POWERED BY WOMEN, ENJOYED BY ALL

An improv intensive for women by Julie Payne of San Francisco’s The Committee

In an art form that has often been deemed by many a “boys’ club,” Julie Payne brings her feminist approach back to her roots in the San Francisco improv scene. She will encourage you to take more time, dig deeper, play from the heart, mine your own and others’ experience in improv and as women. You will be shown how you can merge the personal, political, and archetypal through multi-disciplinary exercises using more of yourself in ways that are eye-opening, fun, and confidence-building. Dedicated improvisers: steal these ideas, move toward a new long form, deepen your practice and learn how to own your place on the stage more fully. For those less seasoned, come to play with people who encourage you to see & be seen and develop your unique voice. This is your chance to sink into this 2-day, women-only improv intensive from a legendary improvisor!

BIO:
Since being hired into The Committee in 1969 by Del Close, Julie Payne has worked with many masters of improvisation, including SFIF’s 2011 OCIC award winner Jim Cranna. In her career since moving to Los Angeles, she has performed in film, tv, theater, radio and voiceovers. Most recently, she had a recurring role on Curb Your Enthusiasm as Larry David’s mother-in-law.

Now retired, she continues her connection with improvisation by passing on her insights and craft to students. Her work is based around her time with The Wims, an all-female collective in Los Angeles that explored and furthered The Harold – the improvisational format which she had a hand in developing during her time with The Committee. Inspired by Del’s legacy, they used stories from their lives as well as the headlines, music, movement, installations and “check-ins” to root themselves and their shows in the present. Julie played with them for 20 years.

Remarking on Payne, The Committee’s founding director Alan Myerson said, “If you ever want to hand out an award for pure talent and ability at improvisation, give it to her.”

Keep checking back on the website for the latest workshop info, or follow our Facebook and Twitter announcements by clicking on the badges below and doing what comes socially.