[Workshop] Hosting Improv: The Art of Calling like an Emcee

About this workshop:

The improv host is much like a zookeeper—keeping the audience fed and contained while dodging all the "PINEAPPLE!"s being chucked their way.

Being the host of an improv show is more than simply introducing games—it's about setting the tone, reading the room, and the keeping the energy rolling.

In this workshop, we’ll focus on how to confidently call games, explain the rules, and engage the audience in a way that enhances the show. We’ll cover the key skills of hosting, including crowd work, introducing scenes with clarity and charisma, managing pace, and ensuring that both the performers and the audience are having a great time.

Whether you're new to hosting or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will give you the tools to confidently step into the emcee role and bring your unique energy to every show. Let's have fun, experiment, and explore your personal hosting style!

Appropriate for all levels!

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.

About the Venue:

The Lou Costello Room has been a mainstay of the Baltimore comedy scene for over a decade, regularly producing standup, improv, and sketch comedy shows in collaboration with many production companies. They also frequently host music and variety events from their location on Hampden's 36th Street, 'The Avenue!'

This workshop is not wheelchair accessible, it is on the second floor of the bar up a full flight of stairs. Find out accessibility details about all of our venues here.

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

Host or Publisher Highwire Improv