Whether you’ve dabbled in the basics of mime (with me or otherwise) or never touched the subject this course we will be a great way to gain confidence incorporating pantomime, slap-stick, and clownesque characters into your improv performance. In this class we will go over some mime basics:

- creating tension in order to manipulate a range of different objects

- show how the weight and shape of objects affects how we manipulate them differently

- break down the steps to common actions such as opening doors

We will then use simple scenarios to highlight how our body language can tell an entire story before we as improvisors open our mouths. We will implore physical theater exercises to encourage bold physical character choices that engage and intrigue the audience. And we will of course go over some tried and true slap-stick classics such as the double take, convincing trips, the invisible chair fall, chases and collisions. Hope to see you there!

 

Anya Opshinsky is a German, American mime, actor, director, improvisor, physical theater creator and teacher. Originally from NYC Anya moved to Paris to study physical theater at Ecole Jacques Lecoq 7 years ago. She has been creating, teaching and performing there ever since. Anya is the co-founder of Shift Shape Theater through which she creates and tours original shows the most recent of which is entitled “ROVERS: Two Mimes on the Run” which is currently touring around France. Anya has taught mime, mask-making, clown, physical theater and improv with HUGE Improv, MN, Vis à Vis Théâtre, The Magnet, NYC and Théâtre de Verre, Paris. She also works as a solo artist performing original drag, mask, burlesque and clown pieces in the Parisian cabaret circuit. Anya is excited to have a chance to teach this workshop and co-host “The Ultimate Set-up: An improvised dating show” while she visits Denver this February.

Financial Assistance

We understand that financial circumstances can sometimes make participation challenging. Please know that your presence, voice and contributions are valued here, and we are committed to making our programs as accessible as possible.

We have a few ways to help folks experience our classes. First off, all of our volunteers can take up to one full level class every term. Our volunteers learn positions at the theater and agree to a regular schedule at either our box office, tech booth, or our HM position which helps get the shows started on time. If you have a skill or trade or item that could be of benefit the theater, we're open to talking to you about it. We also offer payment plans for more flexibility, look into them at check out.

If those options aren't helpful, we offer an inclusion scholarship that will help Rise best reflect Denver. If you feel that you have a perspective and experience that Rise could benefit from we offer scholarships each term for our leveled classes. Apply below.

Link to Scholarship Program: https://risecomedy.com/rise-comedy-inclusion-scholarship/

If you have circumstances beyond these options or would like more details on any of them please reach out to [email protected] with the subject "Financial Assistance"