September Study Group
We focused on using improv practice to strengthen voice acting skills, especially for self-directed auditions and on-the-spot directed reads this month.
The group runs warm-up improv games including “seven things” categories and builds a shared room by adding objects without people, then transitions into “expert” press-conference style scenes. A featured expert scenario is a trainer’s revolutionary caffeine and coffee injection method for football players, discussed through mock questions about testing and side effects, followed by another expert about using VR anime for painting buildings.
You can click on the video to get timestamps clickable.
00:00 Welcome and tech trouble
05:02 Warmup seven things game
14:33 Build a shared room
31:19 Choose expert role game
35:35 Caffeine football press conference
48:51 Anime painting expert debate
01:00:08 Closing moments and feedback
August Study Group
This month's Study Group includes guided improv and voiceover warmup session focused on short three line scenes, building relationship and status quickly, and active listening. The group completed a “shake it out” fun countdown, a “seven things” exercise with categories like seven actors, excuses for being late, and cold things, and then practiced multiple two person three line scenes and one longer “expert” press conference game. In the expert game, Brooke roleplayed Dr. Shavon Smith about secret bookcase bunkers, and Michelle roleplayed Sheila Schonkweiler about cheeses made from exotic milks. They also discussed keeping scenes non transactional, responding with yes and, and staying succinct.
You can click on the video to get timestamps clickable.
00:00 Welcome and scheduling updates
07:47 Fun shake warmup exercise
09:30 Seven things improv game
14:35 Three line scene practice
23:44 Status and yes building
28:59 Short scenes with characters
32:09 Chapstick and bunker notes
46:45 Second expert cheese press
53:30 Reflection and closeout discussion
59:24 Next meetup and goodbye
July Study Group
We focus on improv-based acting warmups and the popo framework for building character during voice work during the session. We went through exercises like shake it out, “seven things,” and an “expert panel” where participants riff with a character and answer questions confidently using elements like obsession, posture, voice, prop, and action, including examples such as a parenting clarinet pitch and animatronic eagles at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Participants discuss staying in character, using intention to avoid getting derailed, and channeling nervous energy to improve reads, with specific reminders such as avoiding using one’s voice for AI training without permission.
You can click on the video to get timestamps clickable.
00:00 Welcome and introductions
03:58 Questions and book discussion
09:12 Body warmups and games
14:34 Popo framework and setup
23:32 Shark tank clarinet demo
44:08 Animatronic eagle pitch
55:35 Scene feedback and highlights
57:43 Takeaways for auditions reads
01:05:34 Encouragement and closing