Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Instructor: Brendan O’Brien
Duration: 8 weeks + Showcase
Where: CSz Richmond Training Center
When: Thursdays starting Sep. 25
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Dive into Longform with Brendan O'Brien
Are you ready to level up your improv by going beyond games and scenes? Step into the world of longform with Brendan O’Brien, and discover the thrill of building something bigger, bolder, and more connected — one scene at a time.
“Dive into Longform” is an 8-week intensive designed for improvisers who want to explore rich characters, dynamic relationships, and narrative cohesion without the safety net of pre-set games. In this class, you’ll learn the core principles and techniques that power longform structures — from the classic Harold to montage formats to grounded narrative arcs — all while sharpening your ability to listen, support, and elevate every scene.
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What you'll explore:
Scene work as the foundation of form: Learn to open, sustain, and heighten grounded, character-driven scenes that stand on their own or support a larger piece.
Relationship-based storytelling: Move beyond quick laughs and into emotionally compelling, connected play that drives longform structure.
Group mind & ensemble chemistry: Cultivate the trust and timing needed to make organic edits, callbacks, and thematic connections.
Playing patterns and finding game: Discover how repeated behaviors and scenic “games” can unify a set and delight an audience.
Discovering the format through play: Try out multiple longform formats, with a focus on letting the form serve the players—not the other way around.
Heighten, revisit, evolve: Use tags, walk-ons, time jumps, and transformations to tell stories that are surprising, satisfying, and theatrical.
This class is a playground for improvisers who want to deepen their skills, take creative risks, and build shows from the ground up. Brendan O’Brien brings a wealth of experience, a deep love for ensemble work, and an energetic, encouraging teaching style that challenges players to be brave, thoughtful, and hilarious.
Whether you're interested in narrative arcs, montage play, or ensemble synergy, this class will give you the tools, vocabulary, and reps to take your longform to the next level. The course culminates in a live longform performance where you’ll get to show off your ensemble’s unique voice and stye.
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Who should take this class:
This class is ideal for intermediate to advanced improvisers — folks who have already taken a few improv classes and have some experience performing in showcases or on stage. If you’re comfortable with scene work, understand the fundamentals of “yes, and,” and are ready to explore more complex formats and deeper character relationships, this class is for you. It’s designed for players who want to move beyond shortform games and dive into the art of longform storytelling, ensemble play, and building something bigger together. If you’ve already taken Intro to Improv (or Improv 101) and a couple of other classes, this course is probably right up your alley. You’ll be building on the fundamentals you’ve already learned and diving into more advanced scene work and longform structure. Not quite sure if it’s the right fit? No problem — just email
ZWR1Y2F0aW9uIHwgY3N6cnZhICEgY29t and we’ll be happy to help you find the class that matches your experience and goals.
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