The Armando

This will be a 4-Week Intensive | Limited to 10 Students | There is no showcase for this class but there is potential for students from this class to feed into our CSZRVA Late Nite performances!

Take your longform improv skills to the next level in this deep-dive intensive focused on the Armando, a form built around honest storytelling and rich, inspired scenework. Over four weeks, you’ll explore how to turn true stories into compelling scenes, sharpen your editing instincts, and build ensemble chemistry through organic play.

This class is capped at just 10 students to ensure focused feedback and personalized coaching. While there is no final showcase, each class is packed with performance-based reps designed to prepare you for real longform sets.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your listening, monologue delivery, scene transitions, or callback abilities—this intensive will give you the tools and reps you need to grow.

What You’ll Learn Each Week:

Week 1:

Intro to the Armando form and its core components
Monologues, story deconstruction, and idea pulling
Foundational scene starts and thematic exploration

Week 2:

Scenic editing tools (sweeps, tag-outs, group shifts)
Recognizing edit moments and building ensemble rhythm
Initiating scenes from shared story inspiration

Week 3:

Group games vs. small-group scenes
Scene pacing, escalation, and callback structure
First full-length Armando runs with side coaching

Week 4:

Rapid-fire inspiration and thematic weaving
Two full Armando sets with individualized notes
Feedback session and next steps for longform performers

This class is ideal for:

Intermediate+ improvisers ready to expand into longform
Players looking to build stronger group mind and editing skills
Performers who want to deepen narrative instincts and storytelling chops

The Armando: Deconstructing monologues for longform Improv