Deep Dive: Status & Stakes in Improv Comedy Workshop

Improv scenes shouldn't be solely focussed on conflict but can include compelling tension. That starts with status and stakes. In this interactive, two-hour workshop, you’ll explore how power dynamics and emotional investment shape every moment on stage. Through playful exercises, partner work, and scene reps, we’ll examine how status can be physical, vocal, or emotional—and how it shifts and evolves in real time. You’ll also learn to raise the stakes in any scene by connecting with what your character wants, what’s at risk, and why it matters. This workshop will help you make stronger choices and create scenes that are as authentic as they are hilarious. Perfect for improvisers ready to bring more intention, tension, and transformation to their work.

Daytime workshops at the Big Couch Binge offer something for improvisers of all levels—from those just starting out to seasoned performers looking to deepen their skills. This particular workshop does require basic improv knowledge.

And, don't forget about our multi-workshop passes that provide a discount when taking more than one workshop on either day. See our full event page for workshop bundles.

About the Instructor - Carrie Moulder

With a communications career spanning 25 years, Carrie Moulder is an experienced writer, graphic designer, project manager, and strategist dedicated to building, enhancing, extending, and protecting organizational brands. Her adventure in comedy started with improv in 2015 and sketch in 2016. Since May of 2016, she has produced over 1500 comedy shows. Her love of learning, producing, performing, and facilitating all forms of comedy continued virtually during the global pandemic by taking classes and performing with theaters in 7 states and 3 countries, and in 2023, she performed with Big Couch at the Edinburgh International Improv Festival. She co-founded Big Couch with her best friend Scott Anderson in 2020 and moved that creative endeavor into a 4500 square foot space in August of 2023. She is also a licensed social worker (LMSW) and serves on an interdisciplinary team to address violence as a public health problem. Originally from Texas but deeply grateful for her 30 years in New Orleans, she prefers sunsets over sunrises, loves ice cream, will play a board game at a moment’s notice, and doesn’t care what she looks like when she dances (because she’s doing it anyway).

Host or Publisher Big Couch