New to Knoxville!
(FREE!) Sunday Night Improv Drop In
STAY TUNED
Are you curious about improv? Join us every Sunday as we play guided improv games and exercises in a fun and low pressure environment. All experience levels welcome.
FREE
$10 suggested donation
$25 monthly membership appreciated
Are you an experienced improviser? We would love to connect with you! Email info@manateevanityimprov.com
Intro to Comedy Writing with Rich Talarico
6 Week Virtual Class 7-10pm STARTING JANUARY 6TH
Rich shares insights and writing techniques from his 20+ years in late night TV (SNL, MADtv, Key & Peele, The Tonight Show) and from having written five resident company shows for Second City in Chicago. Students will learn how to write jokes, how to write blackouts, how to write runners and desk pieces, brainstorm areas and pitch their scene ideas and how to outline a scene/story-structure. How to tell a story and how to come up with endings. Class will cover a wide variety of sketch types. Students will learn how to contribute to others’ work; a vital writer's room skill.
Class is 7pm to 10pm EST
PG-13 Conduct and Content
No Recording - Group pic at end of class
"Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers."
— Tina Fey
Rich is a Peabody® Award-winning writer/producer with four Emmy® and four WGA Award nominations, best known for his work on Key & Peele. Rich wrote K&P fave Substitute Teacher, (“…Ay-ay-Ron?”) which in 2024 was added to The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum Of American History. Rich wrote dozens of K&P faves: Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice, and many more.
Other TV credits include MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically-acclaimed, Review. An alum of Chicago’s Second City and Improv Olympic, Rich also provided punch-up work on Mean Girls and Get Out.
As an improviser, Rich teaches, coaches and performs with long-form group Dasariski. As an actor, Rich appeared on screen on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and in A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant. Rich is currently teaching and performing stand up comedy around the US.
“As a teacher, Rich Talarico brings Lakers legendary coach Phil Jackson to mind. A cerebral educator who brings out the best in people.”
— Keith “Lucky” Lehrer -original drummer of “Circle Jerks”
“Rich knows how to write sketches, that much is obvious. But it was clear that he loves helping people get better too. Don't wait to find a better sketch class. It might not come along.”
— Tim Marks – Co-Founder, Fountain City Sketch Company
— more at richtalarico.com
Level 1 - Improv Basics
6 Week Class + Showcase
Let's get silly! This introductory course is designed for beginners, focusing on the foundational principles of improvisational theater. You will learn the importance of saying "Yes, and...," a core improv tenet that encourages accepting and building on the ideas of others in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
Through fun and interactive exercises and group games, you will practice quick thinking, active listening, and working as a team. This class is for you if you are interested in performing, or if you are looking for personal and professional development. Improv classes are a great way to build confidence, communication skills, and social connections. No prior acting or improv experience is required—just a willingness to step outside your comfort zone and have fun!
Class is capped at 16 students
Each class is 2 hours
Level 2 - Creating Characters
6 Week Class + Showcase
Take your improv skills to the next level by diving deep into the art of character creation! In this class, you will learn how to craft bold, dynamic, and memorable characters that bring scenes to life through interactive exercises, scene work, and playful experimentation. Whether you’re looking to enhance your stage presence, expand your acting toolkit, or simply have fun creating, this class will give you the confidence to step into anyone’s shoes—and stay there.
Prerequisite: Level 1 Improv or equivalent experience.
Class is capped at 16 students
Each class is 2 hours
Level 3 - Intermediate
6 Week Class + Showcase
Get familiar with the confidence that comes from trusting your instincts in the unfamiliar. Concepts like editing scenes, exploring situations, heightening ideas, and using specificity and subtext are helpful for performers and non-performers alike.
This intermediate improv class further develops your talents with practice of scene work. Put your skills to the test with collaborating, creating, and world building. Improv scenes are not just for performers, if you are looking to grow creatively, working on personal or professional development, or just like to have fun and try new things, you will be tickled by what you can do!
Prerequisite: Level 2 Improv or equivalent experience.
Class is capped at 16 students
Each class is 2 hours
What to Expect
What to bring:
- Water Bottle
- Notebook & pen if you like to write down exercises and inspiration
- Curiosity
What to wear:
You can wear whatever you feel good in. Here are some recommendations:
- Clothes you feel comfortable moving in
- Closed toe shoes that won’t slip off
- Dress in layers, the room temperature can vary
What if I have to miss class?
For the four week classes, it is recommended that you not miss more than one class. If you miss two or more classes, you will be asked to repeat the level before moving on. Please let your instructor know if you are missing class. Make up classes are available.