Pull Premise Like a Pro

Do you wish your improv scenes felt more like your favorite sketch show? Then give your scenes a premise, my dear friend! Taught by UCB-trained improviser and avid sketch writer/teacher Lauren Davis, this workshop will teach you how to incorporate tools of the UCB Harold into your scene work to create an improv show that feels like an episode of SNL (from one of the good seasons!) This workshop is perfect for improvisers who love writing, or even stand-up comedians- learn how you can put your skills into setting up scenes based on an idea you already think is funny! It’s also just a fun, alternative way to play for seasoned, organic improvisers.

In this workshop, you will learn:

• The basic tools of a UCB Harold (but none of the hard format stuff)
• Different openings for improv shows and learn how to pull ideas or premises from them
• How to initiate based on your idea so you and your partner are immediately on the same page
• How to utilize the ideas you’ve already been given for easier, cleaner shows that don’t run out of steam
• How to explore and practice different ways of heightening ideas so you can think and invent less!
• How to express your unique sense of humor by presenting the ideas that you already think are hilarious

P?rerequisites: Students must have taken a Level 1 improv class at any comedy training center and be familiar with the concepts of edits, tag-outs, and callbacks.

A?bout Lauren:

Lauren Davis studied advanced study improv and sketch comedy at UCB LA and graduated with a 3.85 GPA (yes, they really had report cards there) and passed her UCBNY Academy audition. She studied premise-based Harolds under instructors like UCB Artistic Director Beth Appel, Billy Merritt, and UCB Training Coordinator Johnny Meeks. Lauren was also an instructor and House Team performer at The PIT NYC. Lauren has shared her UCB training through coaching several Dallas teams in game-based improv and premise pulling. She also taught stand-up and how to write a sketch packet at the Dallas Comedy Club, and recently taught a class on Spec Writing based on her advanced study TV writing classes with Sean Conroy, head writer of Mr. Pickles.”

This is a one-time workshop held on May 7 from 6-9 pm and taught by Lauren Davis. All sales are final and classes are non-refundable. Training is not affiliated with the Stomping Ground Comedy Training Center. All participants must adhere to policies in the Stomping Ground Comedy Handbook. Must be 18 years or older to enroll, unless otherwise stated. All class times are Central Standard Time (CST). For the most current information on what to expect when heading to Stomping Ground visit our FAQ page.