Rich Talarico is coming to Pittsburgh for an improv masterclass weekend you won't want to miss. You may know him from his extensive career writing for Key & Peele, SNL, and MADtv. Rich is unpacking his decades of experience in improv comedy.

Rich teaches, coaches, and performs with legendary long form improv group Dasariski alongside Craig Cackowski and Bob Dassie. He played in the early casts of Chicago’s The Armando Diaz Show and co-created the shows Close Quarters, Strap Heads, and Trio.

Students can expect to learn techniques to be in the moment, initiate scenes with confidence, develop a clear point of view, and finding themes across long form improvisation. Open to all levels.

WHEN:
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCT 18-19, 2025
SAT 10am - 5pm (1 hr break for lunch 1-2)
SUN 10am - 5pm (1 hr break for lunch 1-2)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Six Question Two Day Improv Intensive.  The genesis of the six questions approach stems from a few fundamental realizations. How often have improvisers stepped off stage, exhilarated by a performance, only to find themselves pondering, “Great scene! WHO were we?” or “Great scene! WHERE were we?” It’s a curious phenomenon, one that speaks to the heart of improvisation. There is an inherent absurdity in the fact that, after an entire performance, the audience—or even the performers themselves—may not have a clear understanding of the characters or the setting. This diminishes the art form, reducing it to glorified bits or mere ad-libbing, rather than allowing it to fully blossom into something meaningful. We must recognize the importance of the WHO and the WHERE. 

Consider this: you would not leave the movie theater and say great film, who were those people. nor would you leave a play and say great play, where did it take place? In both cases, the narratives are crafted with care, providing audiences with a full understanding of the characters and their journeys. Improv deserves the same level of commitment and clarity. This is where the six questions come into play. They serve as a guiding framework, a reminder of our responsibility as improvisers to ensure that we not only create engaging moments but also establish a coherent narrative that resonates with the audience. By thoughtfully addressing the WHO, WHERE, WHAT, WHY, WHEN, and HOW, we elevate our craft. 

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
Rich Talarico is a Peabody® Award-winning writer/producer with four Emmy® and four WGA Award nominations, best known for his work on Key & Peele. Rich was responsible for K&P fave Substitute Teacher, (“…Ay-ay-Ron?”) which in 2024 was added to The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum Of American History. Rich wrote dozens of K&P faves: Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice, and co-wrote many more.

Other credits include: MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically-acclaimed, Review. An alum of Chicago’s Second City and Improv Olympic, Rich also provided punch-up work on Mean Girls and Get Out. As an improviser, Rich teaches, coaches and performs with long-form group Dasariski, Rich played in the early casts of Chicago’s The Armando Diaz Show and co-created the shows, Close Quarters, Strap Heads and Trio. As an actor, Rich appeared on screen on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and in A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant. Rich is currently teaching and performing stand-up comedy around the US. — more at www.richtalarico.com

QUOTES:

“Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers.”
— Tina Fey

“As a teacher, Rich Talarico brings Lakers legendary coach Phil Jackson to mind. A cerebral educator who brings out the best in people.”
— Keith “Lucky” Lehrer original drummer of “Circle Jerks”

“Rich is an absolute virtuoso in his understanding of his approach and how to deliver it in a classroom setting. A rare combination of both mastery in practice and in lesson delivery.”
— Eric Pederson, Student - Improv Cincinnati