This unique workshop uses physical theater improvisation and speechless scenes along with Latin American mask work and music to discover communication through body language and silent interactions.

Words — they can get in the way of delivering excellent scenes. So throw them away! Develop new characters & initiations and sustain deeper interactions with players of all skill levels using these techniques.

Workshop Outline:
Perform physical warmups to connect body & mind
Explore effectiveness of action in a scene
Determine the what & why of a scene through objects
Perform scene work with less & less words using physicality, objects, and emotion
Perform improvisational silent pieces
Special Instructions: Participants should wear comfortable clothes to move around in. Participants should wear athletic shoes (sandals, open-toed shoes, and boots/heels are strongly discouraged).

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Nelson Velazquez has been involved in improvisational theatre for the last 13 years. He is a faculty member at Second City Chicago. He is currently the Artistic Director of Salsation Theatre Company, a 20 year old Latino theatre company specializing in sketch and improv comedy. He currently serves as head musical director for Los Improviachis, an improvised musical mariachi band. He has trained and performed at Second City Training Center, The Annoyance Theatre, and ComedySportz Chicago and has performed with various groups across the country. He’s also a former associate producer for the Chicago Improv Festival. Nelson was also the founder of the improv program at Crown Point Community Theatre and is currently the CEO for Improductions, LLC. He’s taught workshops across the country including The Baltimore Improv Festival, The Chicago Improv Festival, The San Jose Improv Festival, The San Diego Improv Festival The Trill Comedy Festival, Melanin LatinX Comedy Festival, and The Grand Rapids Improv Festival.

NOTE: Sign up for a class & receive 25% Off People of Color Comedy Festival show tickets!