Drawing on the process of High Stakes Productions’ long running genre shows – Hitch*Cocktails and Clued In – this class is designed to give performers the tools to strengthen their confidence and competence necessary for compelling cohesive genre-based improv.

Students will have the opportunity to practice character work inspired by genre archetypes, create complex plot structures and decisively deploy genre tropes.  Through thoughtful and poignant exercises, students will explore all the elements necessary to create a strong narrative without churning out unnecessary plot points.

Once completed, students will be able to create their own genre based improv show with the skills to execute character and plot, deftly navigate long form narrative and easily twist storylines into satisfying endings.  With The Plot Thickens: The Art of Improvised Genre & Narrative, the skills to conquer narrative and genre will be raised to ensure the stakes will be high!

Following this workshop, students will be able to:

Term 4 (Summer) 2026 runs 8/3 - 10/4/2026
NO CLASS: 9/6 - 9/12 (Labor Day)

Classes meet once a week on the same day each week:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday classes meet 6:30-9pm
Saturday and Sunday classes meet 1-3:30pm

Please be sure about your schedule before you register for class. Here’s why….Your enrollment HOLDS A SPACE in a class that we are no longer able to offer someone else.Class payments are NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE, and can be applied only to the current term’s class for which you have signed up. This applies if you get cast in a show, get a new job, or other situation, or have other changes to your schedule. So please be sure about your schedule before you register.

You will receive an email about 24 hours before your class is scheduled to begin.  This email message will include specific studio/location information, as well as instructor information and additional class related details. 
NOTE: Please add lauren@theannoyance.com and classes@theannoyance.com to your approved contacts or messages may be sent to spam.