COMEDY SYMPOSIUM / FREE PARKING

Emotional choices are a crucial part of scene work, but as improvisers, our emotional states—both on and off stage—also play a significant role in our performances. No, this isn’t therapy, but in this symposium, we’ll take a step back and slow down our performances to examine why we gravitate toward certain scene partners and avoid others.

We’ll explore what drives the content of our scenes in the first few sentences, how our emotions manifest physically, and how they influence our approach to a scene. Since this is a symposium, all longform-related questions are welcome, but this will be the central focus of our discussion.

Participants should be prepared to be called upon to do a brief scene—or even just the start of one—at my discretion. Improvisers of all levels are welcome to attend, but please only volunteer for scene examples if you have some form of stage experience.

Anthony Atamanuik has been teaching improv and sketch comedy for nearly twenty years. He began training at the UCB Theatre in the fall of 2001 and quickly rose to weekend performer status by 2005. Throughout his training, he studied under Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts, Matt Besser, Kevin Mullaney, Billy Merritt, and Seth Morris.

Anthony teaches all levels of improvisation, from introductory courses to advanced scene work. He specializes in formats such as the Harold, Evente, and Monoscene, and is among a select group of improvisers fully trained and certified to teach Del Close’s final longform style, The Movie. His teaching emphasizes mindful scene work, realistic object work, and strong environmental relationships. While discovering “the game” is an important part of successful longform performance, Anthony takes a holistic approach to improv—one that applies across disciplines, from scripted performance to solo character creation.

Over the years, Anthony has taught countless students, many of whom have gone on to significant success. His former students include Ilana Glazer, Abbi Jacobson, Ben Schwartz, Mitra Jouhari, Sandy Honig, Alyssa Stonoha, Charles Rogers, Rachel Bloom, Lauren Adams, and many others.

Thank you for supporting live comedy in Austin!

ColdTowne Theater is located at 1700 East 2nd St. about a mile east of IH35 and one block north of Cesar Chavez St. We are no longer located on Airport Blvd. Check your destination before heading out, especially if you are using a rideshare like Uber or Lyft. 

We provide free parking, and street parking nearby is free after our lot is full. We recommend arriving at the venue 20-30 minutes before the advertised showtime to enjoy our bar! (ColdTowne is not BYOB). 

All event sales are final. No refunds will be issued for late arrivals.