Storytelling: Wowing a Crowd With True Tales
Instructor: Kevin Allison
Just as stand-up exploded in the 80's, true storytelling is all the rage now. The Moth, This American Life, Sleepwalk With Me and dozens more shows tap into the zeitgeist and have audiences wild for performers who keep it real. Think you don't have amazing tales to tell? Think again. Kevin Allison (a member of The State) and Michelle Walson (director of Of The Moment) are the creators and producers of RISK!, the live show/podcast where people tell true stories they never thought they'd dare to share in public. In this class, they will teach you how to choose story topics, recreate dramatic events, master dialogue, and build suspense, emotion and meaning out of your memories. This is the class where performers learn how rewarding it is to be onstage being yourself! Each student will come away with at least two stories to take to a Moth slam and several stories to submit for consideration for the RISK! podcast or live show. This class culminates in a performance at The PIT for friends and family.
January 4-February 22 (8 weeks)
Tuesdays, 7-10pm
$385
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
Clown for the Improviser
Instructor: Eric Davis
This class focuses on ways to be the joke instead of telling the joke. It offers a deeply personal approach, letting people laugh at who you are and celebrating your personal ridiculousness. We will focus on the pleasure of the performer, connecting with the audience, and finding your unique stupidity.
January 5-January 26 (4 weeks)
Wednesdays, 7-10pm
$200
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
Improv Your Public Speaking
Instructor: Taren Sterry
In this fun and supportive class, students will learn how to improve their public speaking skills and gain confidence by applying improv techniques in public speaking situations. In a safe yet challenging environment, students will be led through group games and individual exercises that will help them be more comfortable in front of a crowd and give them the skills to relax in the midst of "performing." Focus will be on breath, diction, movement, relaxation and confidence while remaining present. Want to be more savvy when going through a Power Point Presentation for the Board? Want to learn to project your voice to a crowd of 250? This class will address each student's specific needs and give them the opportunity to work on current projects.
January 5-January 26 (4 weeks)
Wednesdays, 7-10pm
$175
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
Do It Yourself
Instructor: Jen Nails
For those who have ever felt compelled to write and perform solo material, do it! You will explore different techniques for developing clean, honest characters and full, detailed stories. Emphasis will be placed on gaining confidence while on stage alone as well as on writing freely, without editing yourself. We will work toward structuring your material into a solid 6–8 minute piece. The class will culminate in a performance of your work at the PIT.
January 11-March 1 (8 weeks)
Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm
$360
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
Do It Yourself 2/3
Instructor: Jen Nails
For those who have completed DIY at the PIT, or for anyone who has put up a solo show for the first time and would like to bring things to the next level, this course is for you! As a class, we'll work on editing and shaping your piece and creating a flow. We will identify all of the most important bits in your writing and save those, and help you to let go of the rest. Be prepared to work on, think about and consider your fellow classmates' material nearly as much as your own as part of this "director collective." Students will perform an excerpt of their pieces in a class show at the end of the session, and are also guaranteed one 30-minute slot at the PIT at a later date to perform their full show. *Students who have taken DIY2 or DIY3 before are welcome to register to continue workshopping their piece.
January 12-March 2 (8 weeks)
Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30pm
$360
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
How To Pitch and Sell TV Shows
Instructor: James Murray
You’ve got a killer idea for a TV show, but how do get your foot in the door, pitch it to production companies and networks, and sell the show? In this 6-week class, students will learn all the fundamentals of how to pitch and sell TV shows. To date, five students have sold their ideas and pitched them to networks as a result of the class! Topics covered include: getting your hands on the latest network intel; what production companies and networks are currently buying; creating a sellable idea that multiple networks will want; writing a compelling treatment; shooting a great sizzle tape; and perfecting the pitch itself. Whether you’re a beginner looking to break into TV or a producer looking to sharpen your pitch skills, this class will help with all aspects of the pitch process, from development to sale. Students will refine their ideas in class, and practice pitching every week.
January 20-February 24 (6 weeks)
Thursdays, 7-10pm
$360
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
Instructor: Kevin Allison
Just as stand-up exploded in the 80's, true storytelling is all the rage now. The Moth, This American Life, Sleepwalk With Me and dozens more shows tap into the zeitgeist and have audiences wild for performers who keep it real. Think you don't have amazing tales to tell? Think again. Kevin Allison (a member of The State) and Michelle Walson (director of Of The Moment) are the creators and producers of RISK!, the live show/podcast where people tell true stories they never thought they'd dare to share in public. In this class, they will teach you how to choose story topics, recreate dramatic events, master dialogue, and build suspense, emotion and meaning out of your memories. This is the class where performers learn how rewarding it is to be onstage being yourself! Each student will come away with at least two stories to take to a Moth slam and several stories to submit for consideration for the RISK! podcast or live show. This class culminates in a performance at The PIT for friends and family.
January 4-February 22 (8 weeks)
Tuesdays, 7-10pm
$385
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
Clown for the Improviser
Instructor: Eric Davis
This class focuses on ways to be the joke instead of telling the joke. It offers a deeply personal approach, letting people laugh at who you are and celebrating your personal ridiculousness. We will focus on the pleasure of the performer, connecting with the audience, and finding your unique stupidity.
January 5-January 26 (4 weeks)
Wednesdays, 7-10pm
$200
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
Improv Your Public Speaking
Instructor: Taren Sterry
In this fun and supportive class, students will learn how to improve their public speaking skills and gain confidence by applying improv techniques in public speaking situations. In a safe yet challenging environment, students will be led through group games and individual exercises that will help them be more comfortable in front of a crowd and give them the skills to relax in the midst of "performing." Focus will be on breath, diction, movement, relaxation and confidence while remaining present. Want to be more savvy when going through a Power Point Presentation for the Board? Want to learn to project your voice to a crowd of 250? This class will address each student's specific needs and give them the opportunity to work on current projects.
January 5-January 26 (4 weeks)
Wednesdays, 7-10pm
$175
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
Do It Yourself
Instructor: Jen Nails
For those who have ever felt compelled to write and perform solo material, do it! You will explore different techniques for developing clean, honest characters and full, detailed stories. Emphasis will be placed on gaining confidence while on stage alone as well as on writing freely, without editing yourself. We will work toward structuring your material into a solid 6–8 minute piece. The class will culminate in a performance of your work at the PIT.
January 11-March 1 (8 weeks)
Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm
$360
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
Do It Yourself 2/3
Instructor: Jen Nails
For those who have completed DIY at the PIT, or for anyone who has put up a solo show for the first time and would like to bring things to the next level, this course is for you! As a class, we'll work on editing and shaping your piece and creating a flow. We will identify all of the most important bits in your writing and save those, and help you to let go of the rest. Be prepared to work on, think about and consider your fellow classmates' material nearly as much as your own as part of this "director collective." Students will perform an excerpt of their pieces in a class show at the end of the session, and are also guaranteed one 30-minute slot at the PIT at a later date to perform their full show. *Students who have taken DIY2 or DIY3 before are welcome to register to continue workshopping their piece.
January 12-March 2 (8 weeks)
Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30pm
$360
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
How To Pitch and Sell TV Shows
Instructor: James Murray
You’ve got a killer idea for a TV show, but how do get your foot in the door, pitch it to production companies and networks, and sell the show? In this 6-week class, students will learn all the fundamentals of how to pitch and sell TV shows. To date, five students have sold their ideas and pitched them to networks as a result of the class! Topics covered include: getting your hands on the latest network intel; what production companies and networks are currently buying; creating a sellable idea that multiple networks will want; writing a compelling treatment; shooting a great sizzle tape; and perfecting the pitch itself. Whether you’re a beginner looking to break into TV or a producer looking to sharpen your pitch skills, this class will help with all aspects of the pitch process, from development to sale. Students will refine their ideas in class, and practice pitching every week.
January 20-February 24 (6 weeks)
Thursdays, 7-10pm
$360
***For more information, please visit www.thepit-nyc.com or call (212) 563-7488.
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