Town Players of New Canaan Comedy Workshops Return By Popular Demand!

by Dana Prinz
“Never say no!” Now there is an injunction that could not have come from our mothers. And yet, it's the one Nancy Meyer-a veteran actress and author of a book on theatrical improvisation - used several times in leading our recent Saturday afternoon class in improvisation techniques. Turns out it's the first rule of successful extemporaneous acting. Use what your colleagues on stage are giving you, affirm them, and then set your spirit free to bring the narrative along.

I would be lying if I said I attended Ms. Meyer's three hour workshop – sponsored, in September, by the Town Players of New Canaan, and held at the Powerhouse Theatre in Waveny Park - without some trepidation. I have virtually no experience in theater; and only recently, as a bucket list activity, did I start acting lessons. But like everyone else there, I soon shed my inhibitions in favor of going with the flow on stage. The results were humorous, entertaining, and most importantly, confidence building for all involved, no matter what their age or training level.

The same can also be said for another September workshop held at the Powerhouse Theatre. Led by comedy masters Chris O'Neill and Paul Valenti, of the award winning The Chris and Paul Show, this class emphasized silent rather than spoken comedy improvisation. Inspired by the Vaudeville tradition, The Chris and Paul Show has gleaned raves from New York to Edinburgh for its creative use of mime. Not surprisingly, Chris and Paul work together seamlessly not only as actors but as facilitators, too. They had every student in class, ranging from age 16 to 70+, dancing to the tune of expressive and subtle physical comedy.

Both Ms. Meyer and The Chris and Paul Show will be back this fall on the weekend of November 4th and 5th! Their workshops are open to adults of any age, as well as to high school and college students ages 14 and up. The classes are bound to fill quickly, so if you are interested in partaking of some serious theatrical fun, sign up soon! For more information, go to tpnc.org and scroll down to the Powerhouse Theatre's educational programs.###