Join us for a Jam-Packed February of Showcases!

*and some end of session showcases in March!


WEEKEND 1: Saturday, Feb. 10

Free Musical Improv Jam

When: 6 PM, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Where: Merlin Works East: Creative Action 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 3, Austin, TX 78721

Who: You–And anyone else who signs up!

What: Come meet, mingle and play some improv games led by a Merlin Works instructor. You might even get up on stage and perform for the group!

Warning: Wear clothes that are comfortable to move around in, bring a water bottle, and let the instructor know if you need any accommodations when you arrive.


The Cauldron

When: 8 PM, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Where: Merlin Works East: Creative Action 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 3, Austin, TX 78721

Who: Students and Faculty from every discipline of our school!

What: A magical mix of storytelling, standup, improv and musical comedy from The Known Wizards, Merlin Works Faculty Troupe,  and a few special guest students. 

Warning: In case of a sellout, seats unclaimed by start of show will be sold to walk-ups.

If you are a Merlin Works student registered in the Winter session, you get in for free with student code! (Check your welcome emails for info!). 


Improv Anonymous

When: 10 PM, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Where: Merlin Works East: Creative Action 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 3, Austin, TX 78721

Who: Guest is Writer, Director, and Improviser Jessica Von Schramm, Host Paul Normandin, Dean of Merlin Works and Director Kenny Madison.

What: An exploration of the hidden world of Shame and how people deal with it. Through Interview and Improv, we will navigate the dark recesses of our guests’ past. Shining a tender light on their history illuminating feelings of discomfort arising from humiliation, mortification, and embarrassment.

Warning: In case of a sellout, seats unclaimed by start of show will be sold to walk-ups.

If you are a Merlin Works student registered in the Winter session, you get in for free with student code! (Check your welcome emails for info!). 


WEEKEND 2

Faculty & Graduate Storytelling Showcase

When: 8:30 PM, Friday, February 23, 2024

Where: Merlin Works Mueller: Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches, 3220 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723

Who: Storytellers from the Faculty and Graduates of Merlin Works.

What: Enjoy reserved seating, fresh food, coffee and beer as you watch these storytellers as they share their often funny, sometimes emotional moments from their own lives.

Warning: Intended for audiences age 16 and up. If you are a Merlin Works student registered in the Winter session, you get in for free with student code! (Check your welcome emails for info!). 


Free Improv Jam

When: 6 PM, Saturday, February 24, 2024

Where: Merlin Works East: Creative Action 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 3

Who: You–And anyone else who signs up!

What: Come meet, mingle and play some improv games led by a Merlin Works instructor. You might even get up on stage and perform for the group!

Warning: Wear clothes that are comfortable to move around in, bring a water bottle, and let the instructor know if you need any accommodations when you arrive.


Stand-Up Comedy 101 Student Showcase

When: 8:00pm Saturday, February 24, 2024

Where: Merlin Works East: Creative Action, 1023 Springdale Rd., Bldg. 3, Austin, TX 78723

Who: Stand-Up Comedy 101 students!

What:  Instructor Valerie Nies has guided her 101 students through shaping these 5-minute stand-up comedy sets over an 6-week workshop series.

Warning: Pre-purchase of tickets HIGHLY encouraged. This showcase tends to sellout. In the event of a sellout any seats left unclaimed will be sold to walk-ups.


Improv for You Too

When: 10 PM, Saturday, February 24, 2024

Where: Merlin Works East: Creative Action 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 3, Austin, TX 78721

Who: Grown-Ups who are game to participate in Improv Games & Scenes.

What: Students, Faculty, and Guests will jump in and say, “Yes, We Can Do That!” Anyone can jump in and play any of the Improv Games offered by our host, faculty, students or folks from the Audience. Jump in or just watch the fun. Class Challenges are Highly encouraged! Plan on telling us your favorite Improv games and come join the fun! 

Warning: Recommended for 18 years or older. Students currently registered for the Winter 2024 session get in free with student code! (please check your class welcome email!)


But wait! There’s still more to come in March!

Storytelling 101 Student Showcase

When: 7:30 PM, Friday, March 1, 2024

Where: Merlin Works Mueller: Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches, 3220 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78721

Who: Students who have completed our 8-week Storytelling 101 Class

What: Enjoy reserved seating, fresh food, coffee and beer as you watch these storytellers as they share their often funny, sometimes emotional moments from their own lives.

Warning: Intended for audiences age 16 and up. If you are a Merlin Works student registered in the Winter session, you get in for free with student code! (Check your welcome emails for info!). 


Free Improv Jam

When: 6 PM, Saturday, March 2, 2024

Where: Merlin Works East: Creative Action 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 3

Who: You–And anyone else who signs up!

What: Come meet, mingle and play some improv games led by a Merlin Works instructor. You might even get up on stage and perform for the group!

Warning: Wear clothes that are comfortable to move around in, bring a water bottle, and let the instructor know if you need any accommodations when you arrive.


Improv 601 Student Graduation Showcase

When: 8 PM, Saturday, March 2, 2024

Where: Merlin Works East: Creative Action 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 3

Who: Students who have completed Merlin Works Improv 401-601 narrative long-form series.

What: Join us in congratulating our first Improv 601 graduating class of 2024! Watch as these future improvisers delight you with the skills they’ve learned over the past year by performing their own long form show based on magical realism and the movie “Big”: Children of the Corndog.

Warning: Pre-purchase is HIGHLY encouraged. This event tends to sellout. In case of a sellout, seats unclaimed by start of show will be sold to walk-ups.

If you are a Merlin Works student registered in the Winter session, you get in for free with student code! (Check your welcome emails for info!). 


Stand-Up Comedy 201 Student Showcase

When: 10:00pm Saturday, March 2, 2024

Where: Merlin Works East: Creative Action, 1023 Springdale Rd., Bldg. 3, Austin, TX 78723

Who: Students who have completed our 6-week Stand-Up Comedy 201 class!

What:  Instructor Katie Felton has guided her 201 students through shaping these 5-minute stand-up comedy sets over an 6-week workshop series that included hosting a live, open mic comedy night.

Warning: Pre-purchase of tickets HIGHLY encouraged. This showcase tends to sellout. In the event of a sellout any seats left unclaimed will be sold to walk-ups.


BUT UNTIL THEN…

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic

When: 8:30pm Mondays through Feb. 26th (no open mic on Monday, Jan. 15th)

Where: The Front Page, 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 1, Suite F, Austin, TX 78721

Who: Stand-Up Comics with a tight 3 minute set

What:  Share your comedy chops or work on your set for 3 minutes of stage time!

Warning: This is the second part of our Stand-Up Comedy 201 class. Please arrive no earlier than 8:15 pm to sign up for your slot. Sign-ups are in-person only.

About Karina

Karina Dominguez is the registrar and assistant to the Dean of Merlin Works Institute of Improvisation. She graduated from the Merlin Works program in December 2011 with three performances of "The Amazing Improvised Race." She is a full-time actor with commercial credits such as Burger King, Ford, Totino's, H-E-B and various departments for the State of Texas. She was last seen in the opening episode of the second season of "American Crime", and as the welcome video ranger in the second season of HBO's "The Leftovers", and as Helah in the first season of "The Chosen". She also performs on-stage in various Austin, TX plays including for Capital T Theatre, The Vortex, Vestige Group, Pollyanna Theater among others.

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