This workshop will highlight what happens to us as performers when a scene becomes scary, offensive, or insensitive, and we freeze or lose ourselves. We explore some approaches to get the agency back when we find ourselves somewhere uncomfortable, tools for improvising mindfully, and finding a proactive voice for you and your show. We will learn the SwagHat format. A living room-style discussion, and then we perform scenes inspired by the conversation. 

TRIGGER AND CONTENT WARNING: this is a class on scenes when you find yourself dealing with topics of race or socially and politically charged situations - which means it will include discussions and scenes dealing with race, gender* and other very personally sensitive areas and how to move forward thoughtfully, respectfully and meaningfully when you find yourself there.

Instructor: John Gebretatose has been performing stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy in Minnesota's Twin Cities for over 10 years. He is an instructor, Co-Executive Director, and Director of Diversity and Inclusion at HUGE Theater in Minneapolis, MN, and has taught improv workshops in theaters, hospitals, corporate workspaces, K-12 schools, and colleges. He has also led and facilitated diversity and inclusion programming for improv theaters worldwide through his mission to uplift all voices. John trained and worked at the Brave New Workshop and is a founding member of Blackout Improv, Late Nights Minneapolis (a sketch comedy show), and co-founder of the Black and Funny Improv Festival. He has traveled the world performing, teaching, and directing improv.