With all of these words on all of these pages,
what the heck do you DO, Tom?
Spolin Works! – Michigan is a “service” organization. I propose arranging with your organization to come to you at an appointed time and place to a room clear of obstruction with chairs available for all participants. Ten to twenty participants are optimal for best results. (Variations may be accommodated according to need.) Depending upon the choice of program, we will spend anywhere between one and two hours interacting with one another. A single workshop is good, more are better.
A workshop will consist of me introducing what will happen in the time allotted and then we will begin to participate in totally non-threatening activities that will produce fun, laughter, and excitement. During this time, we (Viola, Neva and I) guarantee that you will travel to areas of intuitive spontaneity that are seldom visited.
Following our workshop, you will feel refreshed and cognizant of the fact that you just took a vacation from being you. This isn’t a bad thing. There are no drugs or technological toys involved and you will find that in the spirit of recreation you will find yourself “recreated”.
It’s simple really. We all become comfortable in the routines that make us who we are. I will take you on a gentle excursion outside of your routine and when you come back, you will find that you’ve discovered subtle new insights about yourself and your fellow players that you heretofore were unaware of.
BASIC COMMUNICATION THROUGH PLAY
IMPROV 101 – BASIC
IMPROV 201 INTERMEDIATE
Prerequisite: Basic Improv or permission of Director.
IMPROV 301 - ADVANCED
Prerequisite: Basic Improv or permission of Director.
IMPROV FOR TEENS!
JUGGLING BASICS
GAMES ACROSS THE AGES
FOOLISHNESS (for adults only)
FAMILY FOOLISHNESS
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BASIC COMMUNICATION THROUGH PLAY
This is the most fundamental of all play classes. Utilizing the most basic components of traditional game and Spolin games, we will simply take a vacation without leaving the room. This non-threatening workshop will work for any age group and any setting (education, business and/or professional).
Improv 101—Basic Improv
This course emphasizes basic verbal and physical communication skills by exploring spontaneity, active listening, risk-taking, story-telling, character development, and other fun stuff in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Laughter and positives guaranteed. No prerequisite except a willingness for some openness to new experience.
Improv 201—Intermediate Improv
A continuation of the basics plus learning more traditional and Spolin games and advanced improvisational scenework. If students are interested, class may culminate in a performance for an invited audience. Prerequisite: Basic Improv or permission of Director.
Improv 301—Advanced Improv
This class continues the study of successful scene-work and adds more and more traditional and Spolin game to your repertoire. An open class for an invited audience may be performed on the final day of class. Perquisite: Intermediate level or permission of Director.
Improv 401—Expert Improv
You've been through the advanced, now take the next step with Expert level. Refine your game even further and learn the basics of what makes a good show. Then, show off your stuff in performance for an invited audience on the final day of class. Perquisite: Intermediate level or permission of Director.
JUGGLING BASICS
Learn the exciting skills of juggling, balancing and simple sleight of hand movements (amaze your friends)! By studying the secrets of balance, tossing, and catching you can increase your hand-eye coordination and perform physical activities with more grace and accuracy. Great for sports-minded kids. For middle school to adult.
GAMES ACROSS THE AGES
Did you know that games have been with us since the days of the cave dwellers? It’s true! “Hide and Go Seek” was played by American Indian children as practice to learn hunting skills before growing to adulthood. In this course we will discuss the origins of 12 to 20 games, and we will play them. Once learned, a game stays with you, so you will carry these historical games onward into the 21st century and beyond.
FOOLISHNESS (for adults only)*
The art of juggling, gesturing, miming, clowning, storytelling, shadow puppeting, and game playing. Perfect for all ages. Learn some of the things that people did BEFORE television and the Internet. For rainy days or wherever others may gather. After this class you will be able to entertain, amuse and instruct others with your personal skills.
FAMILY FOOLISHNESS*
The entire family is invited to participate in and learn the arts of juggling, gesturing, miming, clowning, storytelling, shadow puppeting and game playing. Perfect for all ages. Learn some of the things that people did BEFORE television and the Internet. For rainy days or wherever others may gather. After this class your family will never be wont for activities to do, especially at larger family gatherings. The lot of you will be able to entertain, amuse and instruct others with your group-given personal skills.
*The character of the jester or fool can be found throughout Medieval European history, folklore, and legend. They are one of the most common and widely recognized character types found in culture and mythology throughout the history of the world. Jesters and fools filled a variety of roles as entertainers, social and political critics, and agents of change for cultural and religious mores for their audiences.
The Medieval jester, fool, trickster, and clown are in many ways related. All are commonly found in folklore, folktales, legends, and religious myths often playing a predominant role. The Medieval European Jester was both actor and entertainer, as well as a court jester. He was one of the few characters in the court who could freely speak his conscious without causing offense and somebody who could use humor to mock, jibe, and joke.