Come with a notebook and pen and leave with a handful of new characters.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed at least Intro 3, or explain your comedy writing experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Kirsten Rasmussen
Fears We Own – with Kaisa Kokko
One class. Three hours.
All the way from Finland comes a workshop that explores the personal fears we have, share and own – from the perspective of performative art. In this workshop Kaisa Kokko will facilitate your sharing your our own fears and then set the fears up on stage to be examined in performance way.
Fears are often universal and we share so many fears with our fellow human beings that it is a wonderful possibility to truly invite our audiences to feel connected with the experience. The workshop will push the improvisers to go inwards first to face their own fears and then turn towards others in an honest and vulnerable exploration of fears on stage.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed at least Blind Tiger’s Intro 1 class or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Kaisa Kokko (Finland)
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Characters, Characters, Characters – with Kaisa Kokko
One class. Four hours.
Kaisa Kokko invites you to take the stage as characters that live their lives to the fullest, thus inviting the audience to care about what happens to them. How do we find interesting characters to play and stay in? This workshop concentrates on building and maintaining full characters through imaginative and fun exercises.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed at least Blind Tiger’s Intro 1 class, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Kaisa Kokko(Finland)
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Emotional Presence – with Amy Shostak
Two classes. Six hours.
Do you often play emotion by stating how you feel rather than showing it? Do you crave more emotional commitment on stage? Have you received the note that you need to emote more? Whether you’re interested in playing more grounded, dramatic scenes, or you want to bring more truth to your huge characters, this workshop will focus on getting you in touch with your emotional impulses, and allowing your vulnerability to shine through.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Blind Tiger’s Intro 1 class, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Amy Shostak
Thursdays, 6:30-10:00
June 28 & July 5
Acting for Improvisers – with Tess Degenstein
Two classes. Six hours.
Deepen your character work and enrich your storytelling in this two-day workshop. Through exercises, scene work and coaching, students will learn to fine-tune character impulses and deepen emotional offers within their improv, touching on theatrical and dynamic staging in the process. We’ll work not only on pushing ourselves to create stronger characters and bolder choices, but inspiring our scene partners to do the same, creating scenes with impact. Emphasis here is not on cleverness, but on playfulness, connection, commitment. Challenge yourself to go deeper, fly higher, be bolder.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed at least Intro 1, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructor:Tess Degenstein
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Listen to Silence – with Keng-Sam Chane Chick Té and Amy Moule
Three hours.
Led by two of the finest instructors in international improv, Keng-Sam (Reunion Island) and Amy Moule (Impro Melbourne) this is one of three that will push our students minds and comedy July 1-3. Check out all three!
In this class, you will focus on the little moments in a scene. For example: body language, mime, space work, silences. You will work on how these aspects can add to a scene; to the narrative; to the tension and to the space between words.
You will learn to question: How can we best use the silent moments? And tackle the moments of what to do when you feel you don’t know what to do! (eg. move, change position, change emotion, perform an activity, etc). We will work on awareness of when players are just standing and talking in a scene. Let’s get out of our head to get into our body!
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 1 class, or explain your equivalent experience by emailing directors@blindtigercomedy.ca.
Instructors:Keng-Sam and Amy Moule
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Build Your Own Show Through Characters You Create, a Workshop with the Pajama Men
Six hours.
Blind Tiger Comedy is thrilled to have world-class comedians The Pajama Men offering a one-time workshop designed to unlock the writer in you by following your instincts as an actor/performer/improvisor.
We’ll dive deep into character development and improvisation and learn to use our characters and skills as improvisors as tools to write and perform sketches and full shows.
Start by learning to create rich, imaginary environments, complex situations and memorable personalities, then work as a group to discover how sometimes our best ideas come when we take the focus off ourselves and support our fellow performers. Through this give-and-take method, we can all chip in to keep the funny ball in the air and free ourselves from the feeling of being put on the spot.
As the course continues we will zero in on the characters you’ll create; their idiosyncrasies, voices, postures, and world view. By immersing ourselves completely into these personas we can use them as powerful writing tools, learn to surprise ourselves and come up with fresh ideas that we probably would not if we were sitting in front of a laptop in a cafe.
Along the way we will keep a log of strong moments, great lines, themes and theatrical devices and build an arsenal of creative elements and look at how to craft them into sketches and shows.
Pre-requisite: to register for this class, you must have completed Intro 2 or higher, or get the “ole go-ahead” by emailing us with a summary of your performance experience at directors@blindtigercomedy.ca
Instructors: The Pajama Men
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
From Page to Stage – A Sketch Writing Tune-Up with Chris Wilson
Three hours. $40.
So you’ve written a sketch…but now, how do you stage it and rehearse it to make it funnier than before?How do you put together a sketch show that flows seamlessly and impressively from one to the next?And after that, where can you put perform these sketches and how? Join three-time Canadian comedy award winning comedian Chris Wilson of Peter N’ Chris (Just For Laughs, College Humour) for a course on punching up, rehearsing and staging a sketch show.Take your sketches from page to stage in a unique way.
This course is great for people or groups with pre-written sketches that want to add some flare and a professional feel to their sketches.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 3 or have previous writing experience. Email directors@blindtigercomedy.ca to tell us about it, if the latter is true of you.
Instructor: Chris Wilson
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Improv as Cultural Exchange, with Folk Lordz
Three hours. $40.
Our outstanding, internationally-recognized friends Folk Lordz stop in for this one of a kind workshop, which offers an investigation into the cultural backgrounds and personal storytelling traditions of the workshop participants, through improvisation. A look at where we come from, and how that informs the stories we tell. Sharing personal narratives, looking at cultural genres, and detailing techniques for respectful, non-appropriative ways of integrating family tradition into your comedic voice.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 1 or higher.
Instructor: Folk Lordz
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Game² with Aaron and Tom
Two days. Eight hours. One show.
In this class, you will take on one of the concepts most near and dear to Blind Tiger Comedy founding groups Hip.Bang! and The Sunday Service: multi-game. You will train your conception of what game can include, and then look to double, triple, and quadruple your games and others’ within a single scene.
To cap it off, you and your wild-eyed classmates will attempt to put it all together in a form known for making audience’s laugh harder than they’re used to. Buckle up.
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 3 or higher.
Instructor: Tom Hill and Aaron Read
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Sketch for the People with Chris Wilson
Two days. Six hours.
Join Chris Wilson (Just For Laughs, CollegeHumor, Peter N’ Chris) for a two day sketch comedy workshop where you’ll learn tips and tricks on writing hilarious sketches of all kinds. Ever wonder “But, how do I think of sketch ideas” ? Well come find out! The answer on how to generate great sketch premises, write great sketches, and perform the GREATEST SKETCHES OF ALL TIME lies within. Bring a pen and paper (or computer…computer is fine) and be prepared to write (it’s a writing class).
Pre-requisite: to register for this elective, you must have completed Intro 3 or have previous writing experience. Email directors@blindtigercomedy.ca to tell us about it, if the latter is true of you.
Instructor: Chris Wilson
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Stand Up Comedy
Stand Up 1 – Taste the Fire
Six weeks. Two shows. $250.
“Stand up is hard.” – JERRY SEINFELD
In this course, designed for students who have never tried stand up before, you will plunge mouth-first into the joy of doing live stand up comedy. You will explore everything from how to mine material from the world around you, how to craft a basic punch line, and how to write comedy at the height of your intelligence. You will also explore the core theories and techniques that define good stand up.
This class has a unique structure: for much of the semester, your “text book” will be one of the best stand up rooms in town: the Kino Café. Thanks to Blind Tiger Comedy’s partnership with Kino, you and your classmates will both attend and semi-regularly perform as part of the shows there. In addition to learning from your own stage time, the class will review and discuss the other comedians on a given show, using their strengths and weaknesses as additional learning opportunities. We encourage and expected to bring friends to these shows.
This class is, in short, the perfect introduction to stand up and the community of shows and comedians doing it in Vancouver.
You will move onto Stand Up 2 with a basic understanding of how to write a deliver a joke, notions of how to construct a successful set, and able to comfortably get through a three-minute stand up set.
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
Stand Up 2 – Finding your Voice
Six Week. Three Shows. $250.
“I did stand up comedy for 18 years. Ten of those were spent learning, four years were spent refining, and four years were spent in wild success.” – STEVE MARTIN
In this class, intended for students with anywhere from six months to ten years of stand up comedy experience, you will hone and craft your voice as a comedian, and isolate what can and/or does work for you on stage. You will work with your teacher, a professional stand up comedian, on what makes a joke successful for you, and be given repeated opportunities to work on your strengths and weaknesses in front of a live audience, with direct feedback from your instructor.
This class has a unique structure: for much of the semester, your “text book” will be one of the best stand up rooms in town: the Kino Café. Each class will take place at the Kino, around the Tuesday night show. Classes will start with an hour of focused discussion before the show begins and end with a notes. Each student will perform three times for one of the best stand up crowds in the city, and will participate in notes on their sets as well as dissection of the rest of the show’s performers. Students will be encouraged and expected to bring friends to these shows.
This class is designed such that students are encouraged to take it more than once as they hone in on their own challenges and continue to improve with regular stage time and exposure.
Class is not currently open for registration. To be alerted when it is, sign up for our mailing list.
