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Advanced Improv Skills: Owning the "What"

Taught by Mike Devine

America/Chicago
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Advanced Improv Skills: Owning the “What”


Ever walk off stage and think, “Wait… what just happened?” This 8-week advanced improv intensive is all about making sure you—and your audience—know exactly what just happened, and why it was awesome.

In Advanced Improv Skills: Owning the “What”, Mike Devine will guide you through finding, naming, and driving the core “what” of a scene—whether that’s a game, a dynamic, a theme, or a beautifully weird pattern that everyone can lock into. You’ll sharpen your tools so your sets feel less random and more like intentional, connected pieces of long-form.

Across 8 weeks, you’ll work on:

  • Setting the stage so your scenes launch with clarity instead of confusion

  • Bold, motivated characters with strong points of view that create the “what”

  • Taking real risks and committing hard (even when you’re not sure you’re right)

  • Relationships and dynamics (status, power shifts, agreement/disagreement that matter)

  • Using conflict on purpose instead of by accident

  • Finding the thread—theme, topic, or feeling—and riding it through the set

  • Holding onto the interesting thing instead of abandoning it for a new idea

  • Callbacks that land, not just references for their own sake

  • Game of the scene, from first unusual thing to heightening

  • Smart edits—when to cut, why you’re cutting, and how your edit serves the show

  • Wrapping it all up so your sets feel like a show, not just a collection of scenes

The session culminates in a full-hour graduation show featuring a mix of short-form and long-form improv on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM, giving students a chance to showcase their work in front of a live audience.

  • Instructor: Mike Devine

  • When: Tuesdays for 8 weeks, January 27 – March 17, 2026 (8pm to 10pm - same time each week)

  • Grad Show: Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM

  • Tuition: $300

Perfect for experienced improvisers who want their long-form to feel more intentional, playable, and unforgettable—so everyone walks out saying, “Yes. That just happened.”



 

  • The class will start on time. If you need to be late, there's no need to apologize or explain. Please enter the space quietly and take a minute to arrive and take in what's going on. We'll incorporate you as soon as we can.
  • We don't believe that money should stand in the way of you starting your improv journey. If you're interested in a class and cannot afford it, please reach out to us so that we can assist you.
  • Class registrations are subject to close approximately 72 hours before the start of the class, so please sign up early if you're interested! Registrations are final.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us through our website.
  • Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for light physical activity.
  • The only thing you need to bring to class is a willingness to be brave and participate.
  • Unless otherwise indicated in the class description, the theater opens 15 minutes prior to the start of your class time.
  • By your participation in a class or workshop, you agree to our terms and conditions.
  • One of the most effective ways to learn improv is to watch improv. As long as you are an active student within our community, attendance at shows is free to you. Attendance is subject to availability, and paying customers get priority.
  • We are always looking to make our curriculum more comprehensive, so if there's a course that you think will help you with your improv journey, please don't hesitate to contact us. 
  • All classes and workshops at The Bit are contingent on a minimum number of student registrations. (THE MINIMUM HAS BEEN MET!)
  • Instructors are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts and restrictions.
  • By your registration for a class, you are opting into communication from The Bit about upcoming classes. You may opt out of this communication at any time.
  • Our processing fees go directly to our ticket processing provider. We do NOT take a portion of the fee for ourselves.

Inclusivity is important to us, please read our statement. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated in any of our classes.


Buy Tickets Here!


 
  • All purchases are final.
  • Line-up, Teams, and Cast may change without notice
  • Unless otherwise indicated in the show description, doors and bar open one hour prior to showtime for most shows. Out of respect for other show guests, please arrive at the theater no later than 15 minutes prior to showtime. The doors may be closed to late arrivals.
  • ​Online ticket sales close ~60 minutes prior to the start of the show. After that time, tickets can be purchased at the box office, if available. Ticket purchases are final.
  • Your tickets are general admission, and we seat on a first-come, first-seated basis. Don't hesitate to ď»żď»żcontact us for reservations, particularly if you have a larger group.
  • The Bit is an 18+ club, although younger, accompanied guests are welcome. Though we generally hover around a PG-13 rating, please be advised that most of our content is improvised and set your​ expectations accordingly. We do have ď»żď»żfamily-friendly options, as well!
  • By your attendance at a show, you agree to our terms and conditions.