Due to Covid-19 in person classes are currently limited. We want to take the utmost caution with you, our beloved neighbors.
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The Birth Of AWI (Astoria Women’s Improv) by Jen Jurek
In 2016, My dear friend Betty (Of Astoria Bagels) said, “Jennifer, if you really want to do something, go help people here who really need it, do something for someone that lives right here and activate yourself”. Betty was right. And I wanted to be useful…..to my neighbors, who I never needed more than I did right then and there. And I didn’t know them, and I so wanted to. I took inventory. I had 20+ years of theater making experience. And here I was, in Astoria NY with a little one with a single thought in mind…does anyone want to play….some games…with me? I knew and loved theater. So… I decided to bring it home. This was not a networking thing, and yet people could comfortably chat and find commonalities. This was not a feminist group, although I wanted to make a safe space for women. I started with what I really wanted, which was to play with others. And I’m so pleased that it was as loved and needed as it was.
THE SPOLIN INFLUENCE
During the past 3 years AWI has slowly started incorporating principals based on the works by Viola Spolin who wrote “Improviation for the Theater”. She writes, "Everyone can act. Everyone can improvise. Anyone who wishes to can play in the theater and learn to become stageworthy. We learn through experience and experiencing, and no one teaches anyone anything. . . . ‘Talent’ or ‘lack of talent’ has little to do with it.” Each game has a purpose. Spolin began her student life at Hull House with Jane Adams and other educators in the 1920’s. Through a joint effort with social workers, namely Neva Boyd, Spolin adopted games which came from her time at hull house and created a system by which to play them in communities. This was a freeing and accessible way for people to access their intuition, to give of themselves, to enjoy one another’s company and play. Through Boyd’s work there is an astonishing understanding of progressive learning by which one of it’s founders states, “Education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living”- John Dewey . Using this basis for understanding the way we learn as well as Neva Boyd’s collection and study of children’s games, Viola’s games are the teachers. The games and the side coach (Viola’s name for teacher) give the learner opportunities to be responsible for themselves. The rules by which to play the game provide the chance for reflective and deliberate self correction. In other words, if a person decides on their own agenda instead of the group agreed upon activity within a game, the rules and the players work to right the ship, and the activity informs the outlier how their actions affected the group: Not the teacher. And not the other players. So, a person can save face as they learn avoiding damaging criticisms from outside sources. If you are interested in learning more about Spolin’s work or philosophy please feel free to read more about her: HERE
- Jen Jurek Womanist, Astorian, Mom and Creator of AWI, 2016
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Where are the shows commonly held?
Commonly we hold shows at the QED or we jazz up the rehearsal space for a swanky night of wine, lighting, curtains, and oh yes….improv.
Where is the rehearsal space?
The rehearsal space is at the Greek Cultural Center or the QED
What if I don’t want to participate in the show?
You 100% do not have to participate in the show, but absolutely come as a supportive cast member and you’ve made someone’s day.
Are there make up days if I miss?
If there is another class going on on another night, absolutely, you may attend that class. If not, it’s okay, we will do our best to catch you up.
What’s your refund policy?
You may have a full refund if you let us know before the first class- thereafter, we will try to offer you a future space in a future class. Other than those examples, there are no refunds, but we try to be caring about your circumstances and have been known to be flexible when needed.
Is Improv safe?
Though the common misconception is that we “say things off the top of our heads”, we are actually pulling ideas from the top of our intelligence. However, any intentionally racist, homophobic, culturally insensitive phrases or actions will not be permitted. Also, intentional acts of aggression, disruption or forceful physicality will immediately result in your removal from class and you will not be allowed to return to AWI for the current or any future classes.
Can I use Improv instead of therapy?
No. However, if you’d like to take the course and discuss the results you feel each week with a professional therapist or counselor, YES YES YES!
Can I drop in to a class if I’m not a member?
Not at this time, BUT…if you’d like to email me to design a class in your home with your friends…hit me up!
What if I identify as non-binary or transgender?
Welcome aboard!
What if I’m not very funny?
Funny story….improv is less about being funny (surprisingly) and more about being entirely available to experience the game set before you. Often in improv an air of competition is afoot, here at AWI, we try very hard to follow the 'rules of ‘group agreement’ via Viola Spolin’s method of playing. Also, we’re not trying (or wanting) to do standup comedy- thank GOD. What we want it to support one another in solving an imaginary and agreed upon problem. Humor comes out of our honest efforts and less from being quick, witty or loud.
Can I join your mailing list to be informed of future classes?
YES!
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