Williamsburg Gets Its First Improv Academy
Calling all Brooklynites, especially those of you in the throes of a quarter-life crisis: Chicago improv theater The Annoyance has started offering classes at UnionDocs in Williamsburg, with the hopes of setting up permanent shop elsewhere in Brooklyn. It’s the first of its kind in the borough—while other institutions (such as the Irondale Center) host improv classes, The Annoyance bears an alternative ideology to the comedic form, with a focus on the scene and the individuals that make it happen. This is in contrast to the curriculum of most Manhattan academies like the Upright Citizens Brigade, the PIT and the Magnet, which is to use games as a catalyst for scene creation (shortform) or character- or theme-based performances (longform).
Along with a lack of traditional improv rules, students can expect plenty of individual attention from Annoyance instructors. Sound like the perfect antidote to your crushing boredom post-college? Unfortunately, the current session is already full, but registration for the March-to-May session opens Jan 21. For eight weeks, it’s $350, which sounds like a lot, but remind yourself that this is roughly equivalent to purchasing a fancy sandwich every day. Stop buying fancy sandwiches and be funnier!
