THE GROUNDLINGS SCHOOL

Script Analysis: Comedy & Beyond 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!

For students who’ve passed Improv Workshop A. Improv Workshop B gives students the chance to go further. You’ll keep learning, gain confidence and have fun!

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.

Click here for a list of online classes.

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.

A one-day introduction to the world of Voiceover acting that gives students an overview of the kinds of job opportunities in the Voice-Over world and techniques to becoming a good actor behind the microphone.

Groundling David Crabb (creator of NY Times Critics Pick solo show "Bad Kid" and the memoir based on it) instructs this exciting character class for all-levels. You will learn techniques to stretch the limits of your physical container and voice to become characters who are radically different from not only yourself, but from characters you’ve previously played.

Students develop sketches and receive personalized feedback from instructors. The first four weeks focus on developing and refining sketches, the fifth week is dedicated to implementing revisions to be implemented on the 6th.
Performance Labs include a fully costumed and staged performance on the Gary Austin Stage, and students receive a recording of the performance.

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.

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.

Students develop sketches and receive personalized feedback from instructors. The first four weeks focus on developing and refining sketches, the fifth week is dedicated to implementing revisions to be implemented on the 6th.
Performance Labs include a fully costumed and staged performance on the Gary Austin Stage, and students receive a recording of the performance.

This class will show you how to go about writing a TV Pilot. Whether your idea is for a half hour comedy, an hour long drama, limited series, animation or a sketch/variety show, you will be shown how to put your idea onto paper. The class will be a writer’s room where you will develop your script and In six weeks you will be well on your way to completing the first draft of your pilot. Four time Emmy nominated writer/producer George McGrath has been working in television since the mid 1980’s and has been teaching pilot writing for the last ten years.