Portland Comedy Theater

Mastering The Monoscene

If you've already done the Living Room, Harold, Armando, or long form narrative, then you are ready for the Monoscene. The Monoscene or sometimes called a one-act play was originally created by Michael Gellman, as detailed in the book

"Process". The Monoscene is one of the most challenging and rewarding forms of improv. In the Monoscene you play the same character for the full 30-45 minutes, you are only in one location, the scene takes place in real time, and there are no edits of time or space. It can be a tricky process as there's no internal form structures to cling too, so instead the improviser's skills require listening, give and take, ensemble focus, acting, and patience. Through this workshop, Jonathan Pitts, who studied with Michael Gellman twice, will teach the performers how to apply these skills in this form, as well as establishing small moments in the beginning that become strong character arcs, in depth relationships, and the ability build a whole world out of one location. 

Taking two or three of Jonathan's classes this weekend? Use the code TOAST for the second class and the code JAM for the third class and enjoy some savings for your commitment!

Jonathan Pitts is an award-winning international improv theatre artist and storyteller living in Chicago. He's performed and/or taught in 30 countries and over 100 cities. He's the former Executive Director of Chicago Improv Productions; Co-Founder/Producer Chicago Improv Festival; Creator/Producer College Improv Tournament; Founder/Producer Teen Comedy Fest; Creator/Director of improv theatre productions The Oracle; The Silent Movie; and Storybox and Time Piece. He taught, coached, and directed at The Second City Training Center for 16 years and was a contributing writer to Anne Libera's book, "The Second City Improv Almanac”. In 2025, he was listed #24 in Matt Fotis’ book “50 Key Improv Performers”.