Intro to Improv - Improv Games with Tracy Burns!

This class is for ALL skill levels.
Why Improv?Improv helps people:- Listen and be present- Tap into creativity- Be better communicators- Celebrate making mistakes and be more resilient- Gracefully deal with uncertainty- Make your partners look good and collaborate more effectivelyYES AND in addition to being useful, improv is fun!
You Will Learn- Foundation principles of improv (e.g. YES AND, happy healthy well, being present, eye contact and listening, making your partner look good, accepting mistakes and how they can be gifts, being obvious, etc.)- Fun improv games that improve listening skills, teamwork and communication- Improv games that you can teach to your team, friends and family!
Who Should Attend (audience)Anyone who wants to try improv, play games and have fun!
What kinds of people attend SF Improv? All sorts, including:- Actors who want to be more in the moment and flexible on set- Directors and writers looking for a creativity boost- Developers / Engineers- Founders and executives- Designers- Product Managers- all kinds of people attend!
What to Wear- workout attire (athletic shoes, sweatpants/trackpants and t-shirts are recommended)
Class Donations:- Donations ($25 to $50) are encouraged but not required. We accept cash or Venmo @jaredpolivka
Our Mission:- spread the joy of improv to underrepresented groups- help people realize that they are storytellers- help people get back in touch with their natural presence- share knowledge, technique and tools to sharpen storytelling skills and build confidence
About the Teachers:
Tracy BurnsTracy Burns has been teaching and performing internationally for over 30 years. She teaches acting, performance analysis, visual storytelling and improv at Pixar, DreamWorks, Blue Sky Animation, Cinesite, The Third Floor and other animation studios and production houses. She is the Acting for Animators instructor at California College of the Arts. She was named one of the top improv instructors in Los Angeles by Backstage magazine. She was the director of the improv program at Pepperdine University for 13 years and has taught at Disney, Chapman University, Cal Tech, S.F. State, Middlesex College in London and the University of Central Florida, among others. She’s facilitated workshops for many companies including Google, General Motors, Telltale Games, the Judiciary Executive Leadership Program and Women in Animation. Tracy was a founding member and co-artistic director of London Theatresports and was the artistic director of Los Angeles Theatresports. She has also taught numerous comedy groups in England, Germany and Holland. She was a core member and instructor for the award-winning improv group Impro Theatre. She has also taught and performed with many other groups such as Second City, ACME (L.A.), BATS (S.F.), The Comedy Store Players (London), Unexpected Productions (Seattle), The Brody and The Siren (Portland).
Jared PolivkaA recovering workaholic, Jared Polivka rediscovered his childhood love for story in Rebecca Stockley’s improv class. Jared’s mission is to serve others and make great art while living a light-hearted, present, empathetic, kind and responsible life.
Jared is a graduate of BATS Improv. Jared studied acting at the American Conservatory Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Jared currently trains improv with Tim Orr acting with Richard Seyd and acting with Stan Roth.
Erica AndersonNaturally curious and a bit zany. Erica was born and raised, passionate about acting. Erica’s passion for acting, transitioned into a mutual love for improv and producing comedic YouTube videos, during, her mid-twenties life crisis.
Erica is a graduate of BATS improv and Upright Citizen Brigade; and trains weekly with, improvisor, Tim Orr. Erica is involved in an all-women’s improv troupe - Smarty Pants. Erica is deeply inspired to spread the joy of improv to help others discover the masterful storyteller that they are.