the deconstruction
A new advanced online course with Chris Mead!
An advanced course to learn how to perform The Deconstruction format in a fun and playful Hoopla style with Chris Mead. 8 week course including an online show.
The Deconstruction is an inspiring format from Chicago where one reoccurring relationship based scene inspires an exciting variety of other scenes including thematic scenes, emotional scenes, tangential scenes, social commentary scenes, satirical scenes and more with a crescendo of quick scenes to finish. The central scene is returned to throughout the format as the show explores relationships, emotions, fun and even society as a whole!
As an improviser you get to rapidly grow your improv skills as you learn to perform totally different styles of improv all in the same show.
Performing The Deconstruction is like being in a highlights tour of the whole of improv, as different styles weave together to make one big beautiful improv quilt. It can be funny yet moving, throw away yet poignant, silly yet thought provoking, all in one show.
In addition to relationship based scenes, thematic scenes and tangential scenes you’ll also explore social commentary and satirical scenes that go deep and explore what’s happening in the world right now.
It’s like the UK’s Saturday Night Live, but made up on the spot.
We originally learnt this from Rachel Mason, head of advanced improvisation at Second City in Chicago. We loved it so much we are bringing this format to the UK.
Only suitable for people with previous long-form improv experience.
dates, time, location
Dates: Every Wednesday for 8 weeks from Wednesday 22nd September 2021 including online show. SOLD OUT
Time: 7pm – 9pm (UK time).
Teacher: Chris Mead.
Price: £200.
Venue: Online over zoom. Link is sent on the day of the first workshop.
Only suitable for people with previous long-form improv experience.
How the online option works
1. Book your preferred date on this page.
2. On the day of the workshop we will email you a log-in for the zoom chat.
3. You then click on the link in the email to join the zoom chat and enter password.
4. You will just need a laptop with camera and internet connection, everything else will be in the link.
5. Don’t worry if you haven’t used Zoom before, we start the first session with an overview of how to use it.
teacher Chris Mead
Chris improvises with the award winning Maydays and sci-fi group Project2.
He is co-founder and Director of The Unmade Theatre Company, specialising in improvised theatre.
Chris is also co-founder of The International Improv Station (formerly The Improv Place) an online international community of experienced improvisers.
Chris has studied improv internationally at iO Chicago, The Annoyance Theatre Chicago and The Hideout in Austin, Texas.
He has performed at various improv festivals internationally including Austin Texas, Norway, Edinburgh, Dublin, Sweden and Barcelona.
Chris studied theatre at Royal Holloway College and University of London.
Chris is one of the Artistic Directors of The Nursery Theatre.
He also hosts YesBot, a podcast dedicated to the theory and craft of improv (but with added exploding robots) featuring leading performers from around the world.
topics
We’ll be covering a variety of topics and themes over the course, and also responding to the needs of the group.
- Performing emotionally connected realistic scenes.
- Spotting how to use those scenes as inspiration for the rest of the show.
- Thematic scenes.
- Tangential scenes.
- Social commentary scenes.
- Satirical scenes.
- Improv that captures the mood of the world right now.
- Putting it all together and practicing The Deconstruction format.
- Forming a team to put on an awesome show.
The exact topics and themes will vary depending on the group and will be developed as the course goes on.
faqs
How does the online version work?
It takes place over zoom. You are sent a link and login for zoom on the day of the first workshop.
What comes after this course?
We have a variety of other advanced improv courses that would be suitable.
Who is this suitable for?
People with previous improv experience who want to learn and experiment with some new formats and get really involved with long-form improv.
How much improv or acting should I have done before doing this course?
You should have done our Level 1 and Level 2 course, or the equivalent elsewhere.
What’s the class size?
The group size is going to be limited to 12 people - small enough that you get lots and lots of practice and stage time, but big enough that there’s still a lively atmosphere in the workshop. It’ll be fun as we get to know each other and build a team together.
How does the show work?
It is on week 8 and it is an online show streamed to our private social media channels for friends and family and other improv fans.
Do I have to perform in the show at the end?
No. The show is optional, and you’ll still get loads out of the course without doing the show.