Popular Week-Long Improv Intensive Returns

Penobscot Theatre Company is offering a week-long improv intensive, July 24-28, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, led by Stan Wells who has directed multiple shows for famed LA comedy institution The Groundlings. It is open to adults and teens aged 15+, and novices are welcome to register along with veteran performers. All classes will be at the Bangor Opera House, 131 Main Street, Bangor. The cost is $150.

"We had such a tremendous response to last summer's improv intensive," said Amy Roeder, the theatre's director of education and an experienced improvisational performer and trainer. "Older teens and adults are looking for more in-depth creative classes during a season when they have more free time. With a wealth experience and expertise, Stan Wells will hone participants' improvisational technique to help them spontaneously create compelling stories and fascinating characters.

This intensive is perfect for folks with some improv training who want to start exploring longer scenes and character!" Stan Wells was born in Smith Center, Kansas, in 1955, but was primarily raised in Seattle, Washington. A graduate of the Professional Actors Training Program at the University of Washington, he found success in Hollywood guest starring in shows such as M.A.S.H., Bret Maverick, Palmerstown U.S.A. and the Emmy-award-winning television version of The Miracle Worker, among many others. He has produced and/or directed more than 2,500 improv, sketch and one-person shows with The Groundlings Theater and the The Empty Stage in Los Angeles, and with Being Humans in Seattle.

He directed The Transformers, an improv group featuring Lisa Kudrow and a bevy of Emmy-award-winning writers from, Saturday Night Live, Ellen, The Simpsons and Frasier. Former student and friend Conan O'Brien sometimes drops in to perform with The Transformers who are still doing shows in Los Angeles after more than 25 years together. He co-wrote and directed an improvisation-based play Three starring a very young Felicia Day that received a "Pick of the Week" in the LA Weekly. Wells now lives in Bangor, Maine, with his wife, author Laura Giebfried. The two write screenplays together.

Individuals may register online at www.penobscottheatre.org under the Education tab, by calling (207) 947-6618, or emailing education@penobscottheatre.org.