Workshop: Improvise A Cappella & Holiday Songs with Philly Improv Theater
Schedule
Sat Dec 14 2024 at 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Hamilton Family Arts Center | Philadelphia, PA
About this Event
Join for a full (or half) day workshops and experience a full day of improvised songs with Philly Improv Theater and Baltimore Musical Improv!
In the morning, you'll learn how to sing as part of an improv a cappella group, creating music on the spot with others. In the afternoon, dive into crafting hilarious holiday lyrics for every occasion, from Christmas to Pi Day!
Take one or take both to save and make a day out of it!
Word of mouth helps these local events thrive, so please invite, share, and talk about it!
SIGN UP:
2 Workshop Bundle!
A Cappella! No-piano Musical Improv (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) only:
Holiday Hits! Musical Improv for Holidays, Year-Round only (2:30 PM - 5:30 PM):
A CAPPELLA WORKSHOP:
Imagine being in the movie Pitch Perfect — just bring your imagination and your character!
In this all-levels workshop, you’ll learn how to create an a capella pop vocal group using improv skills and simple tricks that anyone can learn. Remember, your voice is an instrument!
You don’t need to be a great singer. Just commit to a character who truly believes they’re the star of the stage! We’ll explore how to harmonize, build group dynamics, and “yes, and” our way into catchy group songs.
Missed your chance to be in a collegiate a cappella group? By the end, you’ll have the skills to perform in a pop choir improv show, blending your voice with others and having a blast along the way.
HOLIDAY SONGS WORKSHOP:
Any holiday can be a great excuse to put on a show! Learn how to craft unique holiday hits that’ll have everyone singing along.
You don’t need any musical background, just come ready to laugh, sing, and enjoy the fun side of musical improv, no matter the season.
This workshop isn’t just for the winter holidays—it’s perfect for celebrating Halloween, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, the Fourth of July, or any holiday you love! With musical improv, you’ll learn to create unique and funny lyrics that bring life to any holiday, from Pi Day to Groundhog Day, proving that every day deserves a song! Get ready to play with your creativity in a festive, fun, and supportive environment!
We’ll explore song structure, melody, and lyrics, focusing on a variety of exercises like: list songs, metaphor songs, and philosophy songs. You’ll play with holiday themes by using what you already know.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Will I receive any materials to practice after the workshop?
Yes! You’ll go home with a complete guide that includes all the games and exercises from the workshop, so you can keep practicing and exploring on your own.
Do I need any experience to participate?
No prior experience is required! Musical improv is for everyone, and we’ll walk you through a series of fun, step-by-step exercises. You’ll learn the core improv principle of "yes, and," plus essentials like lyric creation, rhythm, and pitch.
What if I already have some improv experience?
If you’re already familiar with improv, this workshop is a great place to dive deeper into character development and world-building. You’ll get to practice committing to a character and creating scenes with others, all in a musical context.
Why take both workshops?
Taking both workshops lets you build connections and a shared language with others, making it easier to continue practicing as a group after the event. By the end, you’ll have a strong foundation for future musical collaboration.
What will we do in the morning workshop?
In the morning, you’ll learn to sing as part of an improvised a cappella group. You’ll work with others to create harmonies, experiment with sounds, and explore group dynamics. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet new people and feel part of a musical community.
What will we do in the afternoon workshop?
In the afternoon, you’ll improvise holiday-themed songs. You can pick any holiday as your inspiration—anything from Christmas or New Year’s to quirky holidays like Pi Day. Together, we’ll create funny, spontaneous songs that capture the spirit of each holiday.
Is there a discount for taking both workshops?
Yes! Register for both workshops and save $75 compared to signing up for each separately.
Are payment plans available?
Yes, we offer payment plans. Please see the ticket link for more details.
About the Instructors:
Brian and Casey have been teaching musical improv together for many years with the nonprofit Baltimore Musical Improv Meetup. They make improvised musicals together in the Baltimore-based musical improv group Bad Karaoke Experience (BKE). In a given show, you’ll see them both alternating between singing on stage and doing back-line instrumental accompaniment (Brian on piano, Casey on accordion). BKE has played in DC's Improvapolooza, the New York City Musical Improv Festival, and the Baltimore Improv Festival (BIG).
Brian is also a member of other Baltimore improv teams, including A++ (an all-Asian-American comedy group), and Ready Set No (a D.A.R.E.-style school assembly satire duo). Brian and the cast of Belle! An Improvised Tennessee Williams Play created a series of unique one-act shows at the 2019 Charm City Fringe Festival with encores at BIG in early 2020. Brian holds a BA in Piano Performance from Bowie State University.
Casey is a long-time teacher, including: musical improv, dancing, web development, and technical skills. Casey can play Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance on at least 15 instruments — and he owns an instrument in every color of the rainbow. Imagine someone walking down the street singing, dancing, and blowing bubbles - that’s Casey!
Location
Hamilton Family Arts Center
62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Where is it happening?
Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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