SUNDAY NIGHT IMPROV is a "unique" (Time Out New York), "wonderful" (Backstage), "hilarious" (Newark Star-Ledger) comedy jam session -- continues its run of Sunday performances on the Upper West Side at the 78th Street Theater Lab at 78th Street and Broadway.

The "Jam", which began in 1992, mixes and matches experienced improvisers from a wide variety of successful New York City improv groups. The fluctuating cast members are all alumni of -- or current performers at -- such groups as Chicago City Limits, First Amendment, Johnny Lunchpail, The Chainsaw Boys, Ka-Baam! and The Improvoholics.

The new Sunday Night Improv shows are at the 78th Street Theater Lab, 236 West 78th Street, just off Broadway, every Sunday at 7pm. Admission is $10. Reservations: 212-353-7716.

Fast and Funny Improv

An ongoing drop-in class, for anyone who wants a quick tour of the improv world. The class, for all levels, features performers from the cast of Sunday Night Improv. You can do scenes with veteran improv performers – and then stay and see them perform in Sunday Night Improv! Class fee includes a ticket to that night's performance of SNI.

 
 Location: 78th Street Theater Lab
236 West 78th Street
 Fee: $10 per class; fee includes ticket to performance of Sunday Night Improv
 Instructor: Tom Soter


Improv for Everyone

An ongoing drop-in class, focusing on how to create improvised scenes and stories. Students are taught the basics of good scene work in a supportive environment.  

  • Time: Monday, 7-9 P.M.
  • Location: 78th Street Theater Lab 236 West 78th Street
  • Fee: $25 per class; $225 for ten classes
  • Instructor: Tom Soter

 

Juliette Moore: star studentJuliette Moore: star student

Improv for Everyone II

An ongoing drop-in class, focusing on how to create improvised scenes and stories. Students are taught the basics of good scene work in a supportive environment. Chicago City Limits alumnus Carl Kissin and SNI producer Tom Soter offer techniques for improvised comedy. 

Time: Wednesday, 6:30-9 P.M.

Location: 78th Street Theater Lab, 236 West 78th Street

Fee: $30 per class; $275 for ten classes; $20 per class if you take "Improv for Everyone" the same week.

Instructors (alternating): Carl Kissin, Tom Soter

Carl Kissin

Corporate Workshops

We offer corporate workshops. Call/e-mail for more information.
"Our design department's Improv 'theory & practice' sessions with Tom Soter were a remarkable experience for all of us. Over a two week period, the NY Design Department at kpe engaged in theatrical improvisation seminars. Having now experienced these improv sessions for myself, I realized all over again that we've got a really amazing group of individuals here - sharp, spontaneous, thoughtful, ingenious. and, did I say creative? The excercises ranged from simple speaking to collaborative storyline generation. Tom Soter, the coach, designed this program especially for us to encompass the
challenges of the studio environment - presence, articulation, presentation, cooperation, communication. I recommend the improv approach to everyone. At the very least, I think that as a department, it 're-introduced' us to the qualities that make us a great team. thanks again, Tom!" – Scott Nazarian, executive, kpe advertising

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Sunday Night Improv



 

SUNDAY NIGHT IMPROV – a "unique" (Time Out New York), "wonderful" (Backstage), "hilarious" (Newark Star-Ledger) comedy jam session – continues its run of Sunday performances on the Upper West Side at the 78th Street Theater Lab at 78th Street and Broadway/StandUp Studio.

Performer of the Month

CHRIS GRIGGS

A few years ago, Kelsey Grammer produced a television show called World Cup Comedy, and I was selected to represent New York. That was cool because it was a series of actual shows, and I was picked from around 250 improvisers in the city. It was exciting, but challenging, since all the auditions were in front of a live audience.

Performing improv feeds into other outlets of mine such as stand-up and acting. I've been able to meet and get to know amazing people. Improvisers are usually very cool, quick-minded, and fun to be around. They also usually more team-oriented than some performance artists so that's fun as well. Improv has helped me learn to be in the present more and learn to say yes to life and people more. I've also, I think, learned to be more accepting of others. You learn to embrace what's special and interesting about people when you improvise and I like to think that has had an influence with my regular life.

I was born in Memphis and grew up on a farm just outside the city. I worked in advertising and got into improv originally just because it looked fun and would help me at work. You have to think on your feet a lot in the advertising industry.  Then it evolved as I actively started acting and working as a stand-up.

Actingwise, I've always been a fan of Mickey Rourke, Russel Crowe, and the usuals (De Niro, Pacino, Nicholson).  From a pure comedic acting standpoint, I love to watch Paul Rudd, that guy can do it all in terms of playing a straight man or knocking it out of the park. 

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