The Long and the Short of Improv

Saturday, September 27th, 10 AM - 4 PM

This dynamic workshop focuses on crafting compelling stories in both short and long form improv. You'll learn how to move through scenes with purpose—balancing dramatic tension and comic timing—while giving the story the space it needs to breathe.

We’ll explore how to identify what a scene truly needs, and how to deliver that—whether it’s raising the stakes, supporting a narrative thread, or simply knowing when to hold back. You'll also dive into the difference between a joke and a gag, and how to bring humor that enhances rather than derails the story.

This workshop will sharpen your storytelling instincts and teach you that when the story works, the laughs follow.

Acting for Improvisers

Sunday, September 28th, 10 AM - 4 PM

Take your improv to the next level by grounding it in strong acting technique. This workshop focuses on bringing presence, emotional depth, and theatrical craft to your improvised scenes.

We’ll explore how to stay truly present on stage, build layered characters, and create dynamic relationships that resonate with audiences. You’ll also learn how to use the tools of stagecraft—movement, space, voice, and physicality—to enhance storytelling and bring your scenes to life with greater authenticity and impact.

Ideal for improvisers looking to deepen their performance and connect more fully with their scene partners and the audience.

Bio

Dan O’Connor is the founder of Impro Theatre, a Los Angeles based company renowned for creating full-length, unscripted plays in the style of celebrated authors like Shakespeare, Austen, and Chekhov. Under Dan’s artistic direction, Impro has performed at prestigious venues including the Pasadena Playhouse, A Noise Within, the Wallis Annenberg Center, and internationally from Auckland to Dubai.

With over 30 years of experience, Dan’s unscripted theatre workshops range from focused skill-building to exploring entire forms and genres. His teaching blends classical training from London’s Webber Douglas Academy with decades of work alongside improv pioneer Keith Johnstone. He’s dedicated to helping improvisers become stronger actors—and actors become confident improvisers—through experiential, on-your-feet learning.

In television, Dan directed the critically acclaimed ABC hybrid sitcom Sons and Daughters, Campus Ladies (Oxygen), and co-created NBC/PAX’s World Cup Comedy. He also teaches and consults for Disney and DreamWorks Animation, and has helped develop storytelling tools used in major animated features.

With psychiatrist Dr. Jeff Katzman, Dan co-authored two books—Life UnScripted and Ensemble!—about using improvisation to build deeper connection, confidence, and joy in everyday life.

www.danoconnor.net
DGA / WGA / SAG-AFTRA / AEA