Summer Focus: Longform Magic!

Tuesdays Starting July 8th

This class is an advanced focus and not recommended for beginners.

Students should have basic foundational skills in Improv.

Dramatic Improv

Harold and the Three Beat Structure

Harold is a beloved beast in the improv world, understanding this longform structure gives you the power to demystify and electrify your performance skills. Its storytelling meets spontaneity. Ensemble meets architecture. Comedy meets cohesion.

Discover your magic, yours alone, that only emerges in longform improv training!

We’re so excited to offer this class led by our own legendary Jacque Arend. This style of improvisation is what evolved the careers of actors and writers like Amy Poeler, Tina Fey, Adam McKay, Donald Glover, Ed Helms, Aubrey Plaza and many, many more. Expand your performance, writing, directing and audition skills. Gain confidence and trust.

Tuesdays Starting July 8th – September 30th

Full enrollment discounted and including final performance.

July open for single month enrollment.

  • Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM depending on class size.

  • Instructors: Jacque Arend

Register

Enrollment Options and Tuition:

We’ve built this program with flexibility in mind. Whether you’re looking to test the waters, sharpen your skills for a month, or commit to a full performance-driven intensive, there’s a place for you.

 

Full Program Enrollment:

Tuesdays Starting July 8th – September 30th

Full program discounted + final performance.

Highly recommended!

  • $660 in full or $225/month
  • AZAA Ongoing Students: $175/month
  • Includes July Skills Primer + August & September Harold Intensive
  • Final Performance included

Other Enrollment options

  • July Only – Skills Primer: $240 full month or $60 per class
    • Great for actors seeking skill-building without committing to performance
  • August and September Only: $265/month
    • Includes week 4 – July 29th – Group mind
    • AZAA Ongoing Students: $225/month

Single class drop in. July only

  • $240 for full month or $60 per classAZAA Ongoing Students: $200/month

    Perfect for those new to Harold or AZAA looking to explore

July Skills Primer!

Week 1 (July 8):Longform Scenework
Week 2 (July 15):Scenework Magic
Week 3 (July 22):The Illusion of Editing
Week 4 (July 29):Group Mind

Week 4 Required to join full Harold Intensive

In this three month course Jacque Arend leads you through all the nooks and crannies of modern longform improvisation. A master class in scenework, editing technique, collaborative ensemble performance and the three beat structure of non-linear storytelling. This class culminates in public performances at AZAA! Students can opt in for July as Single classes, or the full program. Students must join by July 29th to join the intensive.

The intensive culminates in public performances!

Tentatively scheduled for October 3rd and 4th

 Jacque Arend is a visionary leader, performer, and teacher with a passion for the art of improvisation. Trained at Chicago’s renowned iO Theater, Jacque’s deep roots in longform improv have shaped her 15+ years of experience as a performer and educator. As the Associate Artistic Director of Arizona Actors Academy, Jacque leads the Improv and Comedy programs, bringing her expertise to inspire students with creativity and authenticity. She also serves as Executive Director of SAVI Fest, fostering an annual celebration of improvisation, and as Managing Director of the global non-profit Improv Utopia, supporting improvisors around the world. Jacque’s commitment to cultivating community and artistic excellence makes her an invaluable force in the world of improv.

“Jacque is seriously one of the best performers and teachers in the state. Take her workshop and soak up her knowledge!”

Jose Gonzalez

“Learning longform improv with Jacque was not only incredibly fun, but allowed me to develop a formidable array of foundational core skills. From edits, to group games, to themes, and much more, working on the Harold format consistently pushed me and expanded my capabilities as an improviser and as a performer, all while maintaining a sense of freedom and play. Jacque’s skill as a coach enables her to create a class environment that is free of judgment and wonderfully focused on finding the joy in the work. When we finally performed as a group in our showcase at the end of the unit, seeing all the time and effort we’d put in paying off was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my artistic career thus far.”

Andrew Riggs

“She has great depth of knowledge about the art of improv. She challenges you to explore things in new ways. Great enthusiasm and creates a safe space for learning. She goes straight into the excersises. Gives great feedback and able to draw upon strengths.“

Various

“Jacque is one of my favorite instructors. She is always available to talk and is very supportive. She clearly wants her students to succeed and it shows.“

Anonymous

From Tuner to Turbocharger

High Performance Improv is your turbocharger, taking your skills from winning to dominating.

This advanced class goes beyond the basics, focusing on synthesizing your knowledge. Just like high-performance engines, we’ll compound simple ideas into complex systems, layering advanced concepts onto your existing skill set.

This three to four-month module program includes a live show and dives deep into various high-performance “systems” of improvisation, including:

  • Longform Performance: Master the art of multi-scene storytelling, building intricate narratives on the fly.
  • Sketch, Genre and Short Form Performance: Hone your comedic timing and razor-sharp wit to create side-splitting scenes.
  • Improvised Drama: Elevate your emotional connection and create deeply affecting scenes.

High Performance Improv is where your improv journey truly takes off. Be prepared to push your limits, explore uncharted territories, and become an improv powerhouse. Are you ready to leave the competition in the dust and dominate the stage? Buckle up and prepare for the ride of your life!

Classes start with a monthly primer, followed by a 8 to 12-week intensive that finishes with a performance. 

Registration Open

2025 Registration For HP Improv Programs

High Performance Improv Program

All of our communications are through email, please give us your best contact.
Are you currently enrolled in another AZAA class?
Get Started New/Return Students
Selecting the Intensive starting on July 29th will bypass the skills primer and start with Group Mind. The single class in July is a $50.00 cost added to your monthly tuition of $240.00
Get Started AZAA Bundled Tuition
Selecting the Intensive starting on July 29th will bypass the skills primer and start with Group Mind. The single class in July is a $50.00 cost added to your monthly tuition discount of $200.00.
Single Class Enrollment (you can register for more than one week)

Tell Us About Yourself

How did you hear about us?
Terms of Enrollment
• PAYMENT Your total tuition fee will be presented before submitting and charged upon completed registration using the information provided.
• REFUNDS Your payment is non-refundable. Cancellations should be made with at least 48 hours notice to pursue credit for future AZAA classes.
• INSTRUCTOR EMERGENCY In the event of emergency, we will send email notifications if classes are cancelled. Any cancelled classes will be offered a make-up class with ample time to adjust your schedule.
• Class Etiquette
We strive every day to create the safest creative environment for artistic development. This requires a working space of the highest integrity for personal risk taking and artistic exploration, both on and off the stage. Please review our student expectations.

Class Waiver & Policies

Waiver of Liability:
As a participant in any program or class at Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC), understand and agree that in participating in any acting/voice/movement class, workshop, rehearsal or performance, there is a possibility of physical injury or death. I recognize and acknowledge there are certain risks of physical injury, and I agree to assume the full risk of injuries, including death, damages or loss that I or my minor child may sustain as a result of participating in any activities connected with or associated with such program or class. I agree to waive and relinquish all claims I or my minor child may have as a result of participating in any program or class against Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs. (Hotchner Studios LLC) and its officers, agents, servants, employees and independent contractors. I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless and defend Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) and it's officers, agents, servants, employees an independent contractors from my claims resulting from injuries including death, damages and losses sustained by me or my minor child that arise out of, in connection with, or in any way associated with the activities of this program.
Optional Waiver:
Please check this waiver if you will permit use of you or your child's image as described below. If you do not check this waiver, we will not use you or your child's image. I understand that Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Sudios LLC) is a non-profit organization that promotes acting as an art form not only to it's students, but also to the community at large. As such, articles, brochures, videos and websites may be used either promotionally or educationally and may include images of Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) students or other participants in our programs. I hereby permit the use of my, or my daughter/son's image to be photographed, videotaped or otherwise recorded for the use in Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) publicity or educational materials. These materials include, but are not limited to, photographs of classes and performances, newsletters, various other school publications, Arizona Actors Academy/Theatre Upstairs (Hotchner Studios LLC) internet webpage and video of class/performances.

Payment

Terms of Full Focus Monthly Billing

• You will be charged the monthly tuition upon submission and set up for automatic billing on the first every month through July 1st.

• Registration is a commitment to the full program and tuition payments.

• Cancellations should be made with at least 48 hours notice of the first class of monthly enrollment to pursue credit for future AZAA classes. Any cancellation beyond that you forfeit all payments.

Tuition is monthly, unless you'd like to pay in full for an additional $15.00 off?
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Credit Card

Enrollment Changes

Forms for students already enrolled in classes wishing to make payment extension requests, continue or cancel enrollment. All change requests should be made before the 25th of the month and a withdrawal outside of your commitment requires a 30 day notice.

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Billing Extension Request
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