Tag: improv

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 Rumble: 2020!

The Improv Rumble pits teams of improvisers against one another in an all-out brawl. Everything’s made up, but YOUR VOTES REALLY COUNT. Who will go home the victor? The answer depends on YOU. Audience members will vote on their favorite performances to determine a team winner. Voting will take place via interactive fun with the audience’s cell phones. Most shows ask you turn off your phone – at this show you’re encouraged to wield your cell’s power! Improv Rumble features over 25 improv comedy performers from South Louisiana. The Improv Rumble is sure to be full of high energy, big laughs and friendly sportsmanship.

This year’s Rumble will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 – 7:30 pm , at Acadiana Center for the Arts in the James Devin Moncus Theatre.

Tickets available at https://acadianacenterforthearts.org

Improv Rumble 2019 photos courtesy of Gwen Aucoin

Improv: Level 1- Winter 2020

Silverbacks Improv Theatre, will begin another round of improv classes starting in January. 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 recent grad troupe Lively Banter even found their beginnings in Silverbacks improv classes.

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

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.

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!

Registration is available online at https://squareup.com/store/silverbacks-improv-theatre

IMPROV ONE Class Details:
Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teacher Elaine Kibodeaux)
Dates: Saturdays – January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15.
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Cite Des Arts – 109 Vine St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Ages: 16+
Registration : $120

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, founding member of The Weaning Process – Improv Troupe

Level One students will also have the perk of free entry to all Silverbacks produced improv shows while they are taking classes!

The Early Bird gets the Gracious Goat!

Good News, Everyone!

Improv: Level 1 and Improv: Level 3 are currently open for registration at our Store! Not only is registration ready for you, but from now until December 28th, both classes fall under the Early Bird Discount umbrella!

Improv: Level 1, a 6 week introductory course, is only $110! ($10 off!)

Improv: Level 3, our 8 week advanced course, is only $135! ($25 off!)

Don’t miss your chance to start something new with Elaine or to brush up on your scene work with Sarah Mikayla! Register for one of our super-fun, super-affordable improv classes today!

Silverbacks 8th Annual Holiday Show!

It’s that time of year again! On Friday, December 13th, Silverbacks Improv Theatre will interpret their signature improvisations through the lens of a brand new, completely made up Holiday!

For this show, each of the performers will be wearing a Holiday Sweater and invite the audience to do the same. ANY Holiday themed items are welcome – the audience is invited to wear their finest Christmas, Easter, Mardi Gras, or even Groundhog Day sweaters to add to the fun.

Our 7 previously invented holidays are “Paper-Clip Appreciation Day” (2012), “Garden Gnome Day” (2013), “Leonardo DaVinci’s Mother’s Birthday” (2014), “Picasso-Palooza” (2015), “St. Lampshades Day” (2016), “Structural Support Day” (2017), and “Snowpocalypse: The Anniversary of that One Day It Snowed in Louisiana” (2018) . We can’t wait to celebrate a brand New Holiday and its many wonderful traditions with you.

7:30pm at Cite des Arts, 2nd Stage
Tickets are $10* at the door!
*($8 for Students, Teachers, and Seniors (60+). ID is required for discount)

Improv: Level 2 is Back!

Improv 2 – A Silverbacks Improv Class
Instructor: Elaine Kibodeaux
Dates: Saturdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 2019
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Ages: 16+
*Early Bird Special runs through September 19: $135*
**Regular Price from September 20-October 5: $160**
Where: Cite des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Lafayette, LA 70501

Online registration/payment is available at: https://squareup.com/store/silverbacks-improv-theatre

Class size: 6 students minimum; 12 students maximum

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.

Elaine Kibodeaux has been acting for 22 years and improvising for 18. She is a founding member and assistant artistic director of Silverbacks Improv Theatre, a Cult of the Stage Monkey (UL-Lafayette) Alumna (’01-’08), Co-Director of Your Spooky Friends (an Improvised Horror Troupe), and has studied and performed improv in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Elaine began teaching Improv Fundamentals for Beginners in 2010 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 12 years at Oasis Bellydance Studio, where she leads “BellyFit” classes. She regularly uses her improv and acting experience to enhance her stage presence when dancing.

Silverbacks Improv returns on August 23!

It’s still hot outside and school’s almost back in session. You know what that means?

Silverbacks Improv Theatre are back from their Summer Break! We’ve stayed busy behind-the-scenes all summer, and now we’re ready to take over the Cite des Arts Second Stage for an evening of improvisational theatre!

Join us on Friday, August 23rd at 7:30pm for some high quality improv!

Tickets are $10* general admission.
*($8 for Students, Teachers, and Seniors (60+). ID is required for discount) Tickets may be purchased in advance in our online store (general admission only) or at the door, beginning 1 hour before the start of the show.

SuperCollider: September 6th, 2019!

Every month for SuperCollider!, Silverbacks host a different trio of improv troupes! Groups may be local favorites, traveling troupes, or exciting new formats such as horror and musical improv. 

The September 6th SuperCollider!,
hosted by local comedian, Maggie Shipley, 
will feature the following troupes: 

  • Cult of the Stage Monkey is Lafayette’s longest-running Improvisational Theatre troupe! The student organization has been delighting audiences with their quick wit and topical humor since October of 1998.  
  • Founded in 2017, The Plural Noun is an improv collaborative with a wide range of performance influences from sketch to film to black box experimentation. The troupe loves to break down the boundaries between short improv games and long form explorations of themes, aka lots of laughter, tears, and WTF! 
  • The Weaning Process is an improv troupe sprung from an improv class. They combine short games and long form in their shows and have most recently started a regular show that blends standup and improv!  

See all three troupes for the price of one! Only $10* for a night full of fun. 
The September 6th show starts at 9:00pm at the 2nd Stage at Cite des Arts!

*($8 for Students, Teachers, and Seniors (60+). ID is required for discount)

SuperCollider: July 19, 2019!

Come to the 2nd Stage at Cité des Arts on Friday, July 19th at 9pm SuperCollider: Acadiana’s Improv Showcase brought to you by Silverbacks Improv Theatre!

Audiences will get a taste of 3 different groups performing short sets.

This month, please welcome:
Rag Tag,
Haeg & Butts from Two Friends Improv Theater in New Orleans,
and the debut performance of Lively Banter Improv!

Tickets are $10*
*($8 for Students, Teachers, and Seniors (60+). ID is required for discount)

Improv Comedy Classes starting July 20!

**DUE TO THE STORM IN THE GULF, IMPROV: LEVEL ONE WILL BEGIN ON JULY 20TH. STAY SAFE, FRIENDS!**

IMPROV ONE Class Details:
Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class (Teacher Aren Chaisson) 
Dates: Saturdays July 20, 27; August 10, 17, 24, 31. 
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Cite Des Arts Dance Studio – 109 Vine St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Ages: 16+
Cost: $100

Silverbacks Improv Theatre, will begin another round of improv classes starting in July. 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 recent grad troupe Lively Banter even found their beginnings in Silverbacks improv classes. 

The Silverbacks will begin by offering Improv 1. Students will then have the option to continue to Improv 2, 3, and 4 if they choose. 

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.

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, founding member of The Weaning Process – Improv Troupe

Level One students will also have the perk of free entry to all Silverbacks produced improv shows while they are taking classes!

Register online here:  https://squareup.com/store/silverbacks-improv-theatre   or by calling 337-205-2129. Students may also message the Silverbacks Facebook page with questions:www.Facebook.com/SilverbacksImprov

Aren Chaisson, III

Teacher Biography: 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. This past summer 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 performs with Silverbacks Improv Theatre in Lafayette.