Name: Improv 401 - Character Creation and Study
Start: 2026-05-16T10:00:00-07:00
Location: Eagle Theatre

Join us for Improv 401: Character Creation and Study, a two-day intensive class designed to take your character work to the next level.
This class is designed to solve one of the biggest challenges many improvisers face: creating and sustaining compelling characters (beyond just using "accents.") If you’ve ever struggled with bringing a character to life or committing to one during scenes, this deep-dive class will give you the tools and techniques to do just that.
Whether you’re ready to tackle character work in a more grounded way or looking to refine your skills for advanced long-form and narrative short-form, this class will give you the confidence to take your characters—and your improv—to the next level.
Class Session:
Saturday and Sunday, 5/16 and 5/17, 10 AM - 5 PM both days
REGISTER:
https://www.crowdwork.com/e/improv-401-character-creation-and-study
During this class, students will learn to:
Learn to create, commit to, and sustain bold, specific characters
Create characters based on inspiration from real life
Master vocal, physical, and point of view of a character and utilize these points of articulation to create a unique character
Create "peas in a pod" and "opposite" characters in scenes
Understand status and objective in scenes
Match the energy of your scene partners' characters
Utilize acting techniques to portray genuine emotions from a grounded character
Prepare for our advanced study classes ("Long form essentials & styles" and "Narrative short form essentials & games")
Have fun and be gentle with yourself and others!
Important Details:
Tuition is nonrefundable. You must be at least 18 to register.
Prerequisites:
Improv 101, 201, and 301 or comparable experience/training. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Class schedule:
DAY 1:
10 AM – 1 PM: Part 1
1 PM – 2 PM: Lunch
2 PM – 5 PM: Part 2
There will be 5 minute breaks every hour.
DAY 2:
10 AM – 1 PM: Part 3
1 PM – 2 PM: Lunch
2 PM – 5 PM: Part 4
There will be 5 minute breaks every hour.
Students are welcome and encouraged to bring snacks and water and should bring their own lunches. Students may make their own lunch plans or join us for lunch at Frankie's Pizza (200 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814) which is a 1 minute walk from the venue.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Please let us know in advance if you require any accommodations so we can ensure you're safe and comfy.
We are happy to accommodate any requests to sit or take additional breaks for those who need them. You are encouraged to take care of yourself and your body’s needs! Sensory gear, including masks, sunglasses, and ear plugs will be provided for use.
PARKING:
Parking garages:
Old Sacramento City Garage (closest)
Tower Bridge Garage
Lot parking: Firehouse Alley between L and K Streets
Metered street parking:
2-hour parking from 10 AM – 10 PM
Free after 10 PM
About the instructor:
A life-long resident of Sacramento, Jessilee Windhaus (she/they) brings over two decades of expertise in theatre and improv education and leadership. She holds a BA in Theatre from CSUS and is the Co-Founder and former Improv Program Director of Empire Arts Collective and the Founder of That Plus Chips live sketch and improv comedy troupe. Locally, Jessilee has performed at Sacramento Comedy Spot, STAB! Comedy, and ComedySportz Sacramento, where she served as the Director of the High School League program. She has trained with Upright Citizen's Brigade and The Groundlings and mentored young actors nationwide as a Tour Actor/Director with Missoula Children's Theatre. She currently works as a Teaching Artist at CYT Sacramento, Marin Shakespeare Company, and previously at B Street Theater, and is an improv instructor and producer for Windhaus Improv, including serving as the director and coach of the improv group Sharks Barksley.
Haus of Comedy offers improv classes, live improv comedy shows, and team-building in Sacramento, CA. We believe that comedy is more than just entertainment—it is a catalyst for happiness, connection, and community.
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