Improv Classes for Adults at Vivid Stage

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- Vivid Stage, in residence at Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit, is enrolling its Winter session of improv classes for adults. This session, which includes three different classes, begins on January 13, 2025. There is a 20% discount for students taking more than one class in a single session.

Students will think on their feet by freeing their mind, body and imagination through group exercises and games in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Returning students will learn more complex games that require keeping multiple balls in the air while maintaining connection with scene partners. These classes provide a fun creative outlet and a chance to socialize while honing skills such as teamwork, spontaneity and careful listening that will enhance any professional pursuit.

Registration information can be found here. Classes will be held at the Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue in Summit. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

The Joy of Improv provides students an introduction to the foundational skills of improv comedy. The Joy of Improv class begins on January 13, and continues on Monday evenings from 7:30pm-9:30pm for eight weeks. The instructor for this class is Sandy Fenelus.

Beyond the Basics offers a further exploration of more complicated games and challenges, and has a prerequisite of The Joy of Improv or the equivalent. Beyond the Basics begins on January 15, and continues on Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm-9:30pm for eight weeks. Dave Maulbeck leads this class.

Exploring Long Form is a journey into the art of long-form improv, where you'll learn the foundational techniques and build towards performing the famous Harold form. The prerequisite is The Joy of Improv or the equivalent, and the class begins on January 18 and  meets Saturdays from 1:00pm-3:00pm for eight weeks.

Sandy Fenelus has worked as a High School Theater Teacher for four and a half years and is thrilled to return to her love of teaching improv. She has worked with The Theater Project's production of Crowns as "Yolanda,” LiveIn Theater as "Trixipop" in their flashmob film project, The Bullet Theater Collaborative's Godspell as a disciple, Vivid Stage’s The Electric Baby as "Rozie,” and Edison Valley Playhouse's Nunsense II: The Second Coming as "Sister Robert Ann." She has a BA in Theater from William Paterson University, and has studied acting at HB Studio. When she is not on the stage or teaching, you’ll find her drawing on her ipad or having dance parties with her toddler and husband.

Dave Maulbeck is an entertainment artist and member of the Screen Actors Guild and he recently relocated back to New York City after a multi-year stint in Los Angeles. He has starred in several commercials, including the Super Bowl Ad - Groundhog Day, for truTV, and as the Polish Polisher for Burger King. With film credits including the evil Dr. Wily in Megaman, and the main character Dracula Goes to Camp, Dave is no stranger to the screen. In 2007 Dave co-founded Chicken Scoop Productions where he executive produced several spec pilots, music videos, and web series. More recently he has been developing animation projects with BEHIND the BAG! Productions, where he  is co-creator and illustrator of The Kinetix, a comic book series featuring high school superheroes whose powers derive from their respective disabilities.

Vivid Stage was founded in 1994 as Dreamcatcher Rep, and is a non-profit professional ensemble of actors who build community with the audience by sharing contemporary, life-affirming stories that challenge, energize and entertain. Their work has at its heart a belief in the essential goodness of people and the power of live performance to connect people through our shared humanity. They expose theatregoers to ideas and lives like and unlike their own with the intention of awakening their imaginations and creating empathy for others. They deepen the experience of all their patrons with personal contact through receptions, talkbacks, and interactive programs.

The company’s activities include mainstage productions, improvisational comedy and cabarets, new play readings and a variety of educational and senior outreach programs.

Vivid Stage’s programs are funded by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Shubert and Summit Foundations and many other corporations, foundations and individuals. Vivid Stage is an Equity Producing member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

Vivid Stage, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) corporation, incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey.