Clowning for Improvisers (a Wonder Women workshop)
with Mona and Shara Do Improv
Saturday, May 13, 3pm-6pm (3 hours)
When she isn’t improvising, Shara is a professional clown. And she’s found that clowning skills are useful for all levels of improvisers to get more comfortable with physicality and playfulness onstage. Clowns generally aren’t big talkers, so much of the art of clowning is about using your entire body to convey meaning. If you are an improviser who feels disconnected from your body, this workshop will teach you some ways to bridge that gap in your performance.
The Hideout’s Wonder Women workshop series is all-women classes dedicated to shaking off the world and diving into improv. The focus of the work will be on empowering women, overcoming common fears and exploring tips and tricks to having fun on stage (plus a strong emphasis on group bonding!).
ABOUT
Mona and Shara have been improvising for a combined 16 years. They met in college performing with the Stanford Improvisors and are now both ensemble members at San Francisco’s Un-Scripted Theater Company. They have done shows up-and-down the West Coast with Minerva and The Human Knot.
In 2016, Mona and Shara formed the duo Mona and Shara Do Improv. They enjoy exploring a variety of short and longform styles. This summer, you’ll find them on a 2-month tour across the country, performing and teaching in (at least) 14 different cities. Follow their trip on Twitter and Instagram @MSDImprov.
BIOS
Mona Thompson is an improv performer, teacher, and coach. She began improvising in high school, continued in college as a member of the Stanford Improvisors, and never looked back. Currently, Mona performs with Un-Scripted Theater Company, Minerva, The Human Knot, and Mona and Shara Do Improv. She teaches at BATS Improv, San Mateo High School, and Stanford University. In 2014, she co-founded Collective Capital, a company that helps organizations create a culture of innovation through improv and design. Learn more at monajthompson.com.
Shara Tonn is an improviser, actor, clown and teacher. An alumna of the Stanford Improvisors and San Francisco Circus Center’s Clown Conservatory, Shara performs with Un-Scripted Theater Company, Minerva, The Human Knot, Mona and Shara Do Improv, Bay Area Children’s Theater and Bay Area circus shows. She teaches improv at Collective Capital, Un-Scripted Theater Company and Aragon High School.
$35 / 3 hours / Dedicated to women improvisers, Limited Space / **Class held at Hideout Studios (2505 E 6th St, Unit C)