Welcome, Part 3

So what is "Theatrical Improv?"

Improvisation is the art of creating theatre on the spot, with no script, no scenery, and no idea where anything will take you! Remember all the times as a kid you and your friends played House, or Cowboys & Indians, or (if you were like me and my geek friends,) Star Trek? You had no script...you did whatever came to mind, and everyone went along with it.

That's what we do. Improv players go up on stage, sometimes get a simple suggestion from the audience, and just go with it. By the time we're done, if we've done it right, the audience will be asking us how long it took to learn all those lines!

Do I have to do it alone?

Absolutely not. The wonderful thing about improv is that you're never alone...there's always someone there to support you. In improv, no one succeeds unless everyone succeeds.

Isn't improv just comedy?

NO. Shows like "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and live shows like ComedySportz have given everyone the impression that improv is just being funny. Real improv is theatre, and theatre is more than just comedy. At Defiant Monkey we will be exploring all aspects of the theatrical experience from comedy to drama, from suspense to love story, from slapstick to horror. Improv is theatre without limitations.

What more could you ask for?

Welcome, Part 2

As the first group of invited players, we understand that you all have differing levels of experience with improvisational theatre from beginning to seasoned performers. Defiant Monkey welcomes all of you, and assures you that our Playshops will lead you gently into your first improv baby-steps and help you develop into confident improv performers, while our practice sessions will help players of all skill levels develop their talents in a fun, supportive, non-threatening environment.

Some of you will be interested in performing in our stage shows, others may just want to learn the art of improv; that's cool! We have a spot for all of you.

Our Playshops will be led by the founders of Defiant Monkey, myself (Andy) and Karen. Karen has a Master's degree and teaches Creative Writing and Public Speaking at the University level. She has years of improv experience including ComedySportz, Improv Buffet, and The Second City of Toronto. I am an Educational Specialist and have worked extensively with both ComedySportz and Improv Buffet. In other words, we know what we're doing!

The Playshops start at the beginning and teach you the fundamentals of theatrical improv. Normally courses like this cost $150-200, but as our first wave of invitees, you get it for FREE! (Too cool.)

Practices will be for those who wish to work toward performing in our shows. We'll work extensively on scene work and make sure that before your feet hit the stage, you're fully confident in your abilities.

This experience is valuable whether you want to do improvisation, star in plays, or just want to increase your confidence. And did I mention stress relief? How often as adults to you get to spend a couple of hours with other adults just playing and having fun??? Well, now you can.

So come play with us...we're looking forward to seeing you!

Andy & Karen

Welcome, Part 1

Welcome, invited participants! We promised information, and here is what we have:

Defiant Monkey Improv has secured a practice/performance space in Lockport at the historic Kenan Center at 433 Locust St. We will be running workshop/practice sessions Saturday afternoons at 3:00. Karen & Andy will use our 40+ years of theatre, improvisation and teaching expertise to introduce you to the Five Pillars of Improvisation: Acceptance, Trust, Characterization, Story & Environment. Whether you are an experienced actor/improviser or are just starting out, Defiant Monkey’s WorkPlayshop series will help you

• Increase confidence
• Improve public speaking skills
• Enhance acting abilities
• Gain comfort in social settings
• Refine brainstorming abilities
• Improve listening and observation skills
• Enhance creative-thinking abilities
• Improve decision-making skills
• Just have fun!

We're looking forward to seeing everyone!

Inaugural Performance Announced!

No, not for the President. It's our first official show (actually half a show!) On December 12th we will be performing the opening half of W.A.R.P.D. Productions' Christmas Staged Reading show at the Taylor Theatre in the Kenan Center, Lockport, NY. Our portion of the evening will be an interactive comedy improv show sure to delight both young and old (does that sound "Dickensian" enough?)

The show begins at 7 pm, and the best part...it's FREE! That's our Christmas present to you.

Looking forward to seeing you there!
Andy & Karen

Our Mission:

• To create on-the-spot participatory theatre that is humorous, thought-provoking and entertaining.

• To facilitate the development of skilled improvisational actors through practice, Playshops and performance in a safe, enriching and fun environment.

• To provide businesses, schools and organizations with interactive learning opportunities that are valuable, relevant and affordable.

Practice Space Discovered...Film at 11

Thanks to our friends at W.A.R.P.D. Productions, Defiant Monkey now has access to a suitable practice space AND a performing venue. Now let the recruiting begin!

(For all those who are suitably intrigued: the performance venue will be revealed soon. We don't want to spoil the surprise ending!)