Summer Classes
for Adults
Improv and Scene
with Piven master teacher Joanne Underwood!
Thursdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm
June 16th to July 21st, 6 weeks
$225
In this class, students prepare and rehearse scenes from contemporary plays, utilizing improvisation and games to deepen characters and relationships. Students explore how Piven uses the impulsiveness of improvisation during the rehearsal process while being restrained by and respectful of the script. This class is taught by senior teacher Joanne Underwood. Best for students who have taken Improvisation, Games and Risk Taking or Games, Story and Scene, but previous experience is not required.
Joanne Underwood is one of our senior acting teachers, directors and actors. She has taught a variety of classes at Piven, from games and improvisation for nine year olds to professional classes for adults. In addition she has given workshops at schools and theaters around Chicago including Lifeline Theatre, Roosevelt University, and Columbia College. She has acted widely at local theaters including Raven, greasy joan, and Piven where she appeared as Cordelia in King Lear starring Byrne Piven and Florina in Mad Forest (which won the 2003 After Dark Award for Best Ensemble). She has studied acting with the Moscow Art Theatre, Shakespeare & Company, and the Chicago Shakespeare Company. Most recently, she appeared as Olenka in Joyce Piven’s lab production of “The Darling.” When not onstage, Joanne is a psychotherapist with a private practice in Evanston.
Improvisation, Games & Risk Taking
with special guest instructor Jonathan Pitts!
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm
July 19th to August 23rd, 6 weeks
$225
Want to know what Piven is all about? Are you interested in getting into a theater class, shaking off the dust, and activating your creativity? This class allows students to discover the Piven Technique by learning theatre games and improvisation in a fun, supportive, ensemble-based environment. Perfect for all students looking to discover and re-discover our work!
Jonathan Pitts is an award-winning international improv theatre artist and storyteller. He’s performed and/or taught in 25 countries and 81 cities. He’s the former Executive Director of Chicago Improv Productions; Co-Founder/Producer – Chicago Improv Festival; Creator/Producer – College Improv Tournament; Founder/Producer – Teen Comedy Fest; Founder/Producer – Chicago Podcast Festival; Creator/Director of improv theatre productions The Oracle; The Silent Movie; and Storybox Theatre. He also taught, coached, and directed at The Second CityTraining Center and was a contributing writer to Anne Libera‘s book, “The Second City Improv Almanac”.