Register for our June Intensives!

We just announced our June Intensives a few weeks ago and spots are filling up FAST. 🔥 It’s not *every* summer we take a break from our usual programming to offer deep-dives into every medium, so take this chance to register while you can

Who are these intensives for? I’m so glad you asked: 

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Improv 301-601 graduates (and/or seasoned performers) who have mastered the art of gameplay and are looking to grow their skills in character building, grounded scenework, and onstage listening.
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Stand-Up 101-201 graduates (and/or seasoned performers) who want accountability as they build their joke portfolio OR try on different comedy styles to grow their frame of reference. 
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Storytelling 201 graduates (and/or seasoned performers) who want to collaborate alongside inspirational creatives while an expert instructor guides them through prompts to generate new, personal story ideas. 

Questions on this? Email us at: classes@merlin-works.com

All classes will be held at Creative Action (1023 Springdale Rd, Bldg #3); course information is below. 

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  • Improv 408: Instant Alchemy 
    • Led by founder Shana Merlin (BIG deal alert 🚨), this course teaches you playful, intuitive strategies for creating improvised plays. Expect to focus on the hero’s emotional journey, character archetypes, raising the stakes and evoking themes. The class registration price includes your copy of Shana’s new book, “Instant Alchemy: The Science and Magic of Longform Improv.” 
  • Improv 308: Intuitive Improvising 
    • Magnetic improv teacher Joey Neugart is pumped to lead students through this class focused on grounded scenework. Students will be challenged to slow down the pace of scenes, to listen deeply, and to allow themselves to truly feel and authentically show their characters’ feelings and motivations.
  • Stand-Up 108: Building a Comedy Capsule 
    • Referred to as a “comedy genius” by her students, Stand-Up 101 teacher Valerie Nies is here to help you build your portfolio of jokes. Each week, students will focus on a new technique that they can mix and match into various sets. Focused topics include: comedy persona, self-deprecation, misdirection, analogy, and editing.
  • Stand-Up 308: I Like Your Style 
    • Open-mic champion and Stand-Up 201/301 teacher Katie Felton wants you to explore different styles of comedy. In this condensed version of the six-week course, students can expect to learn all about different styles of joke telling and get time to write and receive feedback on material of their own. 
  • Storytelling 208: Schemas and Themes
    • A powerhouse in the Austin improv and storytelling scene, we’re lucky to have Kristen Drenning leading the charge with our storytelling intensive. Students will generate a plethora of story ideas as they focus on a new genre or theme each week, and are guided through activities aimed at mapping memories and experiences.

 

 

Note that while none of these courses are open to complete beginners, we will have our regular programming resume in July. Pre-requisite information can be found on the respective registration pages. 

These courses are a great way to jump back into the Merlin Works Magic  without committing to a full, eight-week course. Register now – we’re not sure when we will offer them again! 

— Grace & the Merlin Works Team

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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