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Detour Workshops: Emergent Story: Discovering Narrative
Back to Detour: Improv Theater Festival
Porter Hall 100
5000 Forbes Avenue, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
15
Registered
Registration
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Details
Every moment on stage contains the seed of a story waiting to be discovered. This workshop introduces the fundamental principles of narrative structure through the lens of improvisation, teaching participants how to recognize and develop the dramatic potential in any scene. Through a combination of structured exercises and guided scene work, you'll learn to identify dramatic stakes, character wants, and narrative tension as they emerge organically through play. We'll explore how to build narrative momentum while staying present and truthful in scenes, and develop compelling story arcs that engage both performers and audience. Perfect for theater practitioners looking to expand their toolkit and improvisers wanting to strengthen their storytelling foundations.
Topic: Narrative Structure & Scene Development
Please arrive at least 5 minutes early and check in with the NPP representative in front of the workshop location. If you can't make it, please cancel your reservation to allow others to register due to limited space. Thank you!
Dress Casual (jeans ok)
Speakers
Gretchen Eng
Gretchen Enghas worked in the Chicago comedy community since her salad days in the Second City Teen Ensemble. Following a brief stint studying classical voice and doing sketch comedy at Vassar College, she has been a producer and performer at iO for ten years, specifically with Devil's Daughter, The Armando Diaz Experience, and in her duo Jaymes Gretchky. She is a professor in Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts, teaches all levels of the training center at iO, coaches, and designs curricula for an array of corporate, non-profit, and educational organizations as the Director of Professional Development and Partnerships for the theater.