Improv is Art: Mastering Technique and Choice with Elise Rodriguez

Overview:

This advanced improvisation course is designed for performers ready to move beyond the rules and exercises of improv and step fully into the role of improvisational artist. Over 6 weeks, we’ll focus on taking the skills and techniques you already know and work on how to apply them intentionally, with confidence, presence, and creative freedom.
Through guided exercises, scene work, and personalized feedback, we’ll explore how to use your tools not as restrictions, but as a foundation for artistry. You’ll develop the ability to shape scenes, make bold choices, and trust your instincts while drawing on technique when needed. The goal is to support students in becoming skilled improvisers and confident artists who play with intention, inspiration, and their own unique voice.

Prerequisites:

Fundamentals of Improv Level 3 at Highwire Improv, or equivalent training at another theater (reach out if you want guidance)!

Schedule:

Six weeks; Tuesdays, from 3/24 through 4/28, 6:30-8:30pm, all at St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

About your instructor:

Elise Rodriguez (she/her/ella) is a Cuban-American performer, director, and facilitator with a love for empowering others to embrace their authentic creativity and joy. She studied improv and directing at Just the Funny in Miami, Florida, where she performed on mainstage casts, including the Spanish-language show ¿Qué Pasa Improv?. In Sarasota, Florida, she was a mainstage cast member at Florida Studio Theatre, performing in long-form, short-form, and musical improv shows.
As a teaching artist, Elise led improv classes from beginner to advanced, including multi-level musical improv curriculums.Elise’s work spans performing, teaching, and leadership. She has been a CFO, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and teaching artist, combining her business expertise with her passion for fostering inclusion and creativity.
She has performed and taught at festivals nationally and internationally in both English and Spanish, developed the online course “From Style to Method” with the Improv Learning Center based in Amsterdam, and co-hosted The Elise & John Show, a podcast with John Gebretatose (Good Camel Comedy Theater), celebrating creative BIPOC voices with an improv twist. Now a keynote speaker and corporate trainer, Elise brings her improv expertise into boardrooms and classrooms, helping professionals find joy and authenticity in communication.

Learn more about her work at eliserodriguez.com.

Key Logisitics - Please Read for Ease!

All participants are required to follow the Highwire Improv Code of Conduct and arrive on-time to make sure that we can align on how we'll hold space for one another.

Parking is available for free in the parking lot at the intersection of 20th and St. Paul Streets. You'll enter through the doors on the raised porch on the St. Paul street side of the building. St. Mark's is an accessible space - for any detailed questions, please reach out to [email protected]

About Highwire Improv:

Highwire Improv’s mission is to steward a community of artists committed to growth, collaboration, joy, and justice — in Baltimore and around the world — through improvisational theater. Learn more at https://www.highwireimprov.com

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