In partnership with
Theatre
Come join the fun in this popular class!!
Whether you have 10 years of improv experience or are completely new to the art form, this class is for you! Over the course of 6 weeks, you’ll dive into the core concepts of improvisational theater, with a focus on foundational skills like “Yes, and...” and “Follow the Follower.” These principles won’t just stay in the classroom—they’ll become part of your everyday life!
Improv is all about connecting with your intuitive self, helping you get out of your head and into the present moment. You won’t be sitting through long lectures; instead, you’ll immerse yourself in the experience through interactive games and exercises.
In addition to being a ton of fun, improv has been shown to activate the language and creativity centers of the brain, improve brain connectivity, reduce social anxiety, increase confidence, and help manage stress. It’s the perfect way to boost your creativity and embrace the uncertainty of life with confidence and joy.
Dean Tahtinen has been immersed in the world of improv for the past 20 years, performing with groups such as Second Sundays and the Petoskey Improv Troupe (P.I.T.). His mission is to share the transformative power of improv with as many people as possible. While Dean humbly admits that he may never be the "best" teacher, but he is committed to continuously improving his teaching skills through workshops and attending improv performances around the world.
Scholarships to cover class fees are available. To inquire, please call Cathy Degnan (231) 439-6378
Dean Tahtinen
In 2002 Dean was introduced to theatre as a co-leading man in play “The Best Man.” Since then, he has been onstage, backstage, and next to the stage as an actor, stage manager, assistant director, and light and sound technician for 15 or more productions. He began his improv journey with the Second Sunday Improv troop that preformed for 7 years on the second Sunday of the month raising funds for non-profit organizations. As the members of Second Sunday left the area, Dean took a couple of years off before forming the Petoskey Improv Troop or PIT that performed for 2 ½ years. He has lead improv after school classes with elementary schools in Petoskey, Alanson and East Jordan. He has provided the basics of improv: "don’t say no....make everyone look better and listen", to various organizations thru staff in-services. Dean's formal training consists of an intensive workshop at Second City Improv in Chicago, and informal training includes hours of research and visiting improv troops in Chicago, Toronto, Denver, Boston, and Melbourne Australia. Dean has a love for bringing the joy and creativity of improv to adults and children.
