Upcoming at the

Mopco!

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Jeff Michalski's Shapeshifting to Discover Character in Relationship - 10/16
Oct
16

Jeff Michalski's Shapeshifting to Discover Character in Relationship - 10/16

As improvisers we don’t have time to plan characters story and motivation. That’s why it s more efficient for us to explore shaping character from the outside in. 

This workshop will teach you how to keep your head free from motivation, backstory, and other blocks to free flowing play rooted in discovery. In other words by developing these new skills you free yourself from planing what to do and you will develop quickly characters (with a physical perspective and delivery) who know what to say and how to behave in relation to the space and other players.

Jeff Michalski – Chicago born Jeff Michalski is a legendary comic, improviser, director and teacher! Michalski’s improv legacy starts in 1974 working with Jo Forsberg and Del Close in Chicago. After working in theaters and comedy clubs nationwide he became a founding member of The Second City ETC in Chicago in 1983. Jeff Michalski was the first director for David Pasquesi, Stephen Colbert, and many other notable talents at The Second City.

His ongoing experience for over 50 years as teacher, director, and above all a practitioner of this art form, transcends the stage to touch the realms of television, radio and film. Jeff has been fortunate enough to have improvised with Robin Williams and played scenes in movies with icons like Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Peter Falk and others. Michalski has logged more hours improvising live than anyone—a living testament to the transformative power of the art form.

Thursday, October 16, 6:30-9:00 PM

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Monika Ozdarska's Big Bang – Start the Scene with Big Impact
Oct
16

Monika Ozdarska's Big Bang – Start the Scene with Big Impact

BIG BANG! 

An original start to a scene or show is like a fireworks explosion – it makes an impression and sticks in memory. Polish improviser Monika Ozdardska will show you how to start with impact, creatively and confidently. Surprise your audience and partner with an unexpected, fresh opening. Level up and start your show like a pro!

Thursday, October 16, 6:30-9:00 PM

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Jeff Michalski's Master Your Scene Work and Improvise Like a Pro - Sat. 10/18, 12-6 PM, Sunday 12-2.
Oct
18

Jeff Michalski's Master Your Scene Work and Improvise Like a Pro - Sat. 10/18, 12-6 PM, Sunday 12-2.

  • Sunday 10/19 12-2 PM at The Mopco Improv Theatre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This intensive class will include a student showcase performance on Saturday night and a debrief/notes session on Sunday afternoon.

Elevate your improvisation game with "Master Your Scene Work— Improvise Like a Pro”! Join this workshop led by Jeff Michalski, a seasoned professional with over 50 years of experience. Learn the essence of creating successful improvisational scenes. Learn to play by heightening your engagement, listening, and acting skills.  

Jeff's unique methodology, refined through collaborations with icons like Dave Pasquesi, Stephen Colbert, and Del Close emphasizes spontaneous discovery, connection with your scene partner, and a profound understanding of the scene's essence.

These skills transcend the stage, impacting various improvisation styles and aspects of life. Unleash your potential and improvise like a pro!

Instructor: Jeff Michalski

Chicago born Jeff Michalski is a legendary comic, improviser, director and teacher! Michalski’s improv legacy starts in 1974 working with Jo Forsberg and Del Close in Chicago. After working in theaters and comedy clubs nationwide he became a founding member of The Second City ETC in Chicago in 1983. Jeff Michalski was the first director for David Pasquesi, Stephen Colbert, and many other notable talents at The Second City.

His ongoing experience for over 50 years as teacher, director, and above all a practitioner of this art form, transcends the stage to touch the realms of television, radio and film. Jeff has been fortunate enough to have improvised with Robin Williams and played scenes in movies with icons like Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Peter Falk and others. Michalski has logged more hours improvising live than anyone—a living testament to the transformative power of the art form.

Saturday, October 18th, 12:00-6:00 PM

Sunday, October 19th, 12:00-2:00 PM - Debriefing and Notes from the show on the 18th

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Improv Class for Young People
Oct
25

Improv Class for Young People

Besides being fun, improv classes improve interpersonal skills, build confidence, encourage creative risk taking, and increase ability to surf uncertainty. This eight week introductory class for children 11-16 has  an emphasis on performance, and will culminate in a show for friends and family.

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Improv Performance Basics
Oct
29

Improv Performance Basics

It’s great to learn to improvise. To then be able to hold on to the freedom, creativity, and joy you might experience in a class setting when you are in front of an audience takes an additional skill set.

Wednesdays, 7-9 PM, October 29th - December 3rd

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Musical Improv Workshop with Patrick Short
Oct
4

Musical Improv Workshop with Patrick Short

Whether you’re an experienced improviser looking to level up your musical chops, or someone who’s always wanted to try singing on stage but didn’t know where to start, this workshop will give you the tools, confidence, and fun to bring music into your improv scenes. 

Saturday, October 4, 12:00-3:00 PM

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Level 3 Class: The One Next Thing
Sep
25

Level 3 Class: The One Next Thing

The Next One Thing: Building Great Scenes One Move at a Time. Improv works best when we keep it simple. 

One moment. One offer. One next thing. In this fun, fast-paced class, we’ll practice the real magic behind “Yes, And”—not just agreeing, but building together. 

Thursday, September 25, 6:30-9:00 PM

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