Character Creation Masterclass
4-Week Program at The Bit Theater - $200
🎠Character Creation Masterclass
4-Week Program at The Bit Theater - $200
Taught by Artistic Director Patrick Stinson
In order for this class to go we need 5 students. That is why when you sign up for the class it says the cost is $0. Once we have the 5 students you will receive an invoice for $200. This class has just been announced and currently has 1 students.Â
Where can a fully realized character take you?
- Paul Rueben's Pee Wee Herman started as a workshop experiment and grew into a pop culture icon.
- Billy Crystal brought to life unforgettable personas, from the bombastic Fernando to the charming Buddy Young Jr.
- Gilda Radner captivated with her larger-than-life characters on Saturday Night Live.
- Key & Peele created instant classics—like Luther, Obama’s anger translator, and the hilariously complicated Meegan and Andre.
- Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp began as a simple walk and bowler hat—and became a legend.
- Martin Short’s Ed Grimley still delights audiences decades later.
In this 4-week Masterclass, Patrick Stinson will guide you through focused exercises and direct coaching, using improv techniques to help you create a fully dimensional character that’s ready for the stage, the screen, or your next big project.
✅ End with a polished 5-minute solo performance—a monologue or action-based routine that’s uniquely yours.
âś… For experienced performers: This Masterclass is for actors, comedians, and improvisers who already have some stage or class experience.
âś… Discover your next great character and see where it could take you!
đź“… Schedule:
- Saturday, July 12, 1:00–3:00 PM
- Saturday, July 19, 1:00–3:00 PM
- Saturday, July 26, 1:00–3:00 PM
- Saturday, August 2, 1:00–3:00 PM
- Final Performance: Saturday, August 2, 5:30 PM
đź“Ť The Bit Theater, 4034 Fox Valley Center Dr, Aurora, IL
👤 Meet the Instructor
Patrick Stinson is the Artistic Director of The Bit Theater and a veteran performer, director, and educator with over 25 years of experience. He holds a BFA in Musical Theater and has worked professionally in acting, teaching, and producing across the country. Patrick has led theaters, directed musicals, taught acting and improv, and coached hundreds of performers—from beginners to professionals.
His work blends classical training with a love of bold, character-driven performance. As a teacher, Patrick focuses on helping performers find what is true, unique, and repeatable—creating characters that are physically grounded, vocally distinct, and built through action. Whether onstage or in the classroom, he is known for his direct feedback, deep knowledge, and genuine investment in every performer’s growth.
- 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.Â
- All classes and workshops at The Bit are contingent on a minimum number of student registrations. (THE MINIMUM HAS NOT YET 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.
- 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 contact 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 family-friendly options, as well!
- By your attendance at a show, you agree to our terms and conditions.