Level 4: Long Form Advanced

Service Description

Level 4 is the capstone training level before House Teams. This is an advanced long-form lab where you and your classmates create a signature show format together and premiere it for a public audience. You get 30 hours of rehearsal and format development with a coach and a committed ensemble. 30 hours at this level is enough to move you from "I can play in formats" to "I understand how a format works and how to help build one." Over 10 weeks of 3 hour rehearsals you will: •Test different longform concepts and decide on a format that fits your ensemble. •Design the opening, editing style, transitions, and ending structure. •Refine pacing, energy, and show arc so the middle does not sag. •Integrate lights and sound as intentional parts of the show. •Practice taking and giving detailed notes in a professional rehearsal setting. The 5Ws now apply at the show level: Who – the ensemble’s character web and group dynamic. Where – stage picture, environments, and how locations change. What – the central idea or game of the show itself. Why – the thematic or emotional promise you make to the audience. Wow – the moves, images, and patterns that make your format unforgettable. You will present a work in progress performance partway through the term, make adjustments, then premiere a polished show at the end. The goal is to create something that could live on the Instant Theatre stage beyond the class. This level is for serious longform improvisers who want to work like an ensemble and are interested in House Teams, creating their own projects, or directing long-form. Format: 10 weeks, 1 class per week, 3 hours per class. Dates: Thursdays; January 15th till March 19th Performance: 1 final showcase. Prerequisite: Level 3 or equivalent longform training by instructor approval. Instructor: Nikolai Witschl (read more about Nikolai on our Instructor's page). To make training more accessible, students will be charged based on a 2x payment plan: $219.50 before the course begins and $219.50 after Week 5.