The Art of Improvisation
Improv Yourself Classes Begin in Miami

By Kyle Bailey

Carey Kane, who teaches Improv Yourself in Miami

Improv, which is short for improvise, is defined according to Webster’s dictionary as "inventing, composing or performing with little or no preparation." So what would you say if I told you there was a place right here in South Florida where you can learn the art of performing with little or no preparation? You may ask yourself, "Is this something that can be taught?" Well, the answer is yes.

Improv Yourself is Miami’s newest improv class and is located at the Wallflower Gallery in Downtown Miami. Carey Kane is the school’s instructor and will be teaching her brand of the art, which she likes to call "dramady".

"A lot of people think improv is only about comedy," says Kane, who sees the art of improv as a reflection of real life, encompassing both comedy and drama. Kane says that even though she teaches the art of improv from both sides of the emotional spectrum, the shows are geared toward comedy, for maximum entertainment value. Who doesn’t want a laugh every now and then?

Kane has a Masters Degree in acting from the New Actors Workshop in New York City and trained under renowned director Mike Nichols, whose credits include the films The Graduate, Primary Colors and The Birdcage, along with Paul Sills who is the founder of Second City, one of Chicago’s most famous improv theaters.

"Improvisation was a large part of the curriculum, and I fell in love with it." Kane says. She has also performed improv as a Friday Night Player at the New Actors Workshop as well as at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater.

Students of Improv Yourself in their debut show

One of Kane’s philosophies when teaching improv is to "bring truth into every moment." She believes that students should bring their life experiences to the stage and incorporate them into their characters to create an authenticity that separates improv from conventional acting, where dialogue is mainly scripted.

An example of one of the many skills Kane teaches at Improv Yourself is called "spacework". This is the art of interacting with your immediate surroundings as one would in daily life without any props—it’s an exercise in imagination that is essential to any good improv actor. Kane hopes to foster many troupes within the school and eventually allow the performers to become self-sufficient.

Their first show debuted on December 9 and Kane says that more are planned for the near future, including some possible charity events. Kane teaches an optional intro class which is four weeks long for those new to improv, as well as an eight week beginners, intermediate and advanced class.

Improv Yourself classes begin January 9 and space is limited. For more information, call Carey Kane at 305-968-6502 or visit www.wallflowergallery.com for directions and gallery information.