improv

Sunday, Dec 6, 2026 10am-3pm 
$50

Level 0 introduces people who are curious about improv but may be hesitant to commit to a multi-week course, a specific theater, are limited on time, are intimidated by potentially performing, or more. Level 0 introduces the fun and basic concepts of improv. We’ll focus on longform improv, which focuses on improv scene work without games. Longform is the style of improv used by Ben Schwartz and Friends.

Promise of the workshop: A half-day, no-pressure intro to improv where you can experiment, laugh, and mess up in a kind room.

Intended participants: No prior experience is needed. This workshop is designed for people who are improv-curious, anxious about performing, or returning to improv after a long time away. $50 for 4 hours of instruction. A lunch break is scheduled from 12-1pm and not included in the registration cost. We cap registration at 12 attendees.

Led by Ben Rush:

Ben Rush is a Madison-based improviser, teacher, coach, and founder of Amalgam Improv. He has helped build Madison’s improv scene by producing shows, creating performance opportunities, leading community jams, and developing welcoming courses for new improvisers. Ben teaches with a balance of structure, play, and practical scene experience. He enjoys helping students become more comfortable making bold choices, supporting the scene, and developing their own comedic voices. Ben is also a PhD medical imaging researcher and data scientist. His scientific work includes mentoring researchers in study design, coding, analysis, and communication, which informs his thoughtful and organized approach to teaching improv.