Our news

• The Fall ’24 Harold class is currently underway, but check back for updates on the next classes on offer, or send us an email! In the meantime, check out this piece of advice from the great Tracy Letts:

Lie, Steal and Stop Listening to NPR, Tracy Letts on How to Live a Creative Life

• Check out this old Bravo broadcast of some of the greats performing long-form:

• If you’re looking for a truly great read and guide to long-form improv, I highly recommend this book from Second City’s Mick Napier:

• Below is a youtube link to students attempting their first Harold performance together. It can be really helpful (and maybe less intimidating) to take a break from watching the pros, and watch novices practice long-form too.

• Some Definitions of Terms:

“Game”: The unusual aspect of a scene that causes it to be funny. Ideally, it is the reason we are presenting this particular slice of time to the audience. Once found, the “game” of the scene should be enriched and heightened throughout the performance.

“Heightening”: Raising the stakes of an idea as the performance progresses. As we heighten, aspects of the scene tend to get more absurd, until the idea has been exhausted.

“Pimping”: Intentionally putting a fellow improver in an awkward position/character on stage.

“Agreement”: The one hard and fast rule of long-form. Performers must acknowledge and accept the environment/world/character/facts created by the other performers.

“Backline”: A standing line of improv performers situated at the back of the stage/performance space, indicating that they are “offstage” and not currently in the scene that is happening.

• A Helpful Chart of the Harold Structure: