Held2gether: Improv for Life

When I moved to Long Beach I attended one of Held2Gether's Last Laught Saturday's at Hot Java and, frankly, left there with my stomach hurting from all the laughter.  A few weeks later I got enough nerve to take a half day Improv Workshop with Darren to get my feet wet in the world of improv.  It was a blast!

I left there wanting more.  In October 2012 I started taking Improv Classes with Held2Gether and never looked back!  The instructors are supportive, knowledgable, and a lot of fun.  Darren and Sonnjea do a great job of creating a family in each class.

In fact, through Held2Gether I made some pretty amazing friends from class.  Being new to Long Beach it was a great way to meet some fun, creative, and super nice people!  As well, many of the skills I've learned through taking improv with Darren and Sonnjea are easily applied to my daily professional life.

So, if you're looking for an excuse to play each week, want to make new friends, or gain some valuable skills that translate into the professional environment I highly recommend checking out one of the Improv Classes offered by Held2Gether!

YEPPERS!  
When I started taking Level 1 class about 2 years ago - I was just HOOKED IMMEDIATELY!

 I felt like I had gone to heaven!  I love taking "breaks from brutal reality" (just call me the "Escapist Queen") as much as I can - AND I LOVE to have FUN...so going to these classes felt like going to a blast party every week!  And after about 2 years of classes - -  I STILL feel that way!  I was SO HAPPY to discover the other students who-  looking like " ordinary drone workers" from the outside - quickly revealed their  'inner'  child who is insane, clever, fun loving and exuberant.    Finally! I had met other kindred alien life forms!  I realized I had entered a Fabulous Mind Set taught in class.

I find these classes nurture an 'interactive social creativity'  by teaching the group improv comedic "Tools and  Rules'  - - where I learned to get  "plugged in" to a collective "Improv Comedy Higher Consciousness' . Whew! See what I mean?

 I've been an addict ever since day one- under the tutelage of  "Darren" (whom I call the "Group Improv Guru") He is incredibly knowledgable, kind and has really HIGH ENERGY!  He gives INDIVIDUAL quick critiques  after each exercise vignette   Unlike many instructors, Darren has the gift of positive feedback - he's never a turn off to learning about yourself and your skill level. .I really got to learn  how I 'present' and 'communicate' without getting all hung up and shut down.

I encourage ANYONE OF ANY AGE to take these classes.  I am not a professional actor nor have I ever been interested in this type of performance work.  And it doesn't matter!

The classes are SHEER enjoyment, lots of laughter and learning AND its right here in Long Beach!!  And you meet the coolest people around!!

Taking Improv classes with Darren and Sonnjea has and continues to be fun and funnier.They provide a  positive,encouraging environment.You do not néed to be an actor.Try the 4 hour intro  class and you will not be disappointed.
If your looking to just meet people and make friends the Improv shows are in Long Beach and have a great connection to the community.
I promise you will LOL the whole time.What is better than that?