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Improv: Level 1, coming your way!

Improv 1 with Aren Chaisson & Claudia Mijares

Improv Comedy Classes starting October 14 with Silverbacks Improv Theatre!

Quick Details:
Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teachers: Aren Chaisson and Claudia Mijares)
Dates: Saturdays, 10am-12pm: Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18
Time: 10am-12pm CST
Where: Cité des Arts
Ages: 16+
Cost: $150 – financial assistance is available*
Click Here to Register Online!

Students may also message the Silverbacks Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/SilverbacksImprov, or email with questions at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com.

Since 2015, Silverbacks Improv Theatre has offered Improv classes in Lafayette. As a result, the improv scene has blossomed and continues to grow. A new round of classes is starting on October 14 with Improv 1. This six week course is designed for the complete novice to improv and/or performing arts. Teachers focus on creating a friendly environment for even the most demure wall flower to be able to participate. Improv is excellent for growing skills in communication, team work, and public speaking. Students will be eligible to progress to Improv 2 and 3 following this course, should they choose to continue studying.

* Silverbacks believe that the price should not be a barrier for the study of improv, and will not turn away any students for lack of a traditional fee. Payment plans, scholarships, and barters are all available. Email us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com to inquire about financial assistance.

Teacher Bio:
Aren Chaisson is an actor and improvisor with over25 years of experience on stage. He is from Lafayette, Louisiana and teaches Talented Theatre in Lafayette Parish.
His most recent performance was as Franklin Hart Jr. in The Looking Glass production of 9 to 5.
Aren has performed in many productions, including Max Bialystock in The Producers, Bill in Mamma Mia, John Proctor in The Crucible, Jud in Oklahoma! Huey P. Long in The Kingfish, Dale Pittman in The North Plan, Harry “Jazzbo” Haywood in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Lenny in Of Mice and Men, Foreman in Twelve Angry Men, Officer Lockstock in Urinetown and William Shakespeare in William and Judith.
He studied improv with Armando Diaz and Elana Fishbein at the Magnet Theatre in NYC.

Claudia Mijares has been improvising since 2016, and has performed regularly with several Lafayette troupes, including The Weaning Process, Ragtag, The Plural Noun, Your Spooky Friends, and Silverbacks Improv Theatre.

Improv: Level 2 Registration is Open!

Improv Level 2, taught by Elaine Kibodeaux Paramore (Assistant Instructor TBA).
8 Saturdays, January 13-March 9 (with a break for Mardi Gras) from 10am-Noon at Cite des Arts.
Class size: 6 students minimum; 12 students maximum.
$200 for 8 days of class.
Register online at https://silverbacks-improv-theatre.square.site/

Elaine Kibodeaux Paramore has been acting for 26 years and improvising for 22. She is a founding member of Silverbacks Improv Theatre, having just finished her term as the 2022-2023 Artistic Director. She is a proud Cult of the Stage Monkey (UL-Lafayette) Alumna (’01-’08) and has studied and performed improv in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Elaine began teaching Improv Fundamentals for Beginners in 2009 and has since added Improv Acting Techniques for Dancers and Movement for the Actor to her instruction repertoire. She is a belly dancer with Habibi Hips and Bal Amira, celebrating 16 at Oasis Bellydance Studio, where she leads a Bellydance Fit class and instructs new dancers in Bellydance Basics. She regularly uses her improv and acting experience to enhance her stage presence when dancing. She can also be found on your favorite podcast app, alongside her creative partner, Mads Manuel, on Storybroke: Miserably Ever After, returning in 2024.

Improv 2 with Mads and Claudia!

Our Improv workshops continue with Improv Level 2. Move beyond the basics with characterization and 2-person scene building! Past students have gone on to create their own troupes, have much more airtight excuses when they’re late to work, and have been told they’re hilarious on zoom calls. Our eight-session course has helped to foster talent in Acadiana for years, and now it’s your turn. Sign up today! Improv 2 – A Silverbacks Improv Class Teachers: Mads Manuel & Claudia Mijares

Tuesdays – January 17, 24, 31, Feb 7, BREAK for Valentines day and Mardi Gras, Feb 28, March 7, 14, 21
Time: 6pm – 8pm CST
Where: Cité des Arts
Ages: 16+
Cost: $160*

Register online here:
https://checkout.square.site/buy/3JSMNV4FTGNIOUCOHRV22JUY

Students 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 2023 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.

Instructor Bios:

Mads Manuel has been improvising since 2007, when they join UL’s Cult of the Stage Monkey. They grew with the organization and served as Director, training several successful classes of new improvisers while also working to continue the development of intermediate and advanced performers. In 2012, they began performing with the professional group that would eventually become Silverbacks Improv Theatre. They’ve gone on to perform as part of the Your Pretty Friend Improv duo. In addition to their Improv experience, Mads appeared regularly in local community theatre productions and is proud to have cobbled together their anxiety into a convincing human personality.

Claudia Mijares has been improvising since 2016, and is a current member of several Lafayette troupes including The Weaning Process, Ragtag, The Plural Noun, Your Spooky Friends, and Silverbacks Improv Theatre.

Return of the Improv Breakfast Jam!

Are you improv-curious? Come see what all the fuss is about.
Taken classes? Come practice the skills you’ve learned.
Like donuts & coffee? Come and get it!

Silverbacks Improv Theatre is hosting an Improv Breakfast Jam to play improv games and hang out with other cool people. It will be a mixer with a fun, relaxed atmosphere. You can participate at your comfort level, including being in the audience.

Join us on Saturday, November 19th at 10am (until noon) at Cite des Arts.
You bring yourself, we’ll bring the donuts (and coffee).

Improv 1 with Aren and Renee

Improv Comedy Classes starting October 4 with Silverbacks Improv Theatre!

Quick Details:
Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teachers: Aren Chaisson & Renee Barry)
Dates: Tuesdays – October 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, Nov 8
Time: 6-8pm CST
Where: Cité des Arts
Ages: 16+
Cost: $120 – scholarships available
Register online here:
https://checkout.square.site/buy/VR4MXJQOSZQZQH5TJMSZIZGA

Students may also message the Silverbacks Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/SilverbacksImprov, or email with questions at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com.

Since 2015, Silverbacks Improv Theatre has offered Improv classes in Lafayette. As a result, the improv scene has blossomed and continues to grow. A new round of classes is starting on October 4 with Improv 1. This six week course is designed for the complete novice to improv and/or performing arts. Teachers focus on creating a friendly environment for even the most demure wall flower to be able to participate. Improv is excellent for growing skills in communication, team work, and public speaking. Students will be eligible to progress to Improv 2 and 3 following this course, should they choose to continue studying.

Silverbacks believe that the price should not be a barrier for the study of improv, and will not turn away any students for lack of a traditional fee. Payment plans, scholarships, and barters are all available.

Teacher Bios:
Renee Barry is thrilled to be teaching with her pal Aren! Renee moved back home to Lafayette in 2020 after spending eight years in Chicago, IL performing improv and writing sketch comedy shows. In Chicago, Renee wrote and performed at The Second City in such productions as Thank You Five, Out Damn Spotlight, Ready Player: Won, and 1984-Play. Renee will be performing in CCT’s The Real Inspector Hound in November at Cité des Artes. Renee teaches improv and sketch writing to teens at CYT, and she teaches Talented Theatre in St. Martin Parish schools. Renee is so grateful to be a part of the Lafayette comedy community!

Aren Chaisson is an actor and improvisor with over 25 years experience on stage. He is from Lafayette, Louisiana and teaches Talented Theatre in Iberia Parish. Aren has performed in many productions, including John Proctor in The Crucible, Huey P. Long in The Kingfish, Dale Pittman in The North Plan, Harry “Jazzbo” Haywood in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Lenny in Of Mice and Men, Foreman in Twelve Angry Men, Cliff in Cabaret, Officer Lockstock in Urinetown and William Shakespeare in William and Judith. In 2018 he was in his first CCT production as Jud in Oklahoma! Most recently he was seen as Max Bialystock in The Producers. Since graduating from University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a BFA in Performing Arts, he has performed in NYC, Chicago, Syracuse, Alabama, Indiana, on regional and national tours, and in short films and commercials. He studied improv with Armando Diaz at the Magnet Theatre in NYC and performs with Silverbacks Improv troupe.

Improv 2 is HERE

Our Improv workshops continue with Improv Level 2. Move beyond the basics with characterization and 2-person scene building!Past students have gone on to create their own troupes, have much more airtight excuses when they’re late to work, and have been told they’re hilarious on zoom calls. Our eight-session course has helped to foster talent in Acadiana for years, and now it’s your turn. Sign up today!Improv 2 – A Silverbacks Improv Class Teachers: Pete Byrne and Mads Manuel

Saturdays: Nov 13, 20; Dec 4, 11, 18; Jan 8, 15, 22
Time: 10am – 12pm CST
Where: Cité des Arts
Ages: 16+
Cost: $160*

Register online here: https://square.link/u/e8KSao24
Students may also message the Silverbacks Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/SilverbacksImprov, or email us with questions at silverbacksimprov@stagemonkey02gmail-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.

Pete Byrne is an Improviser, Writer and Director originally from Rochester, NY. Pete spent the past eight years studying and performing comedy in Chicago, IL. During his time in Chicago, Pete graduated from the prestigious Conservatory Program at The Second City. While at Second City, Pete performed with his long-form improv team, A Good Chunk of Women. He was the director of the Second City Sketch Show, Polar Opposites and served as one of the head writers for What’s Next. Pete also studied long-form improv comedy at the iO Theater, and performed on two iO Harold Teams, Small Town Doctor and Secret Handshake. Now living in Lafayette, LA with his wife, Pete is excited to share his improv comedy knowledge, inspire confidence in others and show his students that trust and listening skills are all you need to always have fun on (and off) stage.

Mads Manuel has been improvising since 2007, when they join UL’s Cult of the Stage Monkey. They grew with the organization and served as Director, training several successful classes of new improvisers while also working to continue the development of intermediate and advanced performers. In 2012, they began performing with the professional group that would eventually become Silverbacks Improv Theatre. They’ve gone on to perform as part of the Your Pretty Friend Improv duo. In addition to their Improv experience, Mads appeared regularly in local community theatre productions and is proud to have cobbled together their anxiety into a convincing human personality.

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!

Virtual Improv 2 begins April 17th!

Prerequisite: LEVEL ONE or previous stage or public speaking experience. Must be comfortable acting in a group and working with others in scene work.

Though the emphasis of the class is still on fun, LEVEL TWO includes some conceptual and technical information to help build your improvisational skills. LEVEL TWO introduces students to principles of teamwork, character building and other concepts that will help to build comfort in spontaneity.

Based on games learned in Level One, LEVEL TWO students get to enhance their performance skills through exploration of their own style of play.

All classes will be held virtually on Zoom.

Classes run on Saturdays from April 17 – June 5th – 2-4pm.

This is course is $160 as the base rate. That said, Silverbacks believe that 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 invested in providing scholarships to Black students for our courses to create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable improv community. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please email silverbacksimprov@gmail.com
     
  • Other arrangements can be made as necessary – reach out to us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com.

Teacher Biographies:

Mike Honore is a stand up comedian and improviser based in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a member of the Family Dinner improv troupe. His debut comedy album, “Splenda Afternoon,” can be found on iTunes.

Sarah Mikayla Brown is a member of Silverbacks Improv Theatre as well as improv ensembles Rag Tag and Two for the Road. Brown is a graduate of the improvisation program at the Annoyance Theatre in Chicago.

Register Online Today!

Virtual Improv Comedy Classes starting February 6!

LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA –  

Silverbacks Improv Theatre will begin a round of virtual improv classes, starting February 6th, via Zoom. Silverbacks began offering improv classes in the summer of 2015, and has had great success and fun with their students. Improv troupes Weaning Process, The Plural Noun, and Lively Banter found their beginnings in Silverbacks improv classes. 

Silverbacks will begin by offering Virtual Improv 1. Students will then have the option to continue to Improv 2 and 3 if they choose. 

VIRTUAL IMPROV ONE Class Details:
Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teacher: Aren Chaisson) 
Dates: Saturdays February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 6, 13.  
Time: 2pm – 3:30 CST
Where: Anywhere in the world – via Zoom. 
Ages: 16+Cost: $120*

Register online here: https://silverbacks-improv-theatre.square.site/
Students 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: 

  1. Payment Plans – we can set up a payment plan for students – simply contact us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com. 
  2. We are participating in the Black Improv Alliance’s program, 100 Black Improvisers. The goal of the program is to sponsor 100 Black improv students taking Improv 101 by the summer of 2021. 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
  3. Other arrangements can be made as necessary – reach out to us at silverbacksimprov@gmail.com. 

IMPROV LEVEL ONE is an entry-level journey into 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. These classes will be held virtually through Zoom. 

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.

About your Teacher: 
Aren Chaisson III  –  Aren is from Lafayette, Louisiana and teaches Talented Theatre in Iberia Parish. Since moving back from New York City in May 2011, he has performed in many productions, including John Proctor in The Crucible, Huey P. Long in The Kingfish, Dale Pittman in The North Plan, Harry “Jazzbo” Haywood in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Lenny in Of Mice and Men, Foreman in Twelve Angry Men, Cliff in Cabaret, Officer Lockstock in Urinetown and William Shakespeare in William and Judith. In the summer of 2018 he was in his first CCT production as Jud in Oklahoma! Since graduating from University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a BFA in Performing Arts, he has performed in NYC, Chicago, Syracuse, Alabama, Indiana, on regional and national tours, and in short films and commercials. He studied improv with Armando Diaz at the Magnet Theatre in NYC and is the current Artistic Director of Silverbacks Improv Theatre in Lafayette. During 2020, Aren took the opportunity to learn more about the virtual instruction of improv.