About the Lab
NYC has a distinct flavor of improv teaching: The Harold. Now don’t get me wrong, the form is basically perfect. With a 3x3 beat structure punctuated with group games, you get a solid form filled with character development, palate cleansers, and infinite possibility. It’s a great place to start, but Harolds aren’t the only kid on the block!
The Improv Lab was born as a vehicle for NYC creative’s to explore their—well—creativity. Together, the community dives deeper into every edit (i.e. sweeps, tags, organic), every form (i.e. Monoscene, La Ronde, even the Harold!), and every type of comedy (quick laughs, slow burns, etc.).
To accomplish this goal, each week is divided into three parts:
Check ins and wacky warm ups to establish a safe space with that week’s ensemble.
Targeted drills designed to build on strengths and identify opportunities for improvement.
Collaborative form development based on the discoveries we make together along the way.
And that’s it! We meet once a week on a drop-in basis. Come to as many or as few as you’d like. We’ll be here tinkering all the while.
Email NYCImprovLab@gmail.com for information on how to join in the fun!
Gavin is an improv nerd and healthcare professional based in Brooklyn. With over a decade of experience performing and coaching short form games, Monoscene, Spokane, Harold, La Ronde, and more; Gavin likes to shake things up and see what sticks to the fridge. His approach to directing is centered on following each improvisor’s curiosity with emphasis on forming safe spaces for stronger ensembles. Gavin strives to help each improvisor grow as a member of the Improv Lab community to produce fun and creative pieces that play to each improvisor’s unique perspectives and strengths.
Gavin received a Bachelors in Chemistry and Theater at Skidmore College, his MHA at Columbia University, and completed NTI’s Moscow Arts Theatre conservatory training program. Since moving to NYC, he has studied and performed at the Magnet and UCB with instruction from Elana Fishbein, Peter McNerney, Michael Lutton, Dennis Pacheco, Billy Soco, Caroline Martin, Matt Dennie, and Jeremy Bent.
When not improvising, Gavin works in healthcare and was part of the effort to help NYC recover from the pandemic by overseeing the daily operations of one of the city’s first Covid-19 vaccination clinics. It was wild. He also runs marathons, bakes bread, and enjoys learning new languages; he’s pretty good at 2 out of 3 of these.