A Brief Introduction to My Improv Workshops I discovered Improvisational Theater and Theater Games when I was a young artist working at Hanna Barberra Studios in Los Angeles. When I met a group of actors studying improv and was invited to come watch, I immediately fell in love with the art form. It wasn't long before I found some classes and joined in the fun myself. My Training-Background I attended my first workshop lead by award winning actress, Paula Shaw, an Actors Institute (the famous Lee Strassburg's school for actors) accredited teacher. I also completed her Actors Workshop. Appetite for acting whetted, I joined a theater group lead by Manu Topou, owner of the Pacific Rennaisance Theater Company in Hollywood. I attended his acting classes for a couple of years and acted in productions. The Pacific Rennaisance Theatre is one of the oldest continually operating theaters in Hollywood today. I eventually joined an improv performance troupe lead by Richard Reich, son of a successful stand up comic. We frequently attracted large audiences just to watch our practice sessions. I chose not to become a professional performer, but I gained so much from the experience both personally and professionally that I periodically lead workshops for what it does for me and the people who join me in it. When I moved back to Texas to continue my graphics career there, I continued to be involved in community theater and lead workshops in improv for the simple pleasure and expansion it brought me and the participants. Why would a non performer take up improv? Learning improv is learning whole-self communication. My personal reason was to help get me over a near debilitating case of stage fright any time I had to do any public speaking, but even greater benefits accrued the longer I practiced: trust of others and comfortableness with what I had to contribute to others, and just learning we don't have to take life so seriously but could inject fun into any situation. With this realization, my energy soared, I had greater self-confidence, a keener appreciation and enjoyment of all relationships. Since then, I've lead nearly every type of person in California, Texas and New Mexico in my workshops, which are definitely not for performers only, but for anyone seeking to expand their ability to self-express and just have more fun in life. Improv is the most wholesome fun you can have! Improv teaches itself...I just share my experience, show you the ground rules and the games, and watch you soar. I LOVE watching people' discover whole new aspects of themselves in these wonderful exercises. Jump at the chance to join in! Rebecca | 
