Elementary Level Workshops

The elementary programmes have been designed for grades 4 through 8. These workshops meet a wide variety of Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum expectations and help students learn a broad range of skills. Here is a list of some of the skills learned through these programmes and a list of the curriculum areas they touch upon:
• Self Confidence
• Team Building
• Listening Skills
• Respect for Self & Others
• Concentration & Focus
• Risk Taking
• Creative Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Enhanced Presentation & Public Speaking Skills
• Leadership

• Drama & Dance
• Visual Arts
• Language Arts
• Health & Physical Education

Straight performances are available to schools, either as a separate event, a buy-out or in addition to a series of workshops; performances are a great way to solidify what the students have learned. Please contact us for more information. Here is a listing of the workshops currently offered at the elementary level. These programmes can be combined and can be presented on the same day should time allow.

Introduction to Improvisation:

This is the programme that started it all! It allows students to learn the basic improv skills in this interactive experience. The workshop starts off with an introduction as to what improvisation is, engaging students and finding out their level of understanding and experience. From there students get to act as the audience as the cast performs, providing the various suggestions that are pivotal to a good show. Following that there is a short question and answer period, then the students get a chance to perform with the cast and experience the joys of improv first hand. Following the workshop students can ask individual questions and teachers are left with a contingency programme so that they can continue to explore the world of improv with their students.

Improv Level 1 ~ Certificate Programme:

The certificate programme is geared to students who already have a basic understanding of improv and general drama knowledge. The programme is designed to give students as much one-on-one time as possible. At level 1 the students are divided into smaller groups who each have one instructor. The instructors will have students work on a variety of exercises designed to expose students to all the different elements of improv and drama. This will allow for the instructors to view the participants on a more individual basis and help them improve their individual skills as well as their group work. At the end of the workshop participants will be awarded with a certificate of completion.

Improv Level 2 ~ Certificate Programme:

As mentioned above, the certificate programme is geared towards one-on-one instruction. At this level students will again be divided into small groups for instruction and evaluation, but at the end of the workshop each team will be given the opportunity to perform in front of the whole group. This will give students not only the chance to improve individually, but also to show how their team work skills have flourished and expose them to the thrill of performing in front of a live audience. Completion of this level is rewarded with a level 2 certificate.

Improv Level 3 ~ Certificate Programme:

Once students get to level 3, things get more specific. Students are still divided into small groups for instruction, but now the groups will rotate and spend a patch of time with each instructor who will be focusing on specific disciplines like stage presence, scene integrity, movement and other areas that will be determined with the help of the teachers. At the end of the session students will perform, but not necessarily in their own groups, different members from each team will interact and perform with one another to see how successful they are at various team work aspects. A certificate signifying the completion of the entire programme is awarded at the end of the workshop.

Public Speaking Programme:

To some people, the idea of speaking in front of a group can be absolutely terrifying! Some individuals actually spend a great deal of time and energy trying to avoid ever having to do it; even at great cost socially. The public speaking programme is an innovative way to get over the fear of speaking or acting in front of a group of people. Through the joys of improvisation, participants are taught to focus more on what they are doing and less on who they are doing it for. They are taught how to distract themselves from their fear and enjoy the rush of a live performance. One thing to keep in mind is that the Canadian Improv Showcase is always very mindful of an individual’s comfort zone and will be respectful of each participant’s needs as much as possible.

Musical Improvisation:

Once students have learned the art of improvisation and are itching to challenge themselves, the next logical step is to explore the world of musical improvisation. This form of improv challenges participants not only to create a scene with little preparation but to also include the world of music in either the form of accompaniment for the actors to sing along with, or in the form of setting the mood using background music for the actors to respond to accordingly. Either form takes a great deal of practice and the professional actors that make up the Canadian Improv Showcase offer a fantastic workshop to explore this world in a constructive and encouraging format. This programme can be presented separately or as part of another programme, just ask for details.

Pricing:

For pricing please contact creative director and producer Matthew R. Lawrence by calling: 905-967-0141 or by emailing him here: matt@canadianimprovshowcase.com