About Us
What is improv?
From the Latin improvisus literally meaning unforseen, the verb to improvise means "to act, speak, or perform without any preparation." When you attend an improv show, every scene that you see is being created live.
Improvisers take suggestions from the audience. Actions, characters, relationships, and storylines are shaped and defined by the offers they receive. It is a truly interactive theatrical experience. At any moment an audience member may be asked to join the action onstage, or to offer up a new idea, changing the trajectory of a scene instantaneously. The results are often unexpected and hilarious.
Since everything we do is created from moment to moment onstage, no two improv shows are ever alike. This is truly what makes improv such a captivating experience; the creative collaboration with the audience and the unrepeatable magic of each individual show.
Who are we?
Established in the spring of 2004, Stranger Than Fiction is the premier improvisational comedy troupe for the Granite State. Every year we strive to provide audiences with shows that rival improv clubs around the world. Our cast is a diverse collection of talented actors and comedians, united by the shared passion to make the world a funnier place.
Meet the Cast
John Herman
John has performed and produced long and short form improv comedy since 1996 for diverse organizations including Theatresports, Stranger Than Fiction, The Tribe, ImprovBoston, ImproTokyo, and more. He is very active in the local arts scene serving on numerous nonprofit civic and cultural boards. He enjoys cookies and milk.
Jon Wellington
Jon has been performing for over 15 years including college and afterwards with many different troupes all around New England. He is a fan of peanut butter and magnetism.
David Chevalier - Instructor
David is a veteran of Stranger Than Fiction since 2009, and has suffered from a lifelong love of improv. In real life he works in The Cloud, as a software support engineer, harnessing the power of improv for the corporate world. In addition to his work with STF, he is a writer, indie computer game designer, and a husband and father of two little improvisers.
Jacqueline Martell - Instructor
Jacqueline moved back to the seacoast area in 2008 after attending the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and joined Stranger Than Fiction that same year. She was also recently accepted to a resident cast at Improv Boston. She just really loves improv. When not on stage, Jacqueline can be found pursuing her other passion: music.
Tara McDonough - Instructor
Tara has been teaching, performing, and otherwise thinking about improv for over half her life. This will be her sixth summer performing with Stranger Than Fiction. She is also the co-founder of The Improvised Puppet Project in Portland Maine and San Francisco's Un-Scripted Theater Company and has performed with The Escapists, BATS Improv, How We First Met, and others on stages from Maine to California. She is on a summer-long search for the perfect ice-cream cone.
Jen Whitley - Producer, Instructor
Jen has been improvising on stage, with humans as well as puppets, for several years. She can't imagine a life without improv. When not performing or teaching improv to kind New England folks, she can be seen teaching yoga or helping laboratory animals escape in the dead of night.
Marina Altschiller - Instructor
Marina has been doing sketch and video comedy for the past three years but Stranger Than Fiction is her first crack at improv! As someone who has been going to shows for years she is just beyond excited to be a part of the cast.
Dan Gannon - Instructor
Dan has been playing with improv troupes for over five years, joining Stranger Than Fiction for his first season in 2015. He likes to spend time finding new hobbies and vaguely committing his time to them - except improv. Improv is forever. He is most excited by storytelling games which is often displayed in long conversations to the closest set of ears that he can take hostage onstage or off.
Andy Morgan - Instructor
Stranger Than Fiction is Andy's first improv troupe and he couldn't be happier. He spends his off time practicing photography, sketching, biking, and long intellectual conversations. He's ready to bring his magical bag of wonders and imagination to every Tuesday night!
Sarah Hart - Instructor
Sarah is a free-range improviser from the fields of Iowa who honed her skills teaching students in the schools, entertaining friends in backyard pools, and garnering the favor of merchants and restauranteurs. Her only formal training comes from the Stranger Than Fiction Level 1 Class; Sarah credits the years of wild and free humor in her life as well as the many attempts to distract her mother from her impish ways with the love and joy she finds in improv.
Andrew Mitchell - Artistic Director, Instructor
Andrew Mitchell has performed in various improv troupes around New Hampshire, including Theatresports, Karate Phone, and The Nobel Prize Losers. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the literary magazine Outlook Springs, and he lives in Dover, NH, in a house he hopes will someday be haunted by kindly ghosts.
Timothy Englert - Instructor
Timothy fell in love with improv performing for the first time at Lin-Wood Public School. At the University of Maine at Farmington he spent 4 years performing for the comedic improv troupe the Lawn Chair Pirates. In 2015, he broke away from small town life and left for Chicago to study his craft at Second City. He has recently returned to NH and is eager to continue to play and perform in the Portsmouth area. Currently he is excitedly taking on too many hobbies such as home brewing beer, cowboy action shooting, and designing board games.
Evan Willis
Evan has been a fan of improv for years, and began taking classes with Stranger Than Fiction in 2016. He is so excited to be a member of the cast! He loves all forms of improv and is thrilled to be able to practice being playful and spontaneous on a regular basis.
Mike McCarron - 2020 Summer Resident Cast
Mike has been an improviser for 19 years and has played with many troupes and in many styles along the way. He trained at iO and The Annoyance in Chicago and feels just jazzed about dramatic improv and impro en español. He's taken the stage at The Lowell Comedy Festival, Columbus is Funny Festival, Columbus ComFest, The Chicago Improv Festival, and The Dramatic Improv Festival. Also, he'll teach you Spanish if you need that.
Kara McSweeney - 2020 Summer Resident Cast
Kara fell in love with the world of improv and the community that comes with it in 2018 after starting classes with Stranger Than Fiction. If she’s not doing improv, she is most likely found working with children, outside in the woods somewhere, writing poems, or pretending to be a wacky inflatable tube man. She’s beyond excited to be cast as a member of Stranger Than Fiction.
Heather Williamson - 2020 Summer Resident Cast
Heather has been doing amateur improv all her life; As a young child she played make believe while making up characters, voices, accents, and more. She has always aspired to be an actor and on that journey 3 years ago started going to Stranger Than Fiction improv jams and taking classes with Stranger Than Fiction. She fell in love with improv and the improv community. Since then she has taken a multitude of classes from 101 to 301 and beyond learning everything she could. Heather is honored and excited to be a part of Stranger Than Fiction.
Photos and Videos
IMPROV AT STAR THEATRE!!!
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Improv is theatre without a script. Scenes, characters, and storylines are all decided via suggestions from the audience. At any moment a new idea may be introduced and change the trajectory of a scene - all based on input from YOU the audience member. The results are unexpected and hilarious.
Since everything is made up on the spot, no two shows are ever alike! Help us create the show in real time and enjoy the unrepeatable magic of an improvised comedy show.
When visiting the KCC website, please click the blue Ticket button at the top of the page.
Friday, March 15th
Kittery Community Center
120 Rogers Rd., Kittery, ME 03904
Tickets are $12.00 in advance or $15.00 at the door
Doors open at 7:30PM, show begins at 8:00PM
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2nd ANNUAL HEAD OVER HEELS: LOVE IMPROVISED
Celebrate all things love and laughter at our 2nd annual Head Over Heels improv comedy night! Our cast will use real-life love stories from couples in the audience to inspire scenes made up on the spot. We might collectively cringe at someone’s Tinder fail, or bask in the triumph of a blind date that actually went well – everything on stage will be based on true tales from YOU the audience! Played to a full house last year, so reserve your seats early!
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Whether you are a hopeless romantic, or a cynic with a sense of humor, there is something for everyone to love!
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Friday, February 15th
Newmarket Millspace
55 Main St, Newmarket NH
Tickets are $10.00 online or $12.00 at the door
Show begins at 8:00PM
Upcoming Shows!
Currently shows are on hold for the foreseeable future.
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Tuesday, May 26th we are slated to perform at Seacoast Rep. We are very hopeful that show will go on as planned, but it is hard to say at this time - so please check back in.
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We will update this website and our social media as soon as we have confirmed upcoming engagements with our venues and it is safe again for audiences to congregate. Until then - take care!
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RETURNING TO THE PLAYERS' RING IN PORTSMOUTH FOR OUR 16TH SUMMER SEASON!
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Join us each and every week from June 4th through August 27th as we bring the laughs to Portsmouth, NH every Tuesday night at 8:00PM. We are thrilled to be returning to the Players' Ring theatre for our 16th season of Tuesday Night Improv. Come see a show where we got our start.
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Each week a new show will be produced and created before your very eyes based on audience suggestion. This month our first few weeks of shows will be:
June 30th - Your Weirdest Relative
August 6th - The Rumble
Tuesdays 6/4-8/20
Players' Ring Theatre
105 Marcy St., Portsmouth NH
Tickets are $14.00
Show begins at 8:00PM
We're out to deliver a brand new improv comedy show to Jupiter Hall’s stage. Improv is a collaborative theatre experience where everything is made up on the spot based on suggestions from the audience. Suggestions are given to the players continuously throughout the night which keeps improv fun, fresh, unexpected and hilarious!
Since everything is made up from moment to moment, no two shows are ever alike. This kind of unrepeatable magic will keep you laughing and coming back for more!
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Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door NEXT DATE TBA
Doors open at 7:00PM, show starts at 7:30PM TICKETS COMING SOON!
JUPITER HALL, 89 Hanover St Manchester, NH
A play so visionary, it doesn't even exist yet." - The New York Times
"Moving... transformative... compelling... are some words that might potentially describe this show" - The Chicago Tribune
"It'll knock your socks off." - The Boston Globe
Join Stranger Than Fiction for an evening of some prestigious and high-brow theatre as we attempt to create a Pulitzer Prize Losing Drama right before your very eyes! The audience will provide suggestions for the play - will it be a family melodrama? An ancient tragedy? A pompous satire? YOU DECIDE!
The play's the thing - grab your tickets today!
We are thrilled to be sharing the stage with our 101 and 201 students who will be performing graduating showcases. Improv comedy is theatre made up completely on the spot with the help of audience suggestion. The results are unexpected and often hilarious, and no two shows are ever alike.
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Tickets are $12.00 Tuesday March 31st
Show starts at 8:00PM
SEACOAST REP, 125 Bow St. Portsmouth, NH
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No classes are being currently offered at this time. Please check back in with us soon for education updates! Classes are held in seacoast Maine and New Hampshire, as well as in Manchester, NH.
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If you have questions about potential upcoming sessions, please email our education chairperson here
Stranger Than Fiction offers classes and workshops for performers of all ages and skill sets. Our offerings are designed to give local performers the opportunity to experience the same rigor and focus of a New York City or Chicago improv comedy school. Experienced instructors teach all of the classes we offer. We provide performers with confidence so they hit the stage with creativity and presence.
In addition to formal classes, we also offer corporate training and bonding workshops, educational shows, and improv intensives.
Please check back here often and become a follower/fan of Stranger Than Fiction on Twitter or Instagram (@stfimprov), or like us on Facebook (Stranger Than Fiction Improv & Comedy) for future updates. Links to our social media can be found on our "connect" page.
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To stay up-to-date on all of our improv educational offerings, add yourself to our classes mailing list.
Reviews
"Attend a Stranger Than Fiction show and you're assured of seeing something that has never been done before. You might even help in its creation." - The Wire
"Comedy and theatre collide on one stage with Stranger Than Fiction, a NH-based improv comedy troupe that's been getting a steady following since its founding." - The Hippo
"Look out, cast of "Whose Line Is It Anyway," Stranger Than Fiction is catching up, offering up a more sophisticated brand of improv right here in good ol' New Hampshire." - The Keene Sentinel
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"It is comedy without a net; walking the high-wire with all the thrills and potential splats that infers; weird, screwball and curious. Like a box o’ chocolates, sometimes it’s sweet caramel, others it’s nuts. Give it a go."
- Jeanné McCartin, Seacoastonline.com
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Links to recent full reviews:
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"Superb in-tandem team"
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"A troupe to see!"
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"Stranger Than Fiction turns 15"
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"You can bet on Tuesday Night Improv"
Location: Price: $150.00
Jupiter Hall
89 Hanover Street Manchester, NH
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MANCHESTER Level 101: Improv Fundamentals - Learn the basics of improv, starting with “Yes-And,” in this 2 hour long, 6-week class. Areas of focus will include the “Yes And” philosophy, character and object work, finding the emotional basis of a scene, and so much more! By the end of class, you'll be familiar with the basic concepts and have new confidence at work or play. Emphasis is on creating a fun, supportive environment, so get ready to meet new people and have a good time!
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CLASSES RETURNING SOON, TBA
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For questions about this class, please email education@stfimprov.com
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SEACOAST Level 301: The La Ronde - The La Ronde is a character and relationship driven longform. The name is based on a play by Arthur Schnitzler in which characters are in two sequential scenes each with a new partner. The two-person scenes are edited by the next player in line and the format goes until we have come full circle. Focus will be on exploring the kaleidoscopic shades of relationships, status, and character dynamics. Attention will be paid to creating two-person scenes that take place in fully realized environments and which incorporate emotional choices, and physical scenework.
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The instructor will be Jacqueline Martell. Jacqueline Martell has been doing improv professionally with Stranger Than Fiction Improv & Comedy for the past 12 years. Before that, she was classically trained in music, musical theatre, Shakespeare, and acting at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. While in California, she also completed extensive training at the Voice One Academy for voice over artists. A master of accents and body language, Jacqueline could likely work for the CIA, but she prefers comedy to counterintelligence. She is a firm believer that improv is not only fun and challenging, but it takes us deeper into our imagination and ultimately strengthens our empathy for our fellow human beings.
Prerequisite: Student must have passed our 201 curriculum or a level 2 class at another qualified improv training center. Must be 18+ to participate.
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Class meets Monday evenings, April 15th - May 13th from 6:30-9:00PM. (5 week 2.5hr class)
An optional Performance Showcase for family and friends will be held on Friday May 17th at 8:00PM.
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For questions about this class, please email education@stfimprov.com
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Location: Price: $150.00
The Newmarket Millspace
55 Main St. Newmarket, NH
Introduction to Musical Improv with Tyler Paterson - Veteran musical improvisor Tyler Paterson will lead teach you to improvise a musical in this very interactive class! From understanding song structure, to emulating vocal and character styles, to incorporating movement, both beginning and experienced improvisers will discover new ways to stand in front of a crowd and confidently belt out a song. Each week will build upon previous work, and by the end of six weeks, you’ll know everything you need to know to improvise a complete musical!
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Prerequisite: Students must be 18+ to participate. Must have completed Improv 201, be currently enrolled in our 201 class, or have equivalent experience. No musical experience necessary. Space is limited!!
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Class meets Thursday evenings, April 11th -May 16th from 7:00-9:00PM.
An optional Performance Showcase will be held Friday May 17th at 8:00PM at the Newmarket Millspace.
For questions about this class, please email education@stfimprov.com
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Location: Price: $150.00
Kittery Community Center
120 Rogers Rd., Kittery ME
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Location: Price: $40.00
Kittery Community Center
120 Rogers Rd., Kittery, ME
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Education
Stranger Than Fiction offers classes and workshops for performers of all ages and skill sets. Our offerings are designed to give local performers the opportunity to experience the same rigor and focus of a New York City or Chicago improv comedy school. Experienced instructors teach all of the classes we offer. We provide performers with confidence so they hit the stage with creativity and presence.
In addition to formal classes, we also offer corporate training and bonding workshops, educational shows, and improv intensives.
Please check back here often and become a follower/fan of Stranger Than Fiction on Twitter or Instagram (@stfimprov), or like us on Facebook (Stranger Than Fiction Improv & Comedy) for future updates. Links to our social media can be found on our "connect" page.
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To stay up-to-date on all of our improv educational offerings, add yourself to our classes mailing list.
REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED
Classes are on hold for the foreseeable future.
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We will update this website and our social media as soon as we have confirmed upcoming classes with our venues and it is safe again for classes to congregate. Until then - take care!
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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Everyone would benefit from taking at least one improv class in their lifetime. [Improv] helps your think on your feet, be completely present, and welcome strange situations with a sense of humor! - Laura Cleminson, Level 1
This was such an awesome experience, I am so glad I joined this class. I had a lot of fun with my classmates and pushed my boundaries. - Kalvin Poland, Level 1
The highlight of my week. Improv is a spiritual practice for me, a tool of growth, and I felt myself growing every week. Thank you so much for creating the safe, fun, nuturing space for us. - Jim Readey, Level 1 and Level 2
I didn't want either class to end! I would certainly recommend taking a Stranger Than Fiction class as it is structured in a fun group setting that is sure to make you catch onto the "improv bug." The scene work and feedback helps you grow start to finish. Go for it and enjoy the journey along the way! - Lauri Izzi, Level 1 and Level 2
Improv is life! This [class] has been so much fun and I would never have guessed I would learn so much from a 6-week course. Great teachers, great camaradarie, a great class! - Julie Nye, Level 2
Classes
MANCHESTER Level 101: Improv Fundamentals -
January 13 - February 17 (6 weeks)
Mondays, 6:30PM to 8:30PM
(Snowdays may result in rescheduled classes to an additional week)
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Learn the basics of improv, starting with "Yes-And," in this 2-hour long 6-week class. Areas of focus will include the "Yes And" philosophy, character and object work,building confidence, and so much more! By the end of class, you'll be familiar with the basic concepts and have new confidence at work or play. Emphasis is on creating a fun, supportive environment, so get ready to meet new people and have a good time! 18+ or with parental permission.
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Instructor: Andrew Morgan
Andrew Morgan started his adventure with Stranger Than Fiction Improv and Comedy in 2015. He's an active improviser who's not afraid to make bold physical choices that will leave you in stitches. In his free time, Andy enjoys sketching, creative writing, trivia, and space based video games!
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For questions about this class, please email education@stfimprov.com
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Location: Price: $150.00
Jupiter Hall
89 Hanover Street
Manchester, NH 03101
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SEACOAST Level 101: Improv Fundamentals -
February 3 - March 16 (6 weeks), No class Monday February 17
Mondays, 6:30PM to 8:30PM
(Snowdays may result in rescheduled classes to an additional week)
Learn the basics of improv, starting with "Yes-And," in this 2-hour long 6-week class. Areas of focus will include the "Yes And" philosophy, character and object work,building confidence, and so much more! By the end of class, you'll be familiar with the basic concepts and have new confidence at work or play. Emphasis is on creating a fun, supportive environment, so get ready to meet new people and have a good time! 18+ or with parental permission.
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Instructor: Jen Whitley
Jen Whitley has been a cast member and improv instructor with Stranger Than Fiction since 2011, and has also been seen on Maine stages performing with The Escapists, the Improvised Puppet Project, and Yes & Co. She can't imagine a life without improv. When not performing or teaching improv to kind New England folks, she can be seen teaching yoga or hiking while playing the ukulele.
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For questions about this class, please email education@stfimprov.com
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Location: Price: $150.00
Kittery Community Center
120 Rogers Road Kittery ME
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SEACOAST Level 102: Games, Games, Games! -
January 8 - February 12 (6 weeks)
Wednesdays, 7:00PM to 9:00PM
(Snowdays may result in rescheduled classes to an additional week)
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Do you love short-form games? This class is for you! Dive in to the short-form pool and learn a TON of new games -- from STF standards to obscure deep-cuts, and even make up a few of your own. You’ll also learn how to succeed at different kinds of games, including ones you’ve never played before. By the final showcase, you’ll be a short-form powerhouse, ready to take on the world of improv games!
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Instructor: Tomothy Englert
Timothy Englert's experience with improv features: graduating the Second City Training Center Improvisation Program in Chicago, 4 years performing with the Lawn Chair Pirates at the University of Maine at Farmington, and his recent stint as STF Artistic Director. You can typically find him enjoying one of his many hobbies, like brewing beer or designing board games.
Prerequisite: Student must have passed 101 with us or through another qualified improv training center.
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For questions about this class, please email education@stfimprov.com
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Location: Price: $150.00
Kittery Community Center
120 Rogers Road Kittery ME
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SEACOAST Level 201: Dynamic Improv -
February 3 - March 23 (6 weeks), No class Monday February 17 & 24
Mondays, 6:30PM to 8:30PM
(Snowdays may result in rescheduled classes to an additional week)
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Take the next step toward performing improv onstage! This 2-hour long 6-week class focuses on exploring the diverse world of improv, from performance formats to schools of improv thinking, as well as maintaining and building on the skills learned in Level 101. Classes will include work on short scenes, character, and space-object work, as well as building short-form skills and learning to use them in long-form.
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Instructor: Tara McDonough
Tara McDonough has been teaching, performing, and otherwise thinking about improv for over 25 years -- which sometimes feels like a very long time, and sometimes feels like no time at all. She is the Education Chair of Seacoast New Hampshire's Stranger Than Fiction, co-founder of The Improvised Puppet Project in Portland Maine and San Francisco's Un-Scripted Theater Company, has trained with Keith Johnstone and teachers at BATS Improv, UCB, Magnet Theater, and ImprovBoston, and has performed on stages from San Francisco to Ireland. She has taught improv to clowns, shy people, public defenders, and everyone in between.
Prerequisite: Student must have passed 101 with us or through another qualified improv training center.
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For questions about this class, please email education@stfimprov.com
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Location: Price: $150.00
Kittery Community Center
120 Rogers Road Kittery ME
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Workshops
Improv Jams - FREE and open to the public
JAMS POSTPONED
Our monthly free and open improv jams are postponed. The Kittery Community Center is closed through May 8th. We will bring back the jams as soon as we are able - so please keep checking back here or online at stfimprov.eventbrite.com for updates.
No workshops currently being offered at this time.
Direct-Feedback Audition Prep with Laura Scafati - Planning to come to STF Auditions on March 9? Whether you’re working on a particular skill or just want to shake off the winter blahs before you strut your stuff, this is the class for you! Class is limited to 7 students for maximum workout and honest feedback.
Laura Scafati joined Stranger Than Fiction in 2014 and is a graduate of ImprovBoston’s 7-level curriculum. She has taken improv classes and workshops from teachers such as Armando Diaz, David Razowsky, Craig Cackowski, and Susan Messing. She is happy to bring her wealth of improv knowledge to the Seacoast.
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Workshop meets twice: Wednesday, February 27 and Wednesday, March 6. Prequisite: Must be registered for Stranger Than Fiction Auditions on Saturday, March 9. Must be 18+ to participate!
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For questions about this class, please email
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SPRINGVALE Teen Improv -Teens learn the basics of theater improvisation in this 6-week sampler class. From the idea of YES-AND to collaboration, cooperation, and confidence, this class will cover the building blocks of improv in a fun, supportive environment. All students are invited to participate in a showcase with Stranger Than Fiction on Saturday, October 20, where they can show off their new skills to family and friends.
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The instructor will be Tara McDonough.
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Class meets Wednesday evenings, September 12 through October 17, from 5:00PM-6:15PM.
An optional Performance Showcase for family and friends will be held on Saturday October 20 at 8:00PM.
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For questions about this class, please email
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Location: Price: $80.00
Nasson Little Theatre
457 Main Street Springvale, ME
SOLD OUT.
Please email Tara McDonough at to add your name to our waiting list.
Level 301: The Harold - The Harold is a long-form improv structure that is regarded by many as the purest form of improv. Developed by Del Close, this form is now used all over the world. This 8-week class will tackle the form and many of the tools that make the form so great and so much fun including Game, Tag Runs, Callbacks, Group Game and most of all, strong scene work. Please note, there will be NO class held on Monday, October 8th.
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Pre-Requisite: Student must have completed 201 with STF or another qualified improv training center.
6 people minimum, 16 maximum.
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The instructor will be Chris Klemmer. Chris is a member of Stranger Than Fiction and has been performing improv since 2010 in NYC, Boston, and New Hampshire. He was accepted into the Advanced Program at Upright Citizens Brigade (NYC) in 2013 and has been fortunate enough to have been taught by Armando Diaz, Lydia Hensler, Ashley Ward, Brandon Gardner, John Herman, and more. He has also written and directed sketch comedy locally and is currently co-host of the New Hampshirecast podcast. Chris lives in Portsmouth with his dog Wakefield and is obsessed with expansion baseball teams which consistently bores his friends and family.
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Class meets for 8 weeks on Mondays evenings, September 10 through November 5 from 7:00-9:00PM.
Please note there will be no class held on Monday, October 8th.
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For questions about this class, please email
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Location: Price: $175.00
The Newmarket Millspace
55 Main Street Newmarket, NH
Corporate Events and Training
Please contact us for pricing information. Pricing is dependent upon multiple variables such as number of workshop attendees, number of instructors needed, workshop duration and type, as well as travel. All workshops are customizable and pricing is a la carte! We look forward to making your next event engaging, memorable, and full of fun & laughter!
1 hour Improv Fundamentals Class (one instructor)
This fast paced class squeezes the fundamentals of improvisational theater into a neat one hour package. Students are introduced to the tools and techniques they need to explore what they see on improv stages and popular television shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway?
2 hour Improv Lab (two instructors)
This intensive workshop in improvisational theater is designed to encourage the free expression of sound and movement, fostering self-confidence and interpersonal awareness. Activities involve team building, the clarity and content of their speech, nonverbal communication, blocking and accepting, spontaneity, and much more. Focus is on empowering students, building trust, and gaining stage confidence.
Evening Performance
Stranger Than Fiction travels to your venue and performs our award winning unique brand of improv comedy .
Improv Lab + Evening Performance
Our most popular workshop guides students through the full process of putting together an improvisational theatre performance, beginning with the improv fundamentals. Students will work together as a team to
learn the tools and techniques to unite as a productive ensemble. The program concludes with the Stranger Than Fiction cast joining the students for a communal performance.
Corporate Training
Improv principles can greatly assist you and your employees in a multitude of ways, leading to higher levels of trust, confidence, and creativity. Experience valuable, meaningful coaching guaranteed to be more exciting than traditional training and more impactful.
Emphasis will be on mastering the following skills:
Public Speaking
Team-Building
Trust and Support
Creative Problem Solving
Presentational Skills
Removing Creative Roadblocks
Promoting Innovation
Brainstorming
Relationship Dynamics
Active Listening
WHO WE HAVE WORKED WITH
We have been honored to work with the following clients for a variety of workshops, charity shows, educational events, performances, and corporate training:
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Dunkin' Donuts
Lindt
Brooklyn Brewery
Optima Bank
Grappone Auto
Dartmouth College
Babson College
Westbrook College
York Community College
Rye Junior High
Boston Athenaeum
Manchester Library
Keene Library
Merrimack Library
Hampstead Library
Vets First Choice
Rabbit House Network
Chordiant
York Arts Association
Camp Teyva
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WORKSHOP, TRAINING, AND PERFORMANCE TESTIMONIALS
We had a great time! Tara and Jillian were awesome. The improv exercises were a great way to use the other half of our brains after spending 3 hours sitting down and talking sales numbers. Even though we were a group of out-going sales people a number of the exercises got us out of our comfort zones which I think will help when we have to deal with uncomfortable situations in our jobs. - Patrick Paulick, Brooklyn Brewery
Dartmouth had a blast performing with Stranger Than Fiction. Would we do it again? We did!
As a coach, Jacqueline's patience, performance knowledge, and infectious warmth brought us to a new level of improv technique and general all around happiness. - Zach Weed, Dartmouth alum and former coach of Dartmouth's improv troupe Casual Thursday
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AUDITIONS
2020 auditions have concluded. Please check back in early 2021 for information on our annual auditions for the 2021 season.
Scenework - Great improv scenes start with solid beginnings - establish the basics right away and create scenes that shine! This class will focus on strong initiations and who/what/where as the basic building blocks to use in every scene, every time.
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Prerequisite: Completion of STF Level 101: Improv Fundamentals or equivalent experience. Must be 18+ or have parental permission.
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The instructor will be Laura Scafati. Laura joined Stranger Than Fiction in 2014 and is a graduate of ImprovBoston’s 7-level curriculum. She took an intensive JTS Brown workshop with the original director, Craig Cackowski, and continued JTS Brown training in class at ImprovBoston. Laura wants to learn everything about improv and she's taken workshops with teachers from across the world. She loves teaching just as much as learning and looks forward to having you in her class!
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Workshop meets for one night only, Sept 20 from 6:30-8:30PM
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For questions about this workshop, please email
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Location: Price: $30.00
Kittery Community Center
120 Rogers Road, Kittery ME
Camprov
Camprov is a volunteer-run international comedy retreat and festival hosted by Stranger Than Fiction. It's an adult summer camp for improv! The retreat will celebrate its fifth gathering when we next convene. In the past, we have hosted illustrious improv educators like Jill Bernard, and Asaf Ronen. Troupes from all over the United States and the globe are invited to come to this incredible, immersive weekend of fun and education!
We are currently looking for a location to host our 2020 Camprov experience!
We are looking for a camp in the New England area that would be available in the off-season September or October. In the past we have rented campgrounds with enough beds to accommodate for 50+ improvisers. A stage would be a welcomed feature, but mostly we just need a handful of common areas so that we can hold small group lessons. We also require the camp to be staffed with kitchen attendants to provide meals for Friday evening, all day Saturday, and breakfast Sunday morning. Unfortunately we can not provide any further details or pricing until we have secured a venue for 2020.
Please contact us through email by pressing the button below if you can recommend any potential areas we can rent for camprov, or if you would care to join us as an educator.
Connect/Hire us!
Please fill out the form below to hire us for shows. Our producer Laura will gladly answer any questions, and will handle all bookings. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to your inquiry.
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