IMPROV
CLASSES! SHOWS! WORKSHOPS!
What is Improv?
What Is Improv?
Improv, short for improvisation, is an art form in which the actors make up scenes, dialogue and characters on the spot. Long-form Improv is when the performers take one suggestion from an audience and create a 20-75 minute piece of theatre that can be comedic, dramatic, tragic or all three, depending on the night. The only guarantee is t
Improv, short for improvisation, is an art form in which the actors make up scenes, dialogue and characters on the spot. Long-form Improv is when the performers take one suggestion from an audience and create a 20-75 minute piece of theatre that can be comedic, dramatic, tragic or all three, depending on the night. The only guarantee is that it has never been done before, and will never be done again. That’s what makes improv so special. It is a moment in time shared by the performers and the audience. It is theatre at its most spontaneous and alive.
About Melanie
Melanie Blue is an accomplished actor, improviser, and Improv teacher. She is an 11 time nominee and 5 time recipient of the Desert Theatre League Award for outstanding acting. Prior to moving to Palm Springs, she performed extensively in LA and Chicago. Melanie has a BA from Sarah Lawrence in Theatre Arts. She is an alumni of both Second
Melanie Blue is an accomplished actor, improviser, and Improv teacher. She is an 11 time nominee and 5 time recipient of the Desert Theatre League Award for outstanding acting. Prior to moving to Palm Springs, she performed extensively in LA and Chicago. Melanie has a BA from Sarah Lawrence in Theatre Arts. She is an alumni of both Second City, and IO Chicago. While in Chicago, Melanie studied and worked with the guru and godfather of all improv, Mr. Del Close, and became his protégé. When she is not building an improv empire, you can find her starring in local commercials and performing in theatrical productions with the most acclaimed companies of the Coachella Valley.
ORIGINS
Our Inspiration
I had the great fortune to work with Del for many years as my Improv teacher, mentor and director. He shared with me his passionate viewpoint of what improv is and especially what it can be.
"The world is a slightly better place for having improvisation in it than it was before. There's something about it that says something positive abou
I had the great fortune to work with Del for many years as my Improv teacher, mentor and director. He shared with me his passionate viewpoint of what improv is and especially what it can be.
"The world is a slightly better place for having improvisation in it than it was before. There's something about it that says something positive about the human spirit, that a bunch of people can get together and by following a few simple traffic rules can create art and can entertain an audience and can thrill and exalt each other."
Teaching Philosophy
As an Improv teacher, Melanie is known for her supportive, honest and incisive feedback. She is invested in the growth and evolution of each of her students. She prides herself on creating a space safe for exploration where the artist can flourish. Melanie adores all things improv and her mission is to pass down the incredible storehouse
As an Improv teacher, Melanie is known for her supportive, honest and incisive feedback. She is invested in the growth and evolution of each of her students. She prides herself on creating a space safe for exploration where the artist can flourish. Melanie adores all things improv and her mission is to pass down the incredible storehouse of knowledge and wisdom she’s been fortunate enough to receive, whilst evolving and adapting it for the times and for each individual student. Melanie’s core belief is that the art of improv doesn’t just make better performers, it makes better humans.
CLASSES
Improv Essentials
Improv Essentials
Improv Essentials
In an encouraging atmosphere, we will practice the skills necessary for successful improvisation: active listening, agreement, relationship and responding honestly in the moment, Through a series of games, exercises, scenes, and monologues we will explore the components which make long form improv fun to do and also fun to watch. Most imp
In an encouraging atmosphere, we will practice the skills necessary for successful improvisation: active listening, agreement, relationship and responding honestly in the moment, Through a series of games, exercises, scenes, and monologues we will explore the components which make long form improv fun to do and also fun to watch. Most importantly we will play in safe environment that supports our growth and expansion as both performers and human beings. This class is open to everyone: newcomers and experts alike.
Improv Elements
Improv Essentials
Improv Essentials
**INVITE-ONLY**
This class is for people who have completed Improv Essentials. We will take what we learned and expound upon it. We will work on ensemble and group mind while simultaneously exploring ways to own our power on stage.
We will learn how to help create, discover and steer the direction of the momentum. We will examine how agree
**INVITE-ONLY**
This class is for people who have completed Improv Essentials. We will take what we learned and expound upon it. We will work on ensemble and group mind while simultaneously exploring ways to own our power on stage.
We will learn how to help create, discover and steer the direction of the momentum. We will examine how agreement and the “rule” of saying yes are not always the same thing.
We will practice different components of long form: scenes , monologues, games, openings etc with an emphasis on honesty and authenticity and fully dimensional characters
Empowered Improv
Improv Essentials
Empowered Improv
**INVITE ONLY**
This is for experienced long form improvisers who want to hone their craft. Seasoned improvisers who want to level up by breaking old habits and becoming more free and available to the moment. In this class we will learn a variety of different long form formats that can be used in performance. Everything from the Armando an
**INVITE ONLY**
This is for experienced long form improvisers who want to hone their craft. Seasoned improvisers who want to level up by breaking old habits and becoming more free and available to the moment. In this class we will learn a variety of different long form formats that can be used in performance. Everything from the Armando and the Harold to the Monoscene and the Deconstruction. We will practice the techniques and tools that make these formats work. We will explore improv formats that have come before and even work on creating our own. All students will work in every class and become able to recognize and execute improv forms that are used around the world. In a safe and supportive environment we will play , experiment and grow through improv.
Testimonials
What previous students have said:
“Melanie Blue is to improv what Stella Adler is to acting -- exceptionally well versed, amazingly talented and, best of all, a master at communicating her wisdom. Her classes are filled with essential information, always clear and easily understood. She is energetic, enthusiastic, enthralling and, often, simply electrifying”
“Melanie Blue is by far the best improvisation teacher that I’ve ever had. Period. She taught us long form improvisation- not glib, jokey long form, but the complex, rich form based on real emotion. She taught us a long form that surprises. The laughter (and tears) are earned. Long form with lots of corners and lots of colors”
“Melanie’s improv class is nothing short of a master class. Her teaching skills are fine tuned and specific and they help you to trust yourself, learn to listen and stay in the moment and not be afraid to fail.”
"Melanie is an incredible teacher: energetic, present, thoughtful and encouraging. She has precise instincts and can pinpoint areas of growth while congratulating moments of success”
“Melanie is a natural teacher: knowledgeable, good humored, careful to give honest feedback in the most supportive way. She fosters a comfortable and safe atmosphere that allows others to experiment with new methods and to take new risks.”
WHAT PREVIOUS CORPORATE CLIENTS HAVE SAID:
I had the pleasure of hiring Melanie for a session at our most recent conference - SWAY | LIVE 2024 in Palm Springs, CA. I can't recommend her enough. Her approach to teaching the "Improv State of Mind" was absolutely inspiring.
Melanie brought incredible energy and enthusiasm to the room, instantly engaging everyone with her lively and entertaining style. She not only kept the group entertained but also made sure we all walked away with practical tools to apply an improv mindset in our daily lives.
Her deep knowledge, coupled with her dynamic delivery, made the session both fun and incredibly valuable. She had a group of 75 people participating IMMEDIATELY upon meeting each other! That is a testament to her energy and enthusiasm.
If you need a breath of fresh air combined with a true event partner, I highly recommend Melanie.
~ Sheri Fitts, SWAY | LIVE Founder and Host
