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Will Luera

Actor/Writer/Director
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The Human Right to Laugh

I run a number of different classes and shows focusing on Improv, Sketch, and Storytelling. At the core of all of my projects is the collaborative spirit of Improvisation. 

Workshops

Improv Classes

I offer a variety of classes that are appropriate for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced performers. They can be taught from a span a couple of hours to several days. Whatever is appropriate for your ensemble or event. For more information, please email me at me@will-luera.com to discuss options. Below are the off-the-shelf classes I offer.

Intro to Improv

100+

Intro to Improv will focus on providing the performer with the tools necessary to make confident and instant decisions for any type of performance. We will focus on how you process the “offer” from your fellow actors and be inspired to make a confident and fun choice that sets the scene up for success. You will walk away from the workshop with the tools necessary to instantly build a moment grounded in emotion, physicality and voice.        

Intro to long-form Improv

100+

Intro to long-form Improv focuses on the building blocks of scenework that will eventually be used for long-forms like the Harold, Armando, Living Room, etc. This intro workshop puts emphasis on providing the performer with the tools necessary to make confident and instant choices that will benefit them in long-form performances as well as short-form and other styles of improvisation. We will focus on how you process the “offer” from your fellow actors and be inspired to make an inspired and fun

Emotions = Relationship = Game

100+

We are constantly bombarded with thoughts on what these mean. Some people feel that Emotions are key...some feel that Relationships are key...and others feel that its all about the game. This workshop will show you how are three are talking about the same thing but just from different perspectives.

Same old thing

100+

Does every other police scene need to be about a hold-up or a donut shop? Does every other dating scene have to be about online dating? Does every other Parent/Child scene need to be about sneaking in the house? Let's re-examine some of our old-standbys and shake them up to give them fresh new perspectives. 

Edit Toolbelt

100+

Let's go shopping and add some new edits to your repertoire. This class will consist of casual window browsing of over a dozen different edits. We will start with simple techniques and slowly build to more theatrical and aesthetically complicated editing techniques. We'll practice them, talk about them and if you like them, you can take them home! 

Follow the Funny

100+

Every laugh is a spontaneous agreement between an entire room of people. It’s in that moment of laughter that people can let their guard down and connect to a new perspective. This workshop focuses on why something is funny and how we can best take advantage of those moments to inspire the scene, the next scene, and the rest of the show. 

Soundscape

100+

A movement-centric class focused on creating visual movement based stories accompanied by music. Students will learn how to explore the emotional and comedic spectrum using only their bodies. This class is great for either those who are trying to improve their physical play or those who get caught in their head with the sometimes verbal play of scenework.

Scene Diagnostics

100+

This workshop focuses on a line-by-line deconstruction of your scenes to see what works and what doesn’t. The first third of the class will look at scene openings. We will focus on making strong verbal, non-verbal and physical offers and then on how to properly build off of that idea together. The second third will look at the meat of the scene. 

Falling in Love on Stage

100+

Falling in love with your scene partner and their characters. This workshop will focus on scenes that don't require you to invent but instead discover the subtle choices that your scene partner makes and then fall in love with those choices; unconditionally, flaws and all. From within these simple choices and blind love will emerge the comedy that comes with real relationships.

The Physics of Improv

100+

Every object in the Universe has an affect on every other object in the Universe. The mere fact that you share the stage with someone else gives you a relationship. Your relationship is affected by your distance from each other, how you move relative to each other and each individual's perception of time (Yes, sometimes two characters can be functioning on two different scales of time in the same scene). We will explore the multiple dimensions that make up a scene.

All by myself

100+

Ready to take on the ultimate challenge in improvisation? This workshop focuses on the art and skill of solo improvisation. We will explore different solo forms that will help you lean into your ideas and express your voice as a solo artists without panicking because no one else is around to help you. With enough time, students will explore how to develop their own solo improv form.

Narrative Improvisation

100+

This workshop review tools and skills needed to build single-world storylines over one scene or several. We will look at how to build a world that not only grounds the story but also provides opportunity for exploration via interesting characters and narrative specific transitions. Students will step away with the tools to create their own narrative short-form games or long-form shows.

Coaching and Directing Improvisation

1OO+

A diagnostic look at how to be an effective improv director and coach. We will look at how to successfully implement a vision for a short-term show, a long-term ensemble, a veteran team or a group of new improvisers by breaking down every aspect of the directing process from auditions to rehearsals to notes. Every student will step away with ready-to-implement tools that they can put into use immediately.

New Improv Show Factory

100+

We're all looking for "the show". The one that speaks to our comic sensibilities, challenges us to be better performers and always leaves us feeling good when we walk off the stage. The most important step in finding that show is allowing yourself to take that first creative step by yourself or with a scene partner. In this workshop we will focus on brainstorming ideas, committing to a concept and then performance.


Improv Formats

Workshops focusing on Improv Formats and Structures. For more information, please email me at me@will-luera.com to discuss options. Below are the off-the-shelf classes I offer.

The Big Bang

100+

Learn the signature format of the Big Bang ensemble that explores stories that are happening now, could happen later, and simultaneously happening elsewhere. This workshop will focus on the free-form format that creates form where there wasn’t one before by exploring content, revisiting ideas and then organically closing the show by learning the signature pivots, parallel moves and portals that makes every Big Bang show unique.

Intro to Harold

100+

A look at the long-form classic format out of Chicago known as the Harold. You will learn the basic structure and philosophy of the form; ways to execute each beat; and clear steps to help you better perform this iconic piece of improvised theater. You will walk away with working examples of group games and tools to develop the pattern and content recognition that will be useful as you continue to perform Harold.

Short-Form

100+

A review of classic short-form games that you can use with your team. Different types of games will be discussed including guessing, audience based, musical, physical, verbal, medium-form and more. Drilling of the fundamentals of each game and appreciation of the origins of each will be stressed throughout the course. In addition, there will be time devoted to how to create a proper set-list that balances out the needs of the cast and the audience while maximizing the fun!

Free-form Improvisation

100+

This workshop explores the makings of the unique style of Big Bang free-form improvisation. This mindset is built on the concept of "follow the funny" and proposes that every single moment, beat, line and movement in a show can be deconstructed and used to lead you to the next scene. During this exploration and deconstruction of content, a language and pattern are established that help define form where previously there was no form. 

Alternate Forms

100+

This Workshop is a sampling of multiple forms including Harold, Armando, Living Room, La Ronde, Close Quarters, Deconstruction, JTS Brown, Typewriter and others. This class will focus on how each of these forms are different from each other, how they borrow from each other, and how you can use each one to create your own unique long-form show.

Playbook

100+

This workshop focuses on the very unique set of muscles to create narrative and plot driven improvisation. In breaks down a story into narrative beats that create very identifiable milestones for the ensemble to hit. With these simple rules, any ensemble can improvise a genre-driven narrative, an improvised one-act or a fully improvised play.

Improvised Sitcom

100+

The workshop focuses on a modified Harold format to help create an improvised television show to your audience. Through a series of exercises, the cast learns how to present Sitcom-esque scenarios and characters and even how to improvise commercials and an opening jingle! First developed in Chicago in the early 90’s by Dan Goldstein, Sitcom came to Boston in 1998 and is now taught around the world by Will Luera.

Blue Screen

100+

A workshop that focuses on the unique movie style format of Blue Screen. Learn how to translate movie edits and terminology to the improv stage so that you can put on your own unique improvised movie. The workshop will look at how to execute various different camera shots, genres and special effects using only the tools of improvisation. The class is modeled after the successful show, “Blue Screen” which has run three times as a showcase at ImprovBoston and at festivals including the Del Close M

Quest

100+

Create an all-immersive world that has its own history, physics and momentum. Focus on the skills that will set your ensemble up to perform a serial show that can take place anywhere in this world at any time. The techniques of Quest will be used to create a medieval fantasy world but can also be applied to any other type of world you’ll like which will then provide hours, days and months of entertainment for your actors and your audience.


Sketch and Storytelling

Using Improv at its core, these classes focus on written and prepared comedy.

Intro to Sketch

100+

An introduction to basic sketch writing processes and premises. Students will be introduced to exercises and workflows to help with brainstorming on a topic, pitching ideas, writing a first draft, working with a collaborator and delivering a final draft. The goal is to help the student turn whatever nugget of an idea into a sketch that can be anywhere between 10 seconds to 5 minutes long.

Improv to Sketch

100+

A great workshop for improvisers that are interested in getting into sketch. The class will run through a series of exercises that use improvisation as a way to explore a theme and generate ideas. The content that is created will then be captured on paper and worked on as a group in an effort to deliver first drafts.

Intro to Storytelling

100+

We all have a story to tell. In this workshop, we will work on finding our interesting story and molding it into something that is performance ready. We will work on finding the compelling parts of your story and fine-tuning it with a story arc, specificity and presentation. Depending on the goals of your group, we can focus on sharing true-stories or creating original stories.

Custom education experiences also available.

Shows

Touring Shows

Below is a list of shows that I direct, produce and act in that are available for hire. If you'd like additional information on having any of these groups at your event or festival, please let me know!

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Big Bang Improv

$300 USD +

 Big Bang is fast-paced free-form show featuring some of the top alumni from the ImprovBoston Mainstage and Boston comedy scene. 

Los Big Papis cast members, Will Luera and Alfredo DeQuesada

Los Big Papis

$300 USD+

Los Big Papis is a Bilingual international touring comedy improv group based out of the United States with actors in Boston, NYC and Florida.

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Bodega

$300 USD+

A diverse, long form improv troupe that performs comedy with a cultural twist.

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Blue Screen

$300 USD+

An Improvised version of a blockbuster movie including trailers, award-winning worthy performances and Special Effects!

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Quest

+300 USD+

Quest combines the challenge and framework of traditional role-playing games with the humor and excitement of long-form improvisation. The result is a serial adventure you can’t just experience once. 

CONSULTING SERVICES

Developing an Improv Curriculum

In addition to my services as an instructor, facilitator, director, and performer, I am also available to help you develop Improv Curriculum for your education program or for you as an individual instructor.

I have 20 years of experience developing Improv curriculums for youth, adults, corporations, and universities and can coach you through how to put a plan together that will engage your audience and be a successful platform for your voice. Prices are determined by the length of the workshop that you’re trying to create but begins at $500 for a one-hour course.


If interested, you can also purchase my off-the-shelf classes outright and put them into use right away. My entire catalog of classes are below. One individual class can be purchased for $700. An entire eight-week course can be purchased for $5,000.


What you are paying for are courses that are proven to work and that will yield results immediately. Once you purchase them, you are free to modify them to whatever works best for you and your community.


If you’re interested, please reach out to me via DM or on e-mail at me@will-luera.com. Thank you!


Introduction to Improvisational Acting
1: Your Authentic Self
2: Saying Yes
3: Setting up the Scene
4: Tell me how you feel
5: Emotion + Emotion = Relationship
6: Specificity and Articulation
7: Listening and Awareness
8: Scenes Start Toolset Review


Finding the Fun and the Funny
1: Vocalization and Building a Character
2: Physicality and Building a Character
3: Status, Hierarchy and Archetypes
4: Environment Work
5: Pattern Recognition
6: The Tilt and Heightening
7: The Resolution of the Scene
8: Timing


The Game of the Scene
1: Identifying the Game of the Scene
2: Heightening the Game of the Scene  
3: Editing
4: Walk-Ons
5: Three’s Company, Four is a Crowd, Five is a Party!
6: Tagouts and Time Dashes
7: Scene Montage
8: Self Created Content with Scene Montage


Introduction to Long-Form
1: Group Mind
2: Group Games
3: Organic Group Games
4: Openings - Generating ideas as a group
5: First Beat of Scenes
6: First and Second Beats
7: First, Second and Third Beats
8: Longform Toolset Review


Narrative Long-Form
1: Slow Burn Scenes
2: Directed Longform
3: Single Narrative
4: Multiple Narrative
5: Loose Narrative
6: Space based Narrative
7: Tangential Narratives
8: Narrative Toolset Review


Free-Form - Follow the funny
1: Actor Pivoting (Pulling Focus)
2: Character Pivoting (Pushing Focus)
3: Verbal Pivoting
4: Physical Pivoting
5: Spatial Pivoting
6: Texturing
7: Zooming
8: The Fourth Wall

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Copyright © 2020 Will Luera - All Rights Reserved.

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