Move beyond improv games and learn to craft truthful, character-driven scenes with Coach Ariel Rak. This six-week Level 2 series at 5501 Jefferson Ave is the next step for performers who completed Level 1 and want to deepen listening, relationships, and onstage choice.
Move beyond improv games and learn to craft truthful, character-driven scenes with Coach Ariel Rak. This six-week Level 2 series at 5501 Jefferson Ave is the next step for performers who completed Level 1 and want to deepen listening, relationships, and onstage choice.
Book with Creative 360
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Creative 360 · Midland, Michigan
Level 2 - Scenework at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, Michigan is a six-session improv lab that shifts students from games to genuine scene creation. Over six Tuesday evenings (April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5, 12) students meet from 6:30–8:00 pm to practice character work, emotional truth, and ensemble listening in a compact studio environment. Coach Ariel Rak leads the class, drawing on training with Magnet Theatre (NYC), the N.J. School of Dramatic Arts, and experience with ComedySportz; that lineage shows in a curriculum that prizes both structure and spontaneous response. This course is designed for consenting adults (18+) who have completed Improv Level 1 or received instructor approval. Rather than rehearse scripted scenes, participants 'build' scenes live: establishing objectives, listening for relationship cues, committing to physical choices, and finding stakes that make small moments turn. Exercises move from short-form prompts into sustained scenes where characters' wants and obstacles drive the action. The best scenes come when players accept offers — the class drills 'Yes, and...' until it becomes habit. The studio at 5501 Jefferson Ave functions as a rehearsal room and a lab: open floor, minimal props, and a focus on face-to-face connection. Midland's compact arts community benefits from spaces like this one because they allow emerging performers to experiment without pressure. That low-stakes environment accelerates risk-taking; you'll laugh, fail, and learn in quick succession. What makes this Level 2 special is the emphasis on relationships and specificity. Instead of trying to be funny, the work asks you to be truthful and reactive; humor follows. Expect partner exercises, trio work, and teacher-led notes after scenes that are direct, practical, and aimed at deepening choices. Bring energy, curiosity, and a willingness to follow offers. Practical details: sessions run 90 minutes, cost listed on booking page, and the address of the meeting point is 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640. Dress for movement, arrive early to warm up, and bring a notebook if you want to track breakthroughs. If you're pursuing improv beyond hobby level, this course is a hard-working next step that sharpens storytelling instincts and stage habits. Students commonly report clearer scene intentions, faster listening, and more reliable comic timing by the third class; Ariel Rak's corrective notes and targeted drills help translate practice into performance. After the six weeks, participants often continue meeting informally to workshop material, share show opportunities, or apply skills to teaching, corporate training, and community theater. This class rewards patience, repetition, and a readiness to make bold choices onstage.
moderate.
1.5 hours per session.
No athletic fitness required, but expect light physicality and movement; comfortable mobility helps.
Yes, Improv Level 1 or instructor approval is required; the class builds on fundamentals like accepting offers and basic scene structure.
Participants must be 18 or older.
Each class meets for 90 minutes from 6:30–8:00 pm on the scheduled Tuesdays.
Bring comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and a notebook to record notes and scene work.
The meeting point is 5501 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640—arrive early to check in and warm up.
Specific parking and accessibility details are not listed in the item summary; check the booking page or contact the organizer for accommodations.
Midland supports a steady community theater and performance scene; coach Ariel Rak brings experience from national improv centers into the local circuit.
Respect shared indoor spaces by minimizing waste, bringing reusable water bottles, and leaving the rehearsal room tidy for the next group.
Creative 360 is a community-centered arts organization based in Midland, Michigan, offering a broad calendar of performances, classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Dedicated to accessible arts education, Creative 360 runs inclusive semesters such as Artshop Clay and Artshop Painting Explorations that welcome participants of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Small class sizes—typically limited to eight students for specialized hands-on art sessions—ensure personalized attention and skill development. Creative 360 presents recurring public performances including the free Sound Community Music Series held every second Wednesday, featuring classical and jazz artists like Trio Rubaton and electro-acoustic sets. The venue hosts visiting artists and special concerts such as the June performance by Michigan native Sarah Bomber. Seasonal programming includes a Summer Theatre Intensive for ages 11–17 where students audition, rehearse, and perform under a professional director, and short-term workshops like Sewing for Everyone focused on upcycling and practical skills. Community engagement is central to Creative 360’s mission: the organization operates volunteer programs that allow community members to support events and enjoy performances, and coordinates special events such as the inaugural Holiday Art Fair during Midland’s Holiday Arts Weekend. Additional offerings like Tai Chi 360 provide wellness-focused movement classes suitable for all levels. Creative 360 partners with local artists and instructors to maintain a varied, community-rooted schedule of arts experiences in Midland.
Book with Creative 360