THE GROUNDLINGS SCHOOL

Embodying Character is an acting class geared to help unlock physical, vocal, and Internal Expression. You will develop authentic, dynamic characters by integrating physicality, vocal exploration, and internal motivations with the playful and exploratory use of improv. By embracing physical expression, honest reactions, and the joy of discovery, students will build a versatile character toolkit.

Script Analysis for Performance focuses on breaking down scripts to uncover objectives, obstacles, and subtext while developing grounded characters. The course uses practical exercises and scene work to build confidence and refine skills

A stress-free 2 1/2 hour introduction to improv. This is a great opportunity to learn some of the basics from the comfort of your own home. Everyone will have a chance to participate.

Improv Workshop A takes beginning students through all the core principles of improv in a fun, safe environment. You’ll build self-confidence, develop your creativity, experiment, play, and make new friends. No experience necessary!

Great for students just getting started who want an overview of the basics of sketch writing and to try their hand at writing a sketch or two. Bring your funny ideas and we’ll show you how to turn them into hilarious sketches!

Available for the first time online: The Groundlings School’s 6-session deeper dive into the basics of sketch writing! Learn the difference between character and premise sketches, identifying beats, writing for your medium, and how to find material. Get experience and build confidence in your writing ability. For each class, students will write and submit sketches, and we will find the gold in whatever you create.

Basic Improv introduces students to the fundamentals of improvisation through the use of games and exercises in a fun, fast-paced environment. Basic lays the foundation for The Groundlings style of improv and sketch, which each level above Basic will build upon.

Click here to schedule a free audition.

Intermediate Improv uses the skills developed in Basic to concentrate on scene work and the Groundlings signature style of character development in both improvisational scenes and monologues.

Formerly called Advanced Improv, Improv Lab focuses on expanded character development and advanced scene work through improv and writing exercises, and culminaties in an improv performance on the Gary Austin Stage.

Students in Writing Lab develop scripted scene and monologue material to be performed in a final showcase on the Groundlings Mainstage.

CREATING CHARACTERS FROM YOUR PERSONAL/CULTURAL IDENTITY
The best characters are sourced in our own personal experience, but it can be scary to go there. This is a workshop dedicated to creating a safe space to explore characters that emerge from your own personal identity and experience (ie cultural, racial, gender, sexual identites). Yeah, it’s risky. That’s why it needs a dedicated class. Students must submit a short paragraph of what they want to work on.

In this exclusive online seminar series, working artists from the Groundlings community with real industry experience share insights, strategies, and personal stories from their creative careers. Each session explores a different facet of artistic life, from navigating auditions to sustaining a long-term career. Stick around for a live Q&A at the end of each session!

Creating Characters for Beginners is a one day drop-in class that will combine elements from some of our intro & core track classes to give an in-depth and fun focus on building characters. This class is for those beginner students looking to really delve deep into what it means to design a well-rounded improv character using both scene-work and monologues

This four week workshop will dive into the world of creating characters for animation. We’ll focus on using the imagination, specificity and vocal awareness to create characters for cartoons and video games. Students will gain tools to combat their creative blocks and expand their potential as voice artists in animation and beyond.

An improv series comprised of games and exercises that culminates in a show. Students are permitted to miss no more than 1 class in order to participate in the performance.

A five-class workshop that culminates in a show, taught by Ted Michaels. Learn the ins and outs of long-form improv with this exciting, fast-paced class!

In this six-week writing course, students will take their Groundlings Writing Lab monologues and evolve them into dynamic, structured sketches. Each week, students will refine their comedic storytelling by expanding monologues into sketches, collaborating on two-person sketches with big characters, and ultimately crafting scenes with more characters, and show closers.

An improv series comprised of games and exercises that culminates in a show. Students are permitted to miss no more than 1 class in order to participate in the performance.