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!

Silverbacks and lots of other familiar faces will perform online for Baton Rouge Improv Festival

We’re very excited to announce that we’ll be performing our 90s Sitcom Format tonight, May 13, at 8:30pm (Central), for the #BatonRougeImprovFest!

The show will be live streamed at https://www.batonrougeimprovfest.com/

Also performing this week are local & regional favorites: The Plural Noun, No Lye Comedy, The Family Dinner, Two Friends, Two For The Road, and Rag Tag!

To catch all your favorite acts, and discover a few new troupes along the way, be sure to check out this week’s Improv Festival Schedule!

5-4 BRIF Show Schedule Image.png

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!

SuperCollider! returns on February 19th!


Silverbacks Improv Theatre Presents: SuperCollider!  Featuring The Weaning Process, The Plural Noun; Premiere Performance by 4 and a Possible
Friday, February 19
Show begins at 8:00pm
FREE! Streaming live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilverbacksImprovTheatre

In the “before-times” the second stage at Cite des Arts was graced by a new phenomenon – “SuperCollider!” In this monthly improv showcase, troupes from all over the south would gather with sparkling hosts to share unforgettable nights. Amidst a steady flow of Cliff’s Old-Fashioneds, SuperCollider! featured international performers, first-timers, and even a proposal of marriage. On February 19th, the Silverbacks will move their signature showcase series online. This show will feature local favorites, The Weaning Process and The Plural Noun. It will also serve as the premiere performance of a brand-new, all-Black ensemble – 4 and a Possible. Local comedy star and frequent Supercollider! collaborator, Maggie Shipley, will host.

THE WEANING PROCESS – The Weaning Process is a tight-knit bunch of weirdos who love to experiment with different formats. They are probably best known for their shows which merge the standup and improv scenes: The Final(er) Frontier. You can catch them at Cite des Arts on most Artwalk nights! (When they can actually perform again)

THE PLURAL NOUN –  The Plural Noun is a spectrum of personalities always working on our craft and passion for improvisation. We love to give our audience the entertainment they deserve and have fun the entire time creating with them.  

4 AND A POSSIBLE – 4 and a Possible is an improv quartet of Black performers who believe anything is possible… and they’re funny.

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. 

9th Annual Holiday Show: Online Edition!

Silverbacks Improv Theatre Presents: The 9th Annual Holiday Show
Monday, December 21st at 7:00 pm
FREE! Streaming live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilverbacksImprovTheatre
All ages welcome

Millions of families around the world will be celebrating their holidays remotely this year – and Silverbacks are no different. We will translate our fan-favorite Holiday show into an online, one-of-a-kind, streaming event. (Please let it be one of a kind?!)

Our improvised family will meet via Zoom to celebrate a Holiday – a brand new, completely made up Holiday, that is. With the audience’s help, Silverbacks will create their own annual celebration – think “Festivus for the Rest of Us” from Seinfeld. You get to eavesdrop on this family’s improvised shenanigans, and give your suggestions via the chat window to influence the action.

Our previous holiday creations are:
Paperclip Appreciation Day (December 19, 2012)
Garden Gnome Day (December 18, 2013)
Leonardo DaVinci’s Mother’s Birthday (December 17, 2014)
Picasso-Palooza! (December 16, 2015)
St. Lampshade’s Day (December 21, 2016)
Structural Support Day (December 20, 2017)
Snowversary (December 14, 2018)
Aggressive Yoga Day (December 13, 2019)

Help bring on the end of 2020 with Silverbacks.

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!)