Exploring Ensemble w/ Chris Ulrich

Sundays, September 14 – October 12, 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

This class is for performers ready to move beyond—or build on—short form, character, or scene work by stepping into the dynamic world of ensemble improv. Instead of focusing on a single named format like the Harold or Armando, we’ll explore how group awareness, shared discovery, and spontaneous structure can lead to compelling long-form pieces.

Through guided exercises, playful experimentation, and purposeful ridiculousness, you’ll integrate your existing skills—character, relationship, and scene mechanics—into collaborative ensemble performance. We’ll break down both familiar and organic formats, develop stronger group intuition, and expand what’s possible in the moment. PREREQUISITE: At least one level 2 improv class or permission of the instructor.

All sales are final. Refunds and exchanges are offered only when a show is canceled or rescheduled.

Admission 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.
• There is a two-item minimum per customer. This can be any combination of food items or beverages. Bottled water and soft drinks count as items. (The two-item minimum does not apply to comedy classes.)
• Coupons or passes for free admission cannot be used for a show listed as a "special event."

Seating Policies

• Matinees, the first show of any evening in our main showroom and all shows in our lounge showroom are seated by time of arrival. The earlier you arrive, the more options you'll have. Please note that the size of your party can affect what options are available to you, as certain tables and areas are designated for larger parties.
• "Late shows" in the main showroom have assigned seating. Assignments are made in order of ticket purchase. Generally speaking, the earlier you buy tickets, the closer you will be to the stage.
• If tickets are designated as being at a "reserved table," your party will have a table to itself. For general admission or VIP tickets, if your party does not fill an entire table, you may be sharing a table with other patrons.

This class is for performers ready to move beyond—or build on—short form, character, or scene work by stepping into the dynamic world of ensemble improv. Instead of focusing on a single named format like the Harold or Armando, we’ll explore how group awareness, shared discovery, and spontaneous structure can lead to compelling long-form pieces.

Through guided exercises, playful experimentation, and purposeful ridiculousness, you’ll integrate your existing skills—character, relationship, and scene mechanics—into collaborative ensemble performance. We’ll break down both familiar and organic formats, develop stronger group intuition, and expand what’s possible in the moment.

PREREQUISITE: A Level 2 improv class 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.

Chris was a cast member in the DC based comedy pilot, Capital Gym, which was entered in the 2009 NexTV Pilot Competition and has appeared on the Food Network's "Dinner Impossible" with Chef Robert Irvine. He also serves as a consultant to Edelman Public Relations as part of its creative content team, leading creative strategy sessions to encourage new ways of thinking for Edelman client accounts.

In addition to Improv training, Chris is the founder of CU in the Moment LLC, a company with a multi-disciplined approach to educating clients about body language, personal confidence, and presentation skills. He is a media consultant who can frequently be seen on CNN, MSNBC, "Dr. Oz," Headline News, "Dr. Drew," "Nancy Grace," Washington’s USA Channel 9, and "Let's Talk Live," where he educates viewers about non-verbal communication issues. Along with his work at CU in the Moment, Ulrich is a senior instructor at the Body Language Institute. He trains executives, salespeople, government staffers, lobbyists, and small business entrepreneurs to use new body language to transform their executive presence.