Open Studio

SPACE TO PLAY

Want to get more reps? More “time in the pool”?
Craving more improv time but your team isn’t rehearsing?
Come on, dive in… here’s your chance…

Welcome to Open Studio

A dedicated practice space where improvisers can play, experiment, and hone their craft. Just like musicians have jam sessions and visual artists have studios to sketch and explore, Open Studio gives you the time and space to develop your improv skills through regular practice.

What To Expect

A facilitator will guide the group through warm-ups and games before moving into scenes or sets.

Open Studio is designed to be both fun and supportive. It's about keeping those creative muscles limber in a playful, experimental environment.

Come strengthen your skills, build confidence, and connect with fellow improvisers in this unique space where practice meets play!

Details

  1. Open Studio not a “class” but rather a calendar of drop-in sessions (pre-registration is required and we reserve the right to cancel sessions for low enrollment).

  2. Price for each session is $15 payable ahead of time. You must pay ahead of time to be admitted.

  3. You can buy a package of 5 sessions for $60, bringing the per session price to $12. BUY A PACKAGE NOW! When you buy a package you get a code that you can use to register for sessions.

  4. Group size is limited to 14. (depending on space, size could be capped at less).

  5. All classes are held upstairs at Westside.

→ $15 per session

→ Discount if you purchase a package

CURRENT SCHEDULE

Note that when you register you can put in your package or discount code at the payment step.

Wednesday at 7pm

The best way to understand Open Studio, just like improvisation in general, is to DO IT!!

Questions & Answers

  • Right now we are requiring you to pay ahead. This could change in the future. We need to gauge demand and also manage no-shows so… for right now this is “drop-in” with pre-registration and payment required.

  • You can cancel and get a refund.

  • In order to accomodate selling packages we are trying a new system. So Open Studio just has its own little set of things over here, different from tickets, classes, PW.

  • You can create an account. In the upper right hand corner of the scheduling screen there is a SignUp and Login link. Follow those.

    One note, this is a different login than your normal Westside account. We know, not ideal but … it should be manageable.

  • It is not. This is a play space, a practice space, that does not include performance. It is intended to be an add-on for anyone who just wants more play and more reps.

    If you want to get formal coaching and performance time, Players Workshop or your House Team is where you should be.

  • The spirit of Open Studio is play - pure and simple.

    It turns out when everyone comes to just play it doesn’t really matter how much experience you have… improvisation is a great equalizer in its own way.

    So come out and PLAY, no matter where you are in your improv journey.

  • We get it. It is hard to please everyone.

    For now, Open Studio is in an experimental phase. We need to find times and days that make sense for our community.

    The goal is pretty simple: provide space for the pure enjoyment and play of improv. This is all happening in the context of the growing theatre and teams and PW and classes so space is sometimes limited.

    We ask for your patience and participation as we work this all out. The goal is a calendar of sessions that meets as much need as we have and provides a fun place for improvisational play.

    If you have ideas and/or comments there is a form below you can use to input to the process.


Ideas for Using Open Studio

  1. Grab your house team and all register together - make it a team-building experience!

  2. You're a student not quite ready for Players Workshop yet but want to stay connected to the improv community.

  3. You want to play with all the wonderful new people you see around the theater.

  4. You want to connect with and learn from veteran players in a low-pressure setting.

  5. You're working on something specific in your own improv and need a safe place to experiment.

  6. You want to make sure your day includes some creative play, fun, and laughter.

  7. You're looking to end your work day by blowing off steam through creativity rather than at a bar.

  8. You're hungry for reps, reps, REPS, and more reps!

  9. You struggle with confidence in improv and want a supportive environment to grow.

  10. WHAT'S YOUR IDEA?? See you in Open Studio!

Comment Box

Westside is filled with creative folks with great ideas. If you have comments and ideas for Open Studio, drop ‘em here. No guarantee we can fulfill your every wish, but curious what you think as we build this new program. Particularly days/times that you would love to see sessions offered.