Eleven years ago, Marin resident Mick Laugs answered an ad for teachers needed to lead local adult community classes ... and many Bay Area folks are happy he did!
After two sessions of teaching Improv classes through the community recreation department, Laugs went out on his own to create weekly improvisational workshops. He is also an improv coach for individuals and corporations and is a member of Marinprov (a local improvisational theater performance group).
His love of community, people and growth has led him to create a safe place for Bay Area adults (and teens) to hone their improvisational skills, enjoy live improv theater performances and more importantly, open up to the creativity we all have inside of ourselves.
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The improv philosophy that “all mistakes are gifts” is the driving force behind his workshops and proficiency as an improviser himself. He says, “It’s OK to screw up, it's OK to not know, and trust that it will take you somewhere else. Also, others are there for you. And that is so applicable to life, stuff happens … then a whole other world opens up. … We all have those serendipitous stories we love to share and here (Improv class) we are practicing that art…”
Laugs explains why he enjoys teaching improv classes. “I love the sense of community and connection … feeling like we are part of a community and hearing that people are taking the work out. People saying, I use this with my students, I use this with my clients, I use this at home with my kids and with my spouse ... the fact that it ripples out beyond just the class…”
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His students agree that, “Mick creates a safe environment for adults to come together and play,” says Susan, a member of his improv group for the past seven years. Susan is a former middle school teacher and joined Laugs’ classes to feel more comfortable in front of a classroom and make her classes more fun for her students.
She is now retired and still comes to classes, because as she says, “It’s never boring. It’s not what you do in your normal life … and you’re creative, interacting with people, playing all kinds of games, having new patterns of play … having just fun with adults.”
Shelley, of San Rafael, was one of the first students in Laugs’ pilot improv community classes more than 10 years ago. She is one of the more advanced members of his class and has the role of class administrator and more recently the lighting person for the Marinprov performances. Her love of life, laughter and witty mind combine to add so much fun to these weekly classes.
She says of her experience, “I absolutely love, after a hard day at work, coming to class and just laughing for three hours and getting all of my frustrations and tensions out of my body…”
David, who drives in from Pt. Reyes each week says, “I like that it can often be 2-3 hours of laughter and smiling … for 20 bucks, it’s a great value.”
Beginners, intermediates and advanced improvisers are welcomed to these ongoing weekly classes. Laugs creates an amazingly comfortable space for newcomers, regulars and “irregulars" to join together and play warm up and theater games, such as: pass the clap, one word story, word association whip around, three things, area of expertise, group morphing sculptures and many, many, many more.
Laugs keeps classes fresh and moving along. He is continually learning and bringing new ideas to class. Some are from classes he takes, and others are ideas he creates himself.
Mimi says of these classes, “I have been coming to Improv for a long time. And what I’ve found from the very beginning is, it gets me out of myself. I have been shy as a younger person and I’m not shy anymore! And I’m not afraid to get up in front of a group of people and say whatever I want to.”
The three-hour class progresses through many theater games and culminates into scene work with groups of two or more, or possibly even the whole class. Each week magic ensues as emotions and growing skill sets create original characters, relationships, objectives and locations. Many scenes are funny, touching, poignant and sometimes downright silly!
After each six-week cycle an informal performance is scheduled and all members are welcome to bring family and friends to watch and or participate. There is no charge for the visitors. Members get the experience of performing in front of a supportive audience.
All agree that Laugs is a gifted teacher, performer and all around wonderful person. His ability to “allow” everyone to be who they are, no matter what, creates a unique space to play, create and be open to any eventuality. His humor and compassion combine to bring a sense of fun and depth to these ever evolving classes.
You are welcome to try one. They take place every Thursday night from 7-10 p.m. in the building at 150 Nellen Drive, next to Gold’s Gym in Corte Madera. There is plenty of parking, the first class is free and there is a break from 9-9:20 p.m., where class members get to socialize with each other while munching on yummy snacks.
Classes are $120 for a 6 week series and $25 for a drop in class. But remember, the first class is free! For more information you are welcome to contact Mick at (415) 332-1630 or email: micklaugs@gmail.com . You are also welcome to contact Shelley at shelleyssf1@comcast.net
So tivo the American Idol results show, put down your smartphone, forget about washing your hair, and join the FUN loving, joyful members of this weekly three-hour play session for adults.
It just might change your life … as it did mine!
Upcoming Marinprov performance at Marin Art Council in San Rafael, Saturday, May 14, at 8 p.m.
Marilyn LoRusso has been a regular (and sometimes “irregular”) member of Laugs’ Improv classes for the last 2 years.
