I wish/ I want: Musical Improv Workshop & Jam

When a character’s desire is clear, scenes ground emotionally, songs know where to go, and the audience has something to root for. In musical theatre, this idea often shows up as an “I Wish” or “I Want” song — a moment where a character names what’s missing, what they hope for, or what they’re striving toward.

In this workshop, we’ll dive into the I Wish / I Want song as a core building block of musical improv. Through guided exercises and playful exploration, we’ll practice:

• Identifying clear wants in scenes
• Simplifying dialogue
• Taking your own character through a journey

You don’t need to be a strong singer or an expert in musical improv — this workshop is about clarity, honesty, and heart, not perfection.

After the workshop portion, we’ll head into a musical improv jam to put these ideas into practice in a relaxed, supportive setting. The jam is optional but encouraged, and designed to be fun, low-pressure, and collaborative.

Experience in improv scenework encouraged.

Jess Pfohl is a Boston-based musical improv coach, music director, and improviser.

With training across musical improv, long-form improv, sketch, and screenwriting, Jess brings a story-forward approach to directing.

Her most recent projcets were as musical director and cast with Love Is Blind: The Improvised Musical in their Edinburgh Fringe run (2024) and as coach for musical improv team Metrognome(2025) as well as cast for Dante, Pilot, The Paper Cuts, Energy Boyz, MD-Go-Round, Candid Badgers, and Musical Harold.

She's known for creating warm, playful spaces where improvisers can experiment and build confidence without pressure.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Jess Pfohl