Silverbacks to offer Multi-Level Improv Courses starting this June!

Steve Benelli and Sarah Mikayla Brown of Silverbacks Improv Theatre

In response to the interest of the community, Silverbacks Improv Theatre in collaboration with Theatre 810 will begin offering a regular serving of improv classes, starting this June. In this first session, members of Silverbacks Improv Theatre will offer two options for classes, Improv 1 and Improv 2.

Improv 1 is an entry-level course that will be equally relevant to those who are interested in performing improv, and those are simply looking to think outside the box and have some fun. Teacher Sarah Mikayla Brown will teach improv fundamentals in a laid-back environment. Improv comedy is a great way to exercise the brain and to learn effective brain storming and communication skills.

Teacher Sarah Mikayla Brown is a Lafayette native and ULL graduate who went on to live in Chicago and found the Chicago Fringe Festival, as well as study improvisation at the Annoyance Theater. Now living in Lafayette, she is a member of two professional ensembles, Acting Up! in Acadiana and Silverbacks Improv Theatre. She is the co-creator of the popular play, “Cajun Face.”

Improv 2 is intended for those who have taken an introductory lesson in improv in the past, or who have had equivalent experience. This class will focus on teaching students how to build characters and to begin on the skills needed to create improvised scenes. Improv 2 will be taught by Steve Benelli.

Benelli is a native of New Orleans but has been living in Lafayette since 1998 when he became a founding member of the UL-Lafayette based improv troupe, Cult of the Stage Monkey – Lafayette. He served as a longtime director of COSM before resigning that post a few years ago prior to becoming a founder of Silverbacks Improv Theatre. Steve is also a musician and is a member of the pirate band, The Whiskey Bay Rovers.

Silverbacks Improv Theatre (Lafayette, LA) mixes special improvised brews for audiences across the U.S. Favorite improv creations include Film Noirs, 90's Sitcoms, and Sci-Fi's. The Silverbacks are always energetic, nerd-tastic, and not afraid of costumes. The Silverbacks consists of members who have trained and performed in places as far as Mississippi, Texas, Illinois, California, and D.C. with a combined total of over 50 years of improv experience. Silverbacks Improv Theatre performs monthly at Theatre 810 and for Lafayette’s 2nd Saturday Art Walk at Cité des Arts.

Registration is available through Eventbrite. Space is limited, so sign up to secure your spot today!

1. Improv 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class in Collaboration with Theatre 810 (Teacher Sarah Mikayla Brown)
Dates: June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27
Time: 10am – 12pm
Ages 16+
Register by Calling Theatre 810 at (337) 484-0172 or at: https://improvlevel1.eventbrite.com

2. Improv 2 – A Silverbacks Improv class in Collaboration with Theatre 810 (Teacher Steve Benelli)
Dates: June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27
Time: 2:30 – 4:30pm
Ages: 16+
Register by Calling Theatre 810 at (337) 484-0172 or at: https://improvlevel2.eventbrite.com/