Here is the press release about the workshops that the Utility Players are going to facilitate every Sunday in the month of March. If you are interested check out our MARCH IMPROV MADNESS page or email us at theutilityplayers@gmail.com for more information

March is Improv Madness in Reno
Utility Players facilitate series of Improv Workshops

[March 1st, 2010] Reno, NV: The Utility Players, voted one of the best comedians in 2009[RN&R], is the premiere short-form improv troupe in town. The Utility Players, Reno’s own live version of Whose Line Is It Anyway, use improv to create memorable characters, ridiculous scenarios, and witty remarks on-the-spot based off of audience suggestions taken during the show. The Utility Players are hosting a series of workshops to teach individuals the fundamentals of improv, and how improv can be pertinent and utilized in our everyday lives.

Host and herald for the Utility Players, Jessica Levity, will be bringing her energy and charisma as the facilitator and teacher for these workshops. Levity, who has taught improv classes around town is ecstatic for the workshops. “Improv is more than just the ability to entertain and think quickly on your feet; it‘s an attitude; for many people it’s an entirely new perspective.”  Levity hopes that participants in the workshop will, “walk away knowing they‘ve just added a whole new set of tools to their life’s arsenal.”  Levity assures that no prior experience is necessary to attend the workshops.

Attendees to the workshop series also have the opportunity to improv with members of the Utility Players, who will be participating in the workshops and aiding Levity. “People are using improvisation every day of their lives, whether they know it or not,” relates Utility Player Ian Sorensen. Sorensen goes on to say that “especially with the economy the way that it is, life is requiring that we think on our feet and roll with the punches. These workshops are designed to teach people how to think fast in high-pressure situations, and to have a ton of fun doing it.”

“Improv is an extremely versatile tool that can be used by business executive, student organization leaders, actors/actresses, or anybody who wants to learn to let go and have fun for 90 minutes,” relates Homeslice Productions Director Christopher Daniels. Daniels, who went to school for organizational psychology, worked with Levity to infuse principals of leadership, models of group dynamics, and lessons about communication into the improv workshops. Daniels asserts that;

     “To truly be a good improv performer, you must listen to your partners on stage, generate ideas on     the spot under pressure, and deliver your lines in a clear articulate manner … all important lessons     for individuals in leadership or management positions to know.”

Levity similarly wants to provide participants with tools, engaging icebreakers, and exercises to take back to their group, board of directors, business, and/or group. “Improv, at heart, is about having fun and letting go in a supportive, affirming environment,” relates Levity.  Carol Lopez, a local corporate training manager who attended a previous workshop, commented that “I think I laughed all my cares away. I’ll certainly face the coming week with a light heart and a sense of humor.”

The workshops are every Sunday evening in March from 5:30 - 7:00pm at Circle’s Edge, Center for Spiritual Living - located next to CVS Pharmacy in the strip mall complex behind Reno High School. Each workshop is only $15 or individuals can purchase the full series of workshops for only $40.  Attendees can come to any of the workshops, so whether you come to the 1st, 3rd, or even the last one, everyone will get something positive out of the experience. 

****