IMPROV 501

About this Class

Improv 501 takes your scene work skills and turns them into the basis of all long-form improv: The Harold! The Harold is a long-form improvisation style that originated at the Second City theater in Chicago. It is a structured form of improv that consists of three distinct parts, or "beats," that build on one another to create a cohesive scene. The Harold is important for anyone who wants to be an improv comedian because it is a foundational form that teaches the skills and techniques necessary for all other long-form improv formats. It requires listening and reacting to your fellow performers, building on their ideas, and creating a cohesive scene through spontaneous, unscripted dialogue. In short, the Harold is an essential building block for anyone interested in improv comedy. What are you waiting for? Join us for Improv 501 at Kismet! Showcase: SATURDAY, July 11 at 5 p.m. Prerequisites: improv training through Kismet Improv 401 (Longform Fundamentals) If you have not taken these classes but have relevant training or experience, please email classes@kismetimprov.com before registering. Instructor: Rebecca Thorndike-Breeze A fixture of the Kismet stage since 2023, Rebecca currently performs with the Friday night longform team PARENTHETICAL and coaches the musical improv ensemble FREERANGE. Previously, she coached musical team American Cheese and longform teams Hot Popsicle and Those Meddling Kids. As a coach and teacher of improv, Rebecca encourages her players and students to develop a strong ensemble-first mindset, listen deeply to their scene partners, and follow the fun with big emotion. Rebecca has trained at Improv Boston, Union Comedy, Kismet Improv, and iO in Chicago. In 2025, she took over as Co-Owner and Artistic & Education Director at Kismet.