THE MAGNET TRAINING CENTER
At Magnet, you'll learn to do original, honest, and ridiculously funny work through games and exercises in class, and through performances on the Magnet stages. You'll find some of the very best improv and musical improv training, and excellent classes in sketch writing, storytelling and more. Each course component builds on the previous one, with an emphasis on bringing out the best in each student and cultivating a diverse skill-set. Students are bombarded with opportunities to improvise and write sketch for stage and video. And graduates may be asked to audition for Megawatt, Magnet's house team system.
Learning to improvise just might be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. It's about bringing who you are, all your knowledge and experience, your point of view and your tastes, and then applying concrete techniques as you play with focused abandon with other smart people doing that same thing. Sound fun? It is. The classes are fun, the shows are a blast, and the hanging out afterward is pretty great, too. Improv is also a powerful tool, useful in every aspect of a person's life. And once the techniques become second nature… well, you'll see. Our instructors believe everyone can become an excellent improvisor and our graduates prove it onstage, performing hilarious, inventive, in-the-moment comedy every night.
Improv Fundamentals - Level 1 - The Principles of Improv
Level One - The Principles of Improv Simply put, you'll learn to improvise. In Level One, students will get onstage immediately and explore the fundamental principles of improvisation through exercises in agreement, commitment, spontaneity and listening. Sessions are designed so students will build a strong foundation as a confident performer. You will amaze yourself with your new found skills at the class graduation performance in front of your friends and family. This show is always fun and usually the highlight of most people's lives.
Level One: The Principles of Improv
Sundays 12:00pm - 3:00pm
(8 sessions / 1 shows) $299
- Begins:
Feb 5
- Instructor:
- Mark Grenier
Left
Level One: The Principles of Improv
Wednesdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
(8 sessions / 1 shows) $299
- Begins:
Feb 15
- Instructor:
- Megan Gray
Level One: The Principles of Improv
Saturdays 3:00pm - 6:00pm
(8 sessions / 1 shows) $299
- Begins:
Feb 18
- Instructor:
- Mark Grenier
Enrolling
Level One: The Principles of Improv
Thursdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
(8 sessions / 1 shows) $299
- Begins:
Feb 23
- Instructor:
- Mark Grenier
Enrolling
Level One For Experienced Improvisors
Saturdays 12:00pm - 3:00pm
(8 sessions / 1 shows) $299
- Begins:
Mar 3
- Instructor:
- Rick Andrews
Enrolling
Improv Fundamentals - Level 2 - Intro to Long Form
Level Two - Intro to Long Form Now apply what you've learned in Level One to create long form pieces. This class is heavy on exercises in the fundamental structural components of long form: scene work, group games, opening games, second beats, transitions, and callbacks. Students emerge from Level Two with the tools necessary to stage longer pieces with recurring themes and rich characters, and they hit the stage at the end of their 8 weeks with another fun graduation performance. Prerequisite: Magnet Level One.
Level Two: Intro to Long Form
Wednesdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
(8 sessions / 1 shows) $299
- Begins:
Feb 8
- Instructor:
- Alex Marino
Level Two: Intro to Long Form
Thursdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
(8 sessions / 1 shows) $299
- Begins:
Feb 16
- Instructor:
- Russ Armstrong
Enrolling
Level Two: Intro to Long Form
Tuesdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
(8 sessions / 1 shows) $299
- Begins:
Feb 28
- Instructor:
- Russ Armstrong
Enrolling
Improv Core Curriculum - Level 3 - Long Form Intensive
Level Three - Long Form Intensive With the first two levels under your belt, it's time to focus on Harold, the original long form structure that changed the history of performance improvisation. Harold is popular for good reason - it's fun, relatively simple to learn, infinitely deep, and very satisfying for performers and audiences. Students will master the components of this dynamic long form over this 8 week session, and get to perform a Harold in their class graduation show. Prerequisite: Magnet Level Two.
Level Three: Long Form Intensive
Date: TBD
(8 sessions / 1 shows) $299
- Begins:
TBD
When Offered
Improv Core Curriculum - Level 4 - Senior Project
Level Four - Senior Project The final level of the Magnet core curriculum, Level Four dives deep into an advanced form (e.g. Evente, MonoScene, Deconstruction, Sleepover, Harold+, The Movie) and works on that form with the singular focus need to create a great show. The 8 class sessions are followed by a 4 week run of shows, giving students an enhanced opportunity to learn by doing, over time, in front of a real audience. Prerequisite: Magnet Level Three.
Level Four: Senior Project - Harold Plus
Saturdays 3:00pm - 6:00pm
(8 sessions / 4 shows) $325
- Begins:
Feb 18
- Instructor:
- Louis Kornfeld , Alex Marino
Level Four: Senior Project - The Mono-Scene
Date: TBD
(8 sessions / 4 shows) $325
- Begins:
TBD
When Offered
Level Four: Senior Project - Evente
Date: TBD
(8 sessions / 4 shows) $325
- Begins:
TBD
When Offered
Level Four: Senior Project - The Deconstruction
Date: TBD
(8 sessions / 4 shows) $325
- Begins:
TBD
When Offered
Improv Conservatory - Level 5 - Improv Revue
Level Five - Improv Revue Advanced training is about becoming a confident, skilled and consistent performer. Level Five is the first component of advanced training and includes 6 weeks of classes that explore more challenging pieces, followed by a 4 week run of shows. Students explore The Montage, The Mono Scene, The Time Dash, Freeze Tag and more, and present these forms and games during their full 4 week revue at The Magnet Studio Theater. Prerequisite: Magnet Level 4.
Level Five: Improv Revue
Sundays 12:00pm - 3:00pm
(6 sessions / 4 shows) $325
- Begins:
Feb 12
- Instructor:
- Peter McNerney
Approval
Level Five: Improv Revue
Thursdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
(6 sessions / 4 shows) $325
- Begins:
Mar 1
- Instructor:
- Peter McNerney
Approval
Improv Conservatory - Level 6 - Team Performance Workshop
Level Six - Team Performance Workshop Upon instructor approval, students continue their advanced training as a member of an improv ensemble. The first section includes 6 weeks of classes designed to develop a strong ensemble onstage and off. The second section consists of a full 8 week run of shows where your ensemble performs The Montage, The Mono Scene, The Harold, and Freeze Tag. Learning through the experience of being in an ensemble will empower the group and the individual to present exceptional shows, and prepare advanced students for membership on a Megawatt Team should they wish to audition. Prerequisite: Level Five and Instructor Approval.
Level Six: Team Performance Workshop
Date: TBD
(6 sessions / 8 shows) $325
- Begins:
TBD
When Offered
Exactly as it sounds - no prior sign up required. Just drop by the Magnet Training Center and work with other improvisers as you're led through a series of focused exercises by an experienced guest instructor.
The Saturday Drop-In
Every Saturday, one of The Magnet's top house performers host an ongoing drop-in session. Whether you are looking to play with new improvisors, get some reps in between classes or just brush up on your fundamentals, the Saturday Drop-In is the perfect place to be.
Learn to write great sketch comedy. The Magnet Comedy Writing Program brings students through a series of exercises and assignments which study what makes great sketch work, and applies that learning to each student's writing from concept to final polish. Structured around a 'writer's room' environment and led by experienced instructors, each student not only receives useful feedback, but also learns how to analyze their own work, preparing them to work outside the classroom environment. Advanced classes result in more advanced performances which are cast from Magnet performers and directed by the instructor. And throughout, students continue their creation of their writing packet - a necessary first step in the pursuit of comedy writing career.
Sketch Writing Level One
This class will teach you concrete skills that will help you become a better sketch comedy writer. You will learn how to develop your ideas, clarify your premise, create characters, and understand what makes a good sketch work. The class will consist of lectures, writing assignments, and focused and fun workshops each week. Most of the class will be about the work, but of course some of the class will be devoted to the business, and the improvement (or creation) of your sketch packet. 8 weeks. No experience required. Open to all.
Sketch Writing Level Two
This class is an advanced sketch writing workshop that will give you the experience of working as a writer on a professional comedy show. Students will learn how to better craft sketches, expand their writing portfolio, collaborate with a team of writers, and produce their own sketches for performance. The class will conclude with two graduation performances, in which students will be responsible for casting, rehearsing, directing, and producing their work for the stage. Prerequisite: Sketch Writing Level One and instructor approval. 8 weeks and 2 graduation performances.
Sketch Revue
Create and perform an original sketch comedy show with Armando Diaz. Through improv exercises and written assignments, students will collaborate to create a sketch revue and perform it in a 4-week run of shows. Due to the intensive nature of this class, consistent attendance is mandatory. Students may not miss more than one class. 8 weeks of class and 4 shows. Prerequisite: Level Two and Instructor Approval.
Improv to Sketch
Now you can create material without having to sit down and write. In the tradition of Second City, you will learn to create sketch comedy through improvisation. In this 8-week class, students will collaborate to create a sketch revue and perform it in a 4-week run of shows. Prerequisite: Instructor approval required.
Musical Improv is about learning how to create a spontaneous musical without planning any of the content. These classes are for two types of people: anyone who feels born to make up songs in front of people, and anyone who dreads the idea. You'll learn how to sing confidently within your own voice. And you'll learn the mechanics of a song, and the underlying structures that songwriters use to create the building blocks of a larger musical piece. And you'll practice over and over with a supportive group of people. It's a fun and rewarding challenge, and when all the pieces come together it can be thrilling. After a bit of training, you may be asked to audition for one of the Musical Megawatt teams and gain a regular performance slot at the Magnet Mainstage.
Musical Improv Level One
Musical Improv Level One Now this is something to sing about! Eight weeks of music and improvisation. Learn how to put your thoughts into song and take your scenes to the next level. Whether you are an experienced singer or not, you will learn to master duets, rock opera, charity songs, and more! 8 weeks of class followed by a graduation performance. Prerequisite: Level One or equivalent experience.
Musical Improv Level One
Mondays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
(8 sessions / 1 shows) $325
- Begins:
Mar 5
- Instructor:
- Michael Lutton
Enrolling
Musical Improv Level Two
Musical Improv Level Two Eight more weeks of musical improv! This second level of Musical Improv focuses on building group dynamic, incorporating choreography, and learning additional song structures. 8 weeks of class followed by a graduation performance. Prerequisite: Musical Improv Level One and Level Three or equivalent.
Musical Improv Level Three And Beyond
Musical Improv Level Three, Genre Studies Sing it to a whole new level! In this performance intensive workshop, students will be assigned to a musical improv team which will perform a 4-week run of shows. The 8-week workshop will focus on advanced musical improv skills, group dynamic, and the responsibilities of being in a musical improv ensemble. Prerequisite: Musical Improv Level 2 and Instructor Approval.
Musical Improv Level Three
Wednesdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm
(8 sessions / 4 shows) $325
- Begins:
Feb 22
- Instructor:
- Frank Spitznagel , Michael Martin
Approval
Work with excellent teachers on aspects of the work that interest you. Magnet offers elective classes in improv, musical improv, writing, solo performance, and more. Learn new skills, discover unexpected talents, and develop professionally. Some electives require prior experience so check the class descriptions for more details. This course list is refreshed regularly, so check back to find unique opportunities and special guest instructors. Magnet electives are generally open to all students, even if they have no prior training at Magnet (and if there is a class prerequisite, the registrar will accept equivalent prior training from another improv school).
Auditioning for TV & Commercials (now enrolling)
Put your improv skills to work in the entertainment industry and learn the art and business of on-camera auditioning. In other words, learn how to get paid to do what you love. This 9-week on-camera boot camp will cover the ABC’s of auditioning for commercials. Topics to be covered include on-camera basics, working with sides, rookie mistakes, incorporating improv into your auditions, preparation, and the business of the business. Students will work on-camera each week and prepare to audition for agents and casting directors in an in-class industry showcase. Students will audition for agents and casting directors in an industry showcase.
Character Workshop (currently in session)
This workshop introduces students to a wide variety of tools for creating original and inspired characters in improvisation. Learn to "yes and" yourself, make specific physical choices, create distinct points of view, and continue exploring and heightening them throughout scenes. You'll discover new characters you've never played, make surprising choices that add depth and dimension to characters, expand your range as a performer, and leave this workshop with a set of fun and practical tools you can take into any improv show.
Dynamic Duos (currently in session)
This class is all about two-person improv. Whether you have been performing with a partner for a while or are interested in forming an improv duo with a friend, you will learn everything you need to know to become a Dynamic Duo. Learn how to make stronger and bolder choices, create intimacy with your partner, develop structure, and get help finding your Duos own individual form or style. 6 pairs only- 12 people total. You must make sure both partners can make all of the class dates before registering. 4 weeks. Prerequisite: Level One or equivalent.
Hip Hop Improv with North Coast (currently in session)
Take this 4-week class and you'll learn how to spit with the best of them, beatbox like a champion, and how to weave it all together with the fun and "rules" of improv. At the core, improv and hip-hop go hand in hand. Whether you are going in for 8-bars, dropping a beat into a mic, or initiating an improv scene, the same principles apply... you need confidence, you have to listen, and you have to react. If the idea of rapping in front of other people scares the crap out of you, or if you want to improve on your freestyling and/or beatboxing skills, this class is for you! The class will also be extremely helpful to musical improvisers who want to get better at setting their rhymes up and/or want to bring a new fresh energy to some of their shows. The class will be team-taught by James Robilotta, the creator of North Coast (New York's premier freestyle rapping/beatboxing/longform improv team - http://www.NorthCoastNYC.com) and Shaun Fisher, North Coast's primary beatboxer. (Note: not one damn thing in this blurb rhymed, please do not let that sway your judgement, thank you. -Management)
Hip Hop Improv with North Coast (now enrolling)
Take this 4-week class and you'll learn how to spit with the best of them, beatbox like a champion, and how to weave it all together with the fun and "rules" of improv. At the core, improv and hip-hop go hand in hand. Whether you are going in for 8-bars, dropping a beat into a mic, or initiating an improv scene, the same principles apply... you need confidence, you have to listen, and you have to react. If the idea of rapping in front of other people scares the crap out of you, or if you want to improve on your freestyling and/or beatboxing skills, this class is for you! The class will also be extremely helpful to musical improvisers who want to get better at setting their rhymes up and/or want to bring a new fresh energy to some of their shows. The class will be team-taught by James Robilotta, the creator of North Coast (New York's premier freestyle rapping/beatboxing/longform improv team - http://www.NorthCoastNYC.com) and Shaun Fisher, North Coast's primary beatboxer. (Note: not one damn thing in this blurb rhymed, please do not let that sway your judgement, thank you. -Management)
Lady Party (currently in session)
If you are a lady, read on.... Tired of playing the Mom or Girlfriend in scenes? Me too! Let's expand our character limits, sharpen our initiations, and strengthen our walk-ons and tag-outs. Lady Party will focus on all of this, while cultivating the female perspective for maximum comedy potential. Let's follow our instincts and have fun, because boys smell, right? Prerequisite: Level One or equivalent experience.
Move It! Yes, I mean You! (now enrolling)
This improv class series incorporates elements of clowning, mime, and environmental work and applies them to improv scene creation and character development. By freeing up the body, you will discover new approaches to onstage relationships -- including with objects, other performers, and the audience -- as well as tools for physicality that will add variety and dimension to your scene work. Learn the fundamentals for creating clear, specific, and engaging mimework and then put those tools to work to experience just how dramatically they will invigorate your improv! During the class series, each student will be given the opportunity to take on solo and duo work, perform wordlessly, and participate in side coaching using their learned techniques. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes and be prepared to move!
Musical Improv Intensive (now enrolling)
Immerse yourself in the world of Musical Improv for a whole week. Spend 25 hours working closely with Michael Martin and Frank Spitznagel, the standard of excellence for Musical Improv training. Learn how to put your thoughts into song and take your scenes to the next level. Whether you are an experienced singer or not, you will learn to master duets, rock opera, charity songs, and more! Students who complete the intensive will be eligible for Musical Level Two.
Special Effects (currently in session)
Without props, sets or costumes the improviser has the freedom to manipulate an audience’s perception of space and time to a degree limited only by his or her imagination. In this 4-week class students will explore the great potential of the empty space. The class will play with transformations, split scenes, swinging doors, journey scenes, morphs, novelty edits and more to expand and heighten scene work and piece dynamics. Prerequisite: Level 3 or equivalent.
THE ART OF GOING SOLO: Creating A One-Person Show (currently in session)
Students will be challenged to explore and create original characters through writing and improvisation techniques. Learn new ways "in" to your imagination as you experiment with your creative process, generating new ideas and releasing the ones that have been floating around in your head. At the end of the session, there will be performance nights where you’ll perform your original piece directed by Melanie and Gary. And at the end of that performance people will applaud you! This class is great for improvisers writers who want to perform and performers who want to write.