Improv Houdini

There are no mistakes in improv, only unsupported choices. This workshop is about the art of escaping an uninvested or nerve-ridden scene—not by bailing on it, but by finding joy in it. We’ll cover framing the behavior of an erratic scene partner, putting responsibility on your character rather than on circumstance, turning a scene that’s about someone who’s not present to one that says everything about the people who are, taking delight in the tiniest decisions, and more. 

The fun is that both Houdini and his audience trusted that he work his way out, no matter how dire the situation appeared. Trust is the difference between worry and excitement. So let's take delight in facing whatever our sets may bring us, and let's hear that delight echo throughout the room. There’s no use not having fun in improv.

Sun, June 7, 10 am – 1 pm

Registration: $40

Email Maggie Cady at cady@thecontemporarytheater.com for financial aid. We want everyone to be able to enjoy workshops!

About PJ…

PJ Nally (he/him) performs, coaches, and teaches improv in New York City. He’s been improvising since 2018, beginning his career in London, and he is constantly pushing improv both artistically and professionally. Together with Maria Nally, he created and performs on Hell Yeah!, one of New York’s premier musical improv teams, as well as the Off-Broadway improvised musical The Others of Oz. He does regular improv with his beloved indie teams The Daily Harold and Easily Annoyed and is a member of the house team Middle Brain at The Magnet Theater. He’s studied and performed at Hoopla Impro, The Magnet Theater, UCB, and more. He’s as at home in a game-based Harold as he is in an improvised tap break.