Whole World Improv Theatre552

Specializing in hip improvisational comedy and quirky original plays, the Whole World Improv Theatre has been selling out its audience-participation shows several days a week since opening its midtown doors in 1994. Improv shows are fresh and fast-paced, with more emphasis on the acting, character and atmosphere than on cheap laughs and thrills.

After cultivating a huge following with adults, the staff turned its attention to the kids of their die-hard fans. The Youth and Teen Programs were created out of the desire to give kids a safe, creative, fun and inspiring artistic home.

Classes: For kids ages 11-17, classes are designed to provide greater understanding of the importance of physical and mental stage presence, to nurture and build confidence, while celebrating diversity, individuality, and creativity. Eighteen-week sessions are comprised of three levels of acting and improv skills. The cost is $360.

Kids Shows: Graduates of WWT Youth & Teen Improv Acting Program (by invitation only) form WWT'S Performance Ready Group. This group performs a show appropriate for the whole family.

Summer Camp: Open to all children eight-13 years of age (seven-year-olds considered on an individual basis)the WWT Improv Summer Camp is a week-long session in which students learn, and actively participate in, Whole World's philosophy of theatre and acting. That is: being focused and present on stage through self awareness and trust; inspiration from partners; and the elimination of fear through the "no judgment" method practiced by Whole World's instructors, students, and performers alike.

Each day includes relaxation and focus exercises; connection exercises, and scene and character study. Later in the week, students learn and practice improvisational games. On the last day of camp, parents are invited to watch a graduation Improv Show. Cost per weekly session is $190 per child, with a maxiumum of 18 children in each weekly camp session. Children should bring a sack lunch each day.