Samurai in the Classroom

Four String Samurai will teach a series of FOUR improv workshops in the span of three weeks. Drawing on seasoned improv experience, including UCB and iO influences, the workshops' fresh perspectives aim to strengthen improvisation for Triangle improvisers and newcomers alike. Students will receive specific notes on exercises targeted to help them immediately.

Each class: $25
All Four classes: $75


Please email fourstringimprov@gmail.com or call Ryan Locante at 773.339.2878 to reserve your spot(s).

To ensure the best experience for each student, class size is limited to 15.

Saturday, May 31, 2008
Order and Chaos!
Taught by Chris Conklin
11am-2pm

Sunday, June 1, 2008
Redefine Your Comfort
Taught by Ryan Locante
11am-2pm

Sunday, June 8, 2008
Play it Straight
Taught by Bret Runestad
11am-2pm

Sunday, June 15, 2008
Have an Opinion
Taught by Paul Overton
11am-2pm


All classes will be held at Common Ground Theatre in Durham.

Have an Opinion

Sunday, June 15, 2008
11:00am - 2:00pm
Common Ground Theatre

Have an Opinion taught by Paul Overton

If you rely too heavily on "gifts" from your scene partners in order to form ideas about your characters, you'll find yourself playing the same characters over and over again. This is due to a lack of strong opinions. Experience guided exercises and experiment with scene play that will ultimately lead you to developing stronger characters with purpose and personality.

Paul began improvising during the Cretaceous period and has studied mostly in North Carolina. He is an original member of Four String Samurai.


Please email fourstringimprov@gmail.com or call Ryan Locante at 773.339.2878 to reserve your spot(s).

To ensure the best experience for each student, class size is limited to 12.

Play it Straight

Sunday, June 8, 2008
11:00am - 2:00pm
Common Ground Theatre

Play it Straight taught by Bret Runestad

In the eyes of many, improv is that silly thing you can do where you go on stage and "act wacky." Yet every improv scene worth watching grounds that limitless creativity in honest, truthful performance. Learn to root your improv in honest characterizations and truthful reactions, regardless of where you might find yourself in a scene.

Bret started improvising seriously in college, playing alongside the founding members of Duke University Improv, and not so seriously in a cave in 10,000 BC. From there he went on to study and perform at the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre in New York City. Upon returning to North Carolina he regularly performed and coached at the DSI Comedy Theater.


Please email fourstringimprov@gmail.com or call Ryan Locante at 773.339.2878 to reserve your spot(s).

To ensure the best experience for each student, class size is limited to 12.

Redefine Your Comfort

Sunday, June 1, 2008
11:00am - 2:00pm
Common Ground Theatre

Redefine Your Comfort taught by Ryan Locante

You’re never going to improve if you continue to improvise safely. Ryan will take you by the hand and walk you along the border of your Comfort Zone, and then for an [un]expected twist, you’ll be kicked into the foreign land of Uncomfortable. Stretch yourself and challenge yourself to play boldly, competently, and without judgment. Discover new characters, moves, and ideas simply by being asked to take chances with your improv.

Ryan got his improv start in Salt Lake City with Knock Your Socks Off (KYSOff) in 2001. He is a graduate of the iO Training Center in Chicago and has worked alongside a broad range of artists including those who have trained, performed, and taught at iO Chicago, Second City, iO West, UCB, DSI, and elsewhere. He has also killed a Wooly Mammoth.


Please email fourstringimprov@gmail.com or call Ryan Locante at 773.339.2878 to reserve your spot(s).

To ensure the best experience for each student, class size is limited to 12.

Order and Chaos!

Saturday, May 31, 2008
11:00am - 2:00pm
Common Ground Theatre

Order and Chaos! taught by Christopher Conklin

Don't just stand there and look confused when things start getting weird or else the show will fall apart around you. Find the ebb and flow of your scenes and shows. Figure out how what you've done influences what's to come. Learn to have fun when you don't know what's going on.

Christopher began improvising at the dawn of time and enjoys it immensely. He has studied at UCBT in New York and DSI in North Carolina.


Please email fourstringimprov@gmail.com or call Ryan Locante at 773.339.2878 to reserve your spot(s).

To ensure the best experience for each student, class size is limited to 12.