Sarah Brown – Silverbacks Improv Theatre

Improv 1 is Back and In Person!

Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teacher: Leslie Boudreaux Tidwell, assisted by Haley Anslem)
Dates: Saturdays Sep 25 – Oct 30
Time: 10am – 12pm CST
Where: Cité des Arts
Ages: 16+
Cost: $120*
Register online here: https://checkout.square.site/buy/EZEZ2GJG3WGUYVA6JLCVRBHVStudents may also message the Silverbacks Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/SilverbacksImprov, or email us with questions at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com.

*Silverbacks believe that the price should not be a barrier for the study of improv. We are committed to the following initiatives for our 2021 courses:
– Payment Plans – we can set up a payment plan for students – simply contact us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com.
– We are participating in the Black Improv Alliance’s program, 100 Black Improvisers. The goal of the program is to sponsor Black improv students in the study of improv. We are participating by offering a number of scholarships for Black students. Please reach out to Silverbacks or see the Black Improv Alliance’s website for more information: https://blackimprovalliance.com/100-black-improvisers
– Other arrangements can be made as necessary – reach out to us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com.

Teacher Biography:
Leslie Boudreaux Tidwell – Lead Teacher – Leslie has been a part of the Lafayette improv community since 2016. After taking Levels I-III classes with the Silverbacks, she founded a new troupe called The Weaning Process with her classmates. Since then, she has joined an all women’s troupe called RagTag and a musical troupe called The Tempo Tantrums. Leslie’s favorite part of improv–and the reason why she tries to tell it to pretty much everyone she meets–is feeling a connection with both her fellow improvisers and the audience during a performance.

Haley Anslem – Assistant Teacher – Haley is a local improviser with roots in film acting. She was introduced to the art of improv through Silverbacks’ classes and hasn’t turned back since. She is a current member of The Weaning Process, Plural Noun, and Splorange while also having performed with the likes of Tempo Tantrums and Cult of the Stage Monkey. Having worked with such diverse troupes, Haley has come to love many different styles and forms of improv. What Haley loves most is that improv is a collaborative effort in which you really never know what will happen!

Interested in Classes? Get on our List!

Are you interested in taking a Silverbacks Improv class or workshop? Make sure you let us know! We are currently compiling names of children and adults who are interested in studying improv to schedule new classes and camps that meet demand.

Since 2015, we have offered Improv 1, Improv 2, and Improv 3 to the community, as well as special projects such as Movement workshops and Summer Camps. Participants have gone on to form their own improv troupes, join established ones, or simply enjoy the skills of Improv in daily life.

Improv Class of 2016 alum, and founder of The Weaning Process Improv Troupe, Leslie Tidwell had this to say about improv class with Silverbacks: “Silverbacks Improv Theatre classes were a great experience. I felt like I was in a slump, and these classes lifted me up. I made friends, gained confidence, and had the opportunity to play. The teachers miraculously offer a relaxed yet rigorous environment where challenge is welcome, but never judgment.”

Interested? Let us know by sending us a message through Facebook or by email at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com. Let us know the season and day of the week that would be best for you to participate. Have you already “graduated” from Improv 3 and want to study more? Let us know what topics in Improv Theatre interest you!

We would love to have you in class. (Yes, you!)

Silverbacks Improv Presents “Untold Horror” – Improvised Nightmares

On Wednesday, October 25, Silverbacks Improv Theatre will take their signature improvisations on a creepy ride through the shadows with their twist on psychological horror. Taking inspiration from the great horror masters of film, fiction, urban legend, and theatre, Silverbacks aim to deliver a show that is genuinely chilling for those brave enough to witness the unknown.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017, 7:30pm
Feed N Seed, 106 N Grant St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Tickets are $10, or $8 with current Student ID.
Must present ID and be 18+ to enter, as Feed N Seed is a bar.

Improv and Sketch Writing Workshop with KIDS IN THE HALL’s Kevin McDonald

Silverbacks Improv Theatre in partnership with Acadiana Center for the Arts is proud to welcome Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall fame to Lafayette to teach a day-long workshop in Improv and Sketch Comedy.

Quick Details:

Saturday September 16 – Workshop begins at 10am and concludes with a performance at 7:30pm

Acadiana Center for the Arts – 101 W Vermilion St, Lafayette, LA 70501

$190 per workshop participant.

(Public show at 7:30 – $20; tickets at acadianacenterforthearts.org)

Online Registration is now closed. Please register in person by Friday, September 15 at Noon. To set up payment arrangements, email silverbacksimprov@gmail.com

Actors, comedians and complete novices will have a unique opportunity to study Improv and Sketch comedy with Kevin McDonald of the legendary comedy group, KIDS IN THE HALL. The Kids in the Hall is a Canadian sketch comedy group whose eponymous television show ran from 1989 to 1995 on CBC in Canada, and CBS, HBO, and Comedy Central in the United States.

In this day-long workshop, Mr. McDonald will teach students the Kids in the Hall method of writing sketches through improvisation.

By the end of the day, students will have created brand new comedy sketches ready to be performed for the public at the Acadiana Center for the Arts that evening. The evening show will include the students performing sketch comedy, a stand-up performance by Kevin McDonald, and an improv set with Mr. McDonald and Lafayette’s own Silverbacks Improv Theatre!

The class is limited to 35 participants – Online Registration is now closed. Please register in person by Friday, September 15 at Noon. To set up payment arrangements, email silverbacksimprov@gmail.com.

Closing Night: An Improv Showcase Benefitting the Hive

Closing Night: An Improv Showcase Benefitting the Hive
Friday, August 25
Show begins at 7:30pm
The Hive, 810 Jefferson St
$20 tickets; includes light hor d’oeuvres
Reservations by calling: (337) 484-0172

Silverbacks Improv Theatre will host an Improv Theatre show to benefit The Hive. The show will feature sets by The Weaning Process, Silverbacks Improv, and special guests The IRS.

All proceeds for the performance will benefit The Hive – a community space that is seeking a new home. The Hive will be ending their lease at 810 Jefferson Street effective August 31 with a goal of reopening in a new location in January 2018, if not sooner. Silverbacks Improv Theatre has held monthly shows at The Hive for over 5 years. In the spirit of loving their home venue back, the Silverbacks hope to raise awareness for The Hive’s relocation efforts, and to raise some money for them.

Silverbacks founder Elaine Kibodeaux says, “When a few ragtag improvisers were looking for a place to form a new Improv Performance Troupe, 810 Jefferson street gave us a home. Those who have run the space devoted themselves to giving ideas a place to form and thrive, and the board members of The Hive embrace that mission completely.”

Silverbacks Improv Theatre has been making efforts to grow the improvisational theatre community, and an Improv Night at the Hive is the perfect opportunity to showcase how it’s grown. The Weaning Process was born out of Silverbacks Improv classes, and has been performing regularly around town since earlier this year. The IRS is the name that the teens from Silverbacks’s Teen Improv Camp came up with for themselves – The IRS: Improv’s Rising Stars. These hilarious young teens astonished their teachers with the depth of their talent. Silverbacks is exciting to showcase the work of these young upstarts at this show. Silverbacks believes that Improv is for everyone, from the very young to senior citizens.

The benefit will feature free light hor d’oeuvres, and a bar by donation.

BEGINNER IMPROV COMEDY CLASSES WITH SILVERBACKS IMPROV THEATRE

Beginner Improv Comedy Classes with Silverbacks Improv Theatre starting Saturday June 10th

DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE –

Local Improv Comedy Troupe, Silverbacks Improv Theatre, will begin another round of beginner improv classes starting in June 2017. Silverbacks began offering improv classes in the summer of 2015, and has had great success and fun with their students.

The Silverbacks will begin by offering Improv 1. Improv 2 and 3 will follow this summer, along with special children’s classes and Improv Intensives.

IMPROV LEVEL ONE is an entry-level course to the joys and thrills of improvisation, or improv. Students will learn and practice the application of “group mind” and the all-important “yes, and” – and other improv concepts and vocabulary. Students will practice new skills, perform and play in a safe, low-stakes and friendly atmosphere.

LEVEL ONE is perfect for the super fan of comedy or improv who has yet to perform, the curious introvert wanting to try something new or someone looking to improve their public speaking or quick decision making skills. At the conclusion, you can move on to Level Two or continue to take LEVEL ONE again – as many times as you’d like. You’re sure to get something new out of it each time!

Still on the fence? Hear from a former student!

“Silverbacks Improv Theatre classes were a great experience. I felt like I was in a slump, and these classes lifted me up. I made friends, gained confidence, and had the opportunity to play. The teachers miraculously offer a relaxed yet rigorous environment where challenge is welcome, but never judgment.” -Leslie Tidwell

LEVEL ONE students will present a showcase of their skills during the final class, where family and friends are invited.

IMPROV ONE Class Details:

Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class

Dates: Saturdays June 10 – July 8
Time: 12:30 – 2:30pm
Ages: 16+
Cost: $100
Where: Basin Arts,113 Clinton St, Lafayette, LA 70501

More can be found at www.Facebook.com/SilverbacksImprov

About Silverbacks:

Silverbacks Improv Theatre (Lafayette, LA) mixes special improvised brews for audiences across the U.S. Favorite improv creations include Film Noirs, 90’s Sitcoms, and Sci-Fi’s. The Silverbacks are always energetic, nerd-tastic, and not afraid of costumes. The Silverbacks consists of members who have trained and performed in Mississippi, Texas, Illinois, California, D.C., and Zurich with a combined total of over 75 years of improv experience. Silverbacks Improv Theatre performs monthly at the Hive Theatre and organizes “Improv Night” at Lafayette’s 2nd Saturday Art Walk at Cité des Arts. More information can be found at www.silverbacksimprov.com The Silverbacks are also available for classes, workshops, corporate training, and tailored experiences.