David Razowsky
David Razowsky is the former artistic director of the Second City Los Angeles, and the host of the award-winning podcast ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky. David is based in Los Angeles where he teaches a weekly Wednesday drop-in class when he’s not on the road.
David has been called “the guru of improvisation” and “an improviser’s improviser,” who connects the mindfulness of Buddhism with improvisation’s core principals of being in the moment, taking care of your partner, and groundedness.
David won the 2015 INNY Award for “Best Improvisation Instructor/Coach.” His teaching and performing took him across the world from a dozen states to Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK. At Second City David worked with Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Rachel Dratch, Chris Farley, among others. He’s directed Second City Mainstage, Second City Hollywood, Second City Detroit, and The Second City National Touring Company. He is a consultant for Dreamworks, a teacher for Steppenwolf Theater, adjunct faculty for California State University, and he directed two productions for Amsterdam’s Boom Chicago Theatre. David’s a member of the Reduced Shakespeare Company and performed in their Kennedy Center run of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged.
David Razowsky’s approach to improvisation:“I have a simple approach to improvising: Your present awareness is the only thing you need to create compelling, smart, truthful, and surprising scenes. Period. No games, no preconceived premises, no ideas, no ego. All that matters is now. The actor’s level of improvisation experience doesn’t matter, for all you need to bring to my workshop is your present presence. All you’ll leave with is your joy and excitement and confidence. And after all, what more do you need?”
What actors have said about Razowsky’s workshops:
- “This program was outstanding and took my performance to another level.”
- “David Razowsky is an amazing teacher and pushes every student to reach the best of their ability.”
- “David’s approach to improvisation really opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking.”
- “…an inspiring, high energy, kick-ass teacher!”
- “David is a gift!”
2016 2-Day Workshop: New Approaches
SATURDAY: *Expressing Your Point Of You!*
Most scenes go off track because we’re not aware of our character’s point-of-view, what their intentions are. This workshop, hailed as “Vital…an eye-opener…,” exposes you to what your feeling, what your focus is, and what you get to give attention to.
*Exposition Is your Friend!*
How much info is too much info? How much do you need to define to get your scene going? When does a scene organically go from “fact” to “truth”? Become aware of the feeling of being present, and you will suddenly know where you go next. This class is for onstage and off!
SUNDAY: *Let It Go – You’ll Be Happy You Did!*
Are you making decisions of where the scene’s supposed to go without letting it go where it wants to go? Start your scenes strongly, certainly and surprisingly. If you think you know where your scene’s going…you’re probably missing out on some great experiences!
Revelations!
*The Scene At The End Of The Game Of The Scene*
Are you abandoning your scene once your “game” is over because you’ve been taught that there’s nothing worth pursuing once the game’s done? Hey, THAT’S WHERE THE FUN LIVES! Play the game, then stay for the wonderful surprises that come after.
2014 2-Day Workshop: Viewpoints Immersion
While teaching for Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre School, Second City veteran David Razowsky was exposed to–and inspired by–the power of Anne Bogart and Tina Landau’s Viewpoints training and immediately saw how the tools of Viewpoints play in improv theatre. Razowsky’s Viewpoints Immersion will focus the actor to spontaneously respond through compulsion rather than what choice is “right or wrong.” The actor will learn the power of working from impulse, the power of movement, and the strength of the “immediate response in the present moment.”
Be prepared to see your craft in a new light, be prepared to see with new eyes, and be prepared for a creative rejuvenation through this two-day immersive workshop.
2012 Workshop: The Beat Goes On
Ever wondered how two or three actors can play out a 40-minute set in one continuous location? Improv comedy master David Razowsky’s workshop is designed to teach Improvisers just that.
