Advanced Improv: The Shotgun
Advanced Improv: The Shotgun
The Shotgun is a dynamic, highly versatile long-form format built around one of improv's most powerful engines: a group of people who know each other, going somewhere together. The magic isn't the destination. It lives in the space between who these people are and where they're headed, and that's where the creative play begins. This class is designed for improvisers ready to add a powerful new format to their toolkit, structured enough to support big swings, loose enough to find the fun, sharp enough to hone your improv skills, and nimble enough to deploy on any stage from a five-minute set to a full 45-minute show.
The Shotgun sharpens the skills that make your long-form improv pop. You'll build stronger ensemble relationships, develop distinct character points of view, and learn to weave backstory and theme into timelines that can be narrative or purely moment-driven while chasing what's ripe for play rather than what's plotty. All while listening, accepting, and supporting each other to find the fun in the group world. This class is built for improvisers with roughly a year of experience in long form, scene work, or ensemble play, and for advanced players looking for a new format. If you're ready to play with more intention and create shows built on genuine collaboration, this one's for you. It ends where all good rides do, on stage, in front of an audience, doing the thing. Get in. Let's go.
About the Instructor: Chris Ulrich teaches classes in beginning improv, advanced short-form improv and long-form improv. He has been performing since 2003. Currently, Chris performs regularly in a number of Improv troupes including Jive Turkey, Nox, and King Bee. He has studied improvisational comedy at the Uprights Citizens Brigade and The Magnet Theater in New York, Improv Olympic and Annoyance Theater in Chicago and Los Angeles, and at the Washington Improv Theater and DC Improv in Washington. Also, he has coached and led workshops for Improv troupes in the DC area.
Saturdays, July 11 - August 8 , 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Graduation show August 15 at 3:15 p.m. in the DC Improv Lounge.
The Shotgun is a dynamic, highly versatile long-form format built around one of improv's most powerful engines: a group of people who know each other, going somewhere together. The magic isn't the destination. It lives in the space between who these people are and where they're headed, and that's where the creative play begins. This class is designed for improvisers ready to add a powerful new format to their toolkit, structured enough to support big swings, loose enough to find the fun, sharp enough to hone your improv skills, and nimble enough to deploy on any stage from a five-minute set to a full 45-minute show.
Prerequisite: Prior long-form improv training and experience, or permission of the instructor.
About the Instructor: Chris Ulrich teaches classes in beginning improv, advanced short-form improv and long-form improv. He has been performing since 2003. Currently, Chris performs regularly in a number of Improv troupes including Jive Turkey, Nox, and King Bee. He has studied improvisational comedy at the Uprights Citizens Brigade and The Magnet Theater in New York, Improv Olympic and Annoyance Theater in Chicago and Los Angeles, and at the Washington Improv Theater and DC Improv in Washington. Also, he has coached and led workshops for Improv troupes in the DC area.
All sales are final. Refunds and exchanges are offered only when a show is canceled or rescheduled.
Class Policies
- Patrons must be 18 or older to attend events or classes at the DC Improv. Any exceptions are clearly noted in the event descriptions on dcimprov.com.
The Shotgun is a dynamic, highly versatile long-form format built around one of improv's most powerful engines: a group of people who know each other, going somewhere together. The magic isn't the destination. It lives in the space between who these people are and where they're headed, and that's where the creative play begins. This class is designed for improvisers ready to add a powerful new format to their toolkit, structured enough to support big swings, loose enough to find the fun, sharp enough to hone your improv skills, and nimble enough to deploy on any stage from a five-minute set to a full 45-minute show.
The Shotgun sharpens the skills that make your long-form improv pop. You'll build stronger ensemble relationships, develop distinct character points of view, and learn to weave backstory and theme into timelines that can be narrative or purely moment-driven while chasing what's ripe for play rather than what's plotty. All while listening, accepting, and supporting each other to find the fun in the group world. This class is built for improvisers with roughly a year of experience in long form, scene work, or ensemble play, and for advanced players looking for a new format. If you're ready to play with more intention and create shows built on genuine collaboration, this one's for you. It ends where all good rides do, on stage, in front of an audience, doing the thing. Get in. Let's go.
About the Instructor: Chris Ulrich teaches classes in beginning improv, advanced short-form improv and long-form improv. He has been performing since 2003. Currently, Chris performs regularly in a number of Improv troupes including Jive Turkey, Nox, and King Bee. He has studied improvisational comedy at the Uprights Citizens Brigade and The Magnet Theater in New York, Improv Olympic and Annoyance Theater in Chicago and Los Angeles, and at the Washington Improv Theater and DC Improv in Washington. Also, he has coached and led workshops for Improv troupes in the DC area.