Rogue Improv!

Continue strengthening your empathy muscles with Rogue this month through improv on Monday, June 22nd at The Clinic in Mar Vista!

THE SCHEDULE
7:00 - Beginner Improv w/Natasha Perez
7:15 - Improv 1-on-1s
9:15 - Improv Show: LOCA + Armando Jam
10:00 - Hangout
11:00 - Head to Cafe 50s for a bite to eat!

CLASS LOCATION
The Clinic
11600 Venice Blvd.
Mar Vista, CA 90066

Street parking available.

Want more details?

7-9PM INTERMEDIATE IMPROV WITH NATASHA PEREZ!
Natasha will be leading a Beginner Drop-In Improv Class focused on the theme of EMPATHY. If the class gets too large, we'll split it up so everyone can get in more reps. Bring a friend!

NATASHA has been studying and improvising intensively in the Los Angeles and New York scenes. Among her teachers: Groundling’s founder Gary Austin, former Second City Directors David Razowsky and Michael Gellman, Ali Farahnakian, Mo Collins, Drew Groege, Craig Cackowski, Evan Gore, and Jenna Jolovitz. Perez has studied and performed at The Groundlings Theatre, Improv Olympic (IO), UCB, Bang Comedy Theatre, Second City Los Angeles and Artistic New Directions in NY. Perez is well versed in both short form and long form improv, tools she uses in every scope of her life.

7:15-9:15PM IMPROV 1-ON-1's
Going on simultaneously with the Drop-In, those interested will have an opportunity to get 10 minutes of individualized feedback from a Rogue teacher. How it will work: The first 12 people to sign-up (sign-up in-person before the Drop-In Class - first come, first serve!) will do scenes and/or exercises for 10 minutes with one other improviser. During this time, the featured performer will be the focus of notes and feedback as the non-featured improviser will be their scene partner (their sidekick to put it in hero terms). Then the non-featured performer will become the featured one and we'll just keep rotating from there. Ask questions, focus on an improv skill set you want to improve, get better at your craft- this is your time!

9:15-10PM IMPROV SHOW FEATURING LOCA & ARMANDO JAM
Improv trio LOCA (Natasha Perez, Julie Silverstein, Breeanna Judy) will be performing followed by an all-play Armando Jam - everyone will have a chance to get up on stage and perform!

What else?
-Share: Bring a snack!
-Connect: Join Rogue on Discord!
-Donate: Time (wanna help with admin?), Talent (submit to an upcoming show!), &/or Money!

INCREASE EMPATHY AT ROGUE:
1. SELF-CARE: Unplug for the evening, be present! If you need to use your phone, please go outside to use it. Your teacher and classmates will appreciate your focused support and commitment.
2. CARE FOR OTHERS: Please do not invade another's personal space by touching them (i.e. hugs, picking them up, jumping on their back, etc.). Everyone may have different boundaries, but in an open class with a mix of acquaintances and strangers, it's safest to just not go there.
3. CONTENT CARE: Be aware of the content of your scenes. Anything racist, sexist, ageist, culturally insensitive, or out-of-bounds/cringe-worthy is not allowed. Duh right? It needs to be said. Things to avoid: Stereotyping - especially based on gender, ethnicity, or age (just because you're in a scene with someone you perceive as older than you doesn't mean you have to label them a grandparent- or parent for that matter); playing caractitures of people groups you do not personally represent (this includes accents); and talking over anyone, especially women.

These rules are here so everyone can feel safe and taken care of. We want you to be able to express your creativity freely! Let's be better improvisers, teammates, and humans!

June Theme: EMPATHY. This month we'll be exploring how empathy can improve our improv scenes, stories, and artivism. If we legitimately care about our fellow scene partner, the characters we play/speak about, and, most importantly, each other as people, our art will connect with others more. It's in this connection that we can feel confident enough to grow and reach our own potential. And empathy can help all of us shed the side of ourselves that leans towards being a prick. Don't be a prick. At least for a month. :)

ROGUE'S JUNE SCHEDULE
Monday, 6/1 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/3 - Storytelling Workshop & Open Mic 8-10pm in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/8 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Saturday, 6/13 - Rogue Variety Show 8:30-9:30pm at The Clubhouse in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/15 - Artivism 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/17 - Storytelling Workshop 8-10pm on Zoom or in Filipinotown (RSVP)
Sunday, 6/21 - Laughtivism Improv Jam 4-6pm + Movie Night 7-10pm in Filipinotown
Monday, 6/22 - Drop-In Improv Class + Improv One-On-Ones 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Monday, 6/29 - Artist Roundtable 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv CLOW 7-10pm in Mar Vista

Stay tuned to other workshops and opportunities that may pop up during June!

June's Challenge: Help alleviate another's distress. Be an active listener. Be an active doer. Be active. GO ROGUE by intentionally initiating a conversation with someone with the goal of being a sounding board. Don't wait for your turn to talk. Ask them questions. And follow-up questions. Not questions you want to know but connected questions that help them reflect on their situation (you may need to reconsider how you normally ask questions...). Don't make it about you. Focus. Engage out of compassion, not agenda. If you're only talking to someone because you want something from them (i.e. validation, attendance to your show, a date), you're thinking of yourself before them. No connection, no empathy. Open yourself up to being there for others this month.

Rogue - A closed mind leaves you empty

P.S. We need your help! To keep Rogue free and low cost, we need financial support. No donation is too small or big! Venmo: Rogue-Improv. Let us know if there's another electronic way you'd like to contribute (Zelle, Google Wallet, etc). Thank you!

This Sunday (Happy Father's Day!) there are multiple mind-flexing opportunities to join the Rogue community- both on the eastside in Filipinotown! The details for Sunday, June 21st:

4-6PM IMPROV LAUGHTIVISM - FOCUS: EMPATHY
Laughtivism = Comedic Activism. There are so many ways to advocate for yourself and others beyond the protests/marches! Join us in exploring June's theme of EMPATHY on a personal and comedic level. How can you turn something serious into something funny without making fun of it? Great question! Join us to find out! Let's use improv comedy and a dash of discussion to unpack who needs more compassion/understanding/consideration in our lives and why it can be difficult to have empathy for them. Humor can open us up and playfully challenge ourselves and the audience to think. This is a unique chance to join an improv jam that involves playing characters and initiating scenes that ask questions and reveal nuance! Put skepticism aside and give it a try. :)

And then, next up, it's movie night! Coming to a [home] theater near you...

7-10PM 'THE BIRDCAGE' VIEWING/CONVERSATION
Join us in watching the 1996 groundbreaking film that won the '97 SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast! The Washington Post described 'The Birdcage' (85% on Rotten Tomatoes) as "a spirited remake of the French drag farce [that] has everything in place, from eyeliner to one-liner." Written by Elaine May (one of the founding members of The Compass Players and half of the improv duo Nichols & May), The Birdcage stars Robin Williams and Nathan Lane as Armand and Albert Goldman, a gay couple whose son Val is set to marry Barbara Keeley, the daughter of conservative senator Kevin and his wife Louise. The Gay & Le***an Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) praised the film for "going beyond the stereotypes to see the characters' depth and humanity. The film celebrates differences and points out the outrageousness of hiding those differences." The BBC wrote, "What is particularly astute about the film's comedy is the way in which it mixes its farcical hijinks with a satirical intent, taking aim at both homophobia and the crisis of masculinity, as it navigates the infiltration of conservatism into a liberal space." You know, laughtivism. :) All are welcome to join the party to view and discuss!

Feel free to bring dinner with ya! There are also multiple places nearby to grab a bite: Tommy's, Taco Bell, Crawford's (fried chicken), a taco stand, and Smart & Final for all you TV Dinner enthusiasts. Please bring snacks and drinks (I'll throw a few frozen pizzas in the oven as well)! After the film, we'll talk about its message and application for today. It's book club for movie lovers!

Both events will be led by Rogue Leader Michael Sielaff at his apartment in Filipinotown (between Koreatown & Silver Lake) on Sunday! There should be plenty of street parking. RSVP for Improv Laughtivism and/or Movie Night for the address, any last minute details, and with what you're bringing!

Hope to see you on Sunday on the Eastside!

P.S. ROGUE'S JUNE SCHEDULE
Monday, 6/1 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/3 - Storytelling Workshop & Open Mic 8-10pm in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/8 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Saturday, 6/13 - Rogue Variety Show 8:30-9:30pm at The Clubhouse in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/15 - Artivism 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/17 - Storytelling Workshop 8-10pm on Zoom or in Filipinotown (RSVP)
Sunday, 6/21 - Laughtivism Improv Jam 4-6pm + Movie Night 7-10pm in Filipinotown
Monday, 6/22 - Drop-In Improv Class + Improv One-On-Ones 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Monday, 6/29 - Artist Roundtable 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv CLOW 7-10pm in Mar Vista

"Empathy is choosing to see ourselves in another despite our differences."
-Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General

Which is hard sometimes. But keep showing up! See yourself in other people's stories this Wednesday, June 17th as we gather to sharpen our first-person storytelling skills! Whether you're brand new to formal storytelling or a veteran, know that you have thousands of stories in you just waiting to be told. Polish them with Rogue, then go out and share them with family, friends, and audiences at storytelling shows! The details for Wednesday:

STORYTELLING WORKSHOP IN FILIPINOTOWN or ON ZOOM
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17th from 8-10PM - RSVP!
Rogue teacher/founder Michael Sielaff will guide attendees in a storytelling exercise (i.e. story mining, technique, or exploring tone/emotion) and then open it up for everyone to share a a 5-7 minute first-person story with optional feedback. Your story could be ANYTHING - as long as it happened to YOU! Again, feedback is optional, but it's highly encouraged. There will be guidelines to ensure all comments and suggestions build the storyteller up. No need to come prepared with a story! This workshop will hopefully help you uncover moments in your life you can share about.

June Story Themes: Empathy, Compassion, Understanding, Rapport, Connection, Sympathy, Care, Identify, Sensitivity, Warmth, Insight, Presence, Kindness, Listen, Pride, LGBTQ+, Father

The Schedule
8:00 - Storytelling Exercise
9:00 - 5-7 Minute Stories w/Optional Feedback

RSVP for the address to attend in-person or for the Zoom link.

Hope to see you Wednesday night! :)

P.S. ROGUE'S JUNE SCHEDULE
Monday, 6/1 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/3 - Storytelling Workshop & Open Mic 8-10pm in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/8 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Saturday, 6/13 - Rogue Variety Show 8:30-9:30pm at The Clubhouse in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/15 - Artivism 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/17 - Storytelling Workshop 8-10pm on Zoom or in Filipinotown (RSVP)
Sunday, 6/21 - Laughtivism Improv Jam 4-6pm + Movie Night 7-10pm in Filipinotown
Monday, 6/22 - Drop-In Improv Class + Improv One-On-Ones 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Monday, 6/29 - Artist Roundtable 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv CLOW 7-10pm in Mar Vista

“Be yourself until you make them uncomfortable.”
-Alok Vaid-Menon, Poet/Comedian/Public Speaker

Because we sometimes change ourselves to "fit in." Who's "them?" Anyone who wants to label you, put you in a box, wants you to be their version of "normal." Part of Pride is being unapologetically YOU! Show EMPATHY towards yourself and who you are this month and beyond! Speaking of which...join us for some empathetic improv this Monday, June 15th at The Clinic in Mar Vista!

THE SCHEDULE
5:30 - Artivism Workshop: Writing Protest Songs
7:00 - Intermediate Improv w/Fernanda Perez
10:00 - Hangout
11:00 - Head to Cafe 50s for a bite to eat!

CLASS LOCATION
The Clinic
11600 Venice Blvd.
Mar Vista, CA 90066

Street parking available.

Want more details?

6-7PM ARTIVISM - FOCUS: PROTEST SONGS
Artivism = Art-Based Activism. Join us for a pre-Drop-In Class workshop on how to incorporate the social (not necessarily political, but sometimes there's overlap) issues in music! This month we'll focus in creating your own protest song (i.e. Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Public Enemy, Jesse Welles). Explore your depths of empathy and passion by expressing it through song. No need to have any prior music experience. We'll use three popular songs as templates and work on changing the words to fit a social issue of your choice. All are welcome! Let's make art that matters!

7-10PM INTERMEDIATE IMPROV WITH FERNANDA PEREZ!
Fernanda will be leading an Intermediate Drop-In Improv Class focused on the theme of EMPATHY. If the class gets too large, we'll split it up so everyone can get in more reps. Bring a friend!

FERNANDA is an improviser and writer from Ecuador and New York City. She started comedy doing stand-up in Japan, and now with more than a decade of comedy experience, she's been in multiple house teams at UCB and The Pack Theater as an improviser and sketch writer. She also participated in the now defunct Second City's Diversity in Comedy Festival and loves to do improv using the "game of the scene" philosophy. Her background in education helps her bring practical instructional methods to improv coaching.

What else?
-Share: Bring a snack!
-Connect: Join Rogue on Discord!
-Donate: Time (wanna help with admin?), Talent (submit to an upcoming show!), &/or Money!

INCREASE EMPATHY AT ROGUE:
1. SELF-CARE: Unplug for the evening, be present! If you need to use your phone, please go outside to use it. Your teacher and classmates will appreciate your focused support and commitment.
2. CARE FOR OTHERS: Please do not invade another's personal space by touching them (i.e. hugs, picking them up, jumping on their back, etc.). Everyone may have different boundaries, but in an open class with a mix of acquaintances and strangers, it's safest to just not go there.
3. CONTENT CARE: Be aware of the content of your scenes. Anything racist, sexist, ageist, culturally insensitive, or out-of-bounds/cringe-worthy is not allowed. Duh right? It needs to be said. Things to avoid: Stereotyping - especially based on gender, ethnicity, or age (just because you're in a scene with someone you perceive as older than you doesn't mean you have to label them a grandparent- or parent for that matter); playing caractitures of people groups you do not personally represent (this includes accents); and talking over anyone, especially women.

These rules are here so everyone can feel safe and taken care of. We want you to be able to express your creativity freely! Let's be better improvisers, teammates, and humans!

June Theme: EMPATHY. This month we'll be exploring how empathy can improve our improv scenes, stories, and artivism. If we legitimately care about our fellow scene partner, the characters we play/speak about, and, most importantly, each other as people, our art will connect with others more. It's in this connection that we can feel confident enough to grow and reach our own potential. And empathy can help all of us shed the side of ourselves that leans towards being a prick. Don't be a prick. At least for a month. :)

ROGUE'S JUNE SCHEDULE
Monday, 6/1 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/3 - Storytelling Workshop & Open Mic 8-10pm in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/8 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Saturday, 6/13 - Rogue Variety Show 8:30-9:30pm at The Clubhouse in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/15 - Artivism 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/17 - Storytelling Workshop 8-10pm on Zoom or in Filipinotown (RSVP)
Sunday, 6/21 - Laughtivism Improv Jam 4-6pm + Movie Night 7-10pm in Filipinotown
Monday, 6/22 - Drop-In Improv Class + Improv One-On-Ones 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Monday, 6/29 - Artist Roundtable 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv CLOW 7-10pm in Mar Vista

Stay tuned to other workshops and opportunities that may pop up during June!

June's Challenge: Help alleviate another's distress. Be an active listener. Be an active doer. Be active. GO ROGUE by intentionally initiating a conversation with someone with the goal of being a sounding board. Don't wait for your turn to talk. Ask them questions. And follow-up questions. Not questions you want to know but connected questions that help them reflect on their situation (you may need to reconsider how you normally ask questions...). Don't make it about you. Focus. Engage out of compassion, not agenda. If you're only talking to someone because you want something from them (i.e. validation, attendance to your show, a date), you're thinking of yourself before them. No connection, no empathy. Open yourself up to being there for others this month.

Rogue - A closed mind leaves you empty

P.S. We need your help! To keep Rogue free and low cost, we need financial support. No donation is too small or big! Venmo: Rogue-Improv. Let us know if there's another electronic way you'd like to contribute (Zelle, Google Wallet, etc). Thank you!

You're not going to want to miss this one...

Once a month, Rogue practices what it preaches through a variety show in Los Feliz! And this month, we're having a special PRIDE EDITION! Join us for an hour of LGBT+ IMPROVISERS, STORYTELLERS, & ARTIVISTS! Come support your community!

2ND ANNUAL ROGUE VARIETY SHOW: PRIDE EDITION
SATURDAY, JUNE 13th - 8:30-9:30PM
Hosted by Joey Rich and Michael Sielaff, the Rogue Variety Show will showcase improv by TWO LGBT+ Armandos (Joey Rich, Sam Martin, Wendy Natividad, Monica Alquetz, Joy Mamey, Magneto Morgan, David Monster, Peat Hurst, Teague LaBrosse, Warren Elliot, Jonathan Blake, Desiree Magsombol, & More!); Stand-Up Artivism by Mattio Martinez; as well as feature first-person stories by Noal Ortega & Joy Mamey!

The show is FREE with encouragement to donate. This is a regular monthly performance opportunity on the second Saturday of each month, so submit your improv team, story, or artivism piece for an upcoming show!

Location
The Clubhouse (Door Code: 0279 #)
1607 N Vermont Ave
Los Feliz, CA 90027

There's a parking lot with plenty of spaces available.

June Theme: EMPATHY. This month we'll be exploring how empathy can improve our improv scenes, stories, and artivism. If we legitimately care about our fellow scene partner, the characters we play/speak about, and, most importantly, each other as people, our art will connect with others more. It's in this connection that we can feel confident enough to grow and reach our own potential. And empathy can help all of us shed the side of ourselves that leans towards being a prick. Don't be a prick. At least for a month. :)

ROGUE'S JUNE SCHEDULE
Monday, 6/1 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/3 - Storytelling Workshop & Open Mic 8-10pm in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/8 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Saturday, 6/13 - Rogue Variety Show 8:30-9:30pm at The Clubhouse in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/15 - Artivism 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista*
Wednesday, 6/17 - Storytelling Workshop 8-10p on Zoom or in Filipinotown (RSVP)
Sunday, 6/21 - Laughtivism Improv Jam 4-6pm + Movie Night 7-10pm in Filipinotown
Monday, 6/22 - Drop-In Improv Class + Improv One-On-Ones 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Monday, 6/29 - Artist Roundtable 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv CLOW 7-10pm in Mar Vista

Go Rogue this Saturday!

P.S. We need your help! To keep Rogue free and affordable, we need those who are able to financially support us occasionally step up. No donation is too small or big! Venmo: Rogue-Improv. Let us know if there's another electronic way you'd like to contribute (Zelle, Google Wallet, etc).

"I hate the word homophobia. It's not a phobia. You're not scared. You're an as***le." -Morgan Freeman (yes, THAT Morgan Freeman)

And that's the voice of God, so...Happy Pride Month! This June, Rogue's theme is EMPATHY and what better way to love our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and acquaintances than to cognitively, compassionately, and emotionally increase our ability to empathize (speaking of which: Our 2nd Annual Pride-Themed Rogue Variety Show is this Saturday! More info to come!). Join us for some empathetic improv this Monday, June 8th at The Clinic in Mar Vista!

THE SCHEDULE
7:00 - Advanced Improv w/Mary Hynes
10:00 - Hangout
11:00 - Head to Cafe 50s for a bite to eat!

CLASS LOCATION
The Clinic
11600 Venice Blvd.
Mar Vista, CA 90066

Street parking available.

Want more details?

7-10PM ADVANCED IMPROV WITH MARY HYNES!
Mary will be leading an Advanced Drop-In Improv Class focused on the theme of EMPATHY. If the class gets too large, we'll split it up so everyone can get in more reps. Bring a friend!

MARY is a professional improviser, actor, educator and stage manager. Her performance and teaching career brings her back and forth between NYC, Chicago and L.A. She has worked with Gary Austin, Michael Gellman, David Razowsky and Scotty Watson and studied at The Second City where she is a faculty member. Her teaching style is inspired by her classical theatre education, Viola Spolin, Anne Bogart, and the mentors above with an emphasis on character and physicality. She is one of the pioneers for Second City’s Virtual Training Center and believes in the living theatre and its ability to adapt and transform with the ever changing times.

What else?
-Share: Bring a snack!
-Connect: Join Rogue on Discord!
-Donate: Time (wanna help with admin?), Talent (submit to an upcoming show!), &/or Money!

INCREASE EMPATHY AT ROGUE:
1. SELF-CARE: Unplug for the evening, be present! If you need to use your phone, please go outside to use it. Your teacher and classmates will appreciate your focused support and commitment.
2. CARE FOR OTHERS: Please do not invade another's personal space by touching them (i.e. hugs, picking them up, jumping on their back, etc.). Everyone may have different boundaries, but in an open class with a mix of acquaintances and strangers, it's safest to just not go there.
3. CONTENT CARE: Be aware of the content of your scenes. Anything racist, sexist, ageist, culturally insensitive, or out-of-bounds/cringe-worthy is not allowed. Duh right? It needs to be said. Things to avoid: Stereotyping - especially based on gender, ethnicity, or age (just because you're in a scene with someone you perceive as older than you doesn't mean you have to label them a grandparent- or parent for that matter); playing caractitures of people groups you do not personally represent (this includes accents); and talking over anyone, especially women.

These rules are here so everyone can feel safe and taken care of. We want you to be able to express your creativity freely! Let's be better improvisers, teammates, and humans!

June Theme: EMPATHY. This month we'll be exploring how empathy can improve our improv scenes, stories, and artivism. If we legitimately care about our fellow scene partner, the characters we play/speak about, and, most importantly, each other as people, our art will connect with others more. It's in this connection that we can feel confident enough to grow and reach our own potential. And empathy can help all of us shed the side of ourselves that leans towards being a prick. Don't be a prick. At least for a month. :)

ROGUE'S JUNE SCHEDULE
Monday, 6/1 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/3 - Storytelling Workshop & Open Mic 8-10pm in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/8 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Saturday, 6/13 - Rogue Variety Show 8:30-9:30pm at The Clubhouse in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/15 - Artivism 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista*
Wednesday, 6/17 - Storytelling Workshop 8-10pm on Zoom or in Filipinotown (RSVP)
Sunday, 6/21 - Laughtivism Improv Jam 4-6pm + Movie Night 7-10pm in Filipinotown
Monday, 6/22 - Drop-In Improv Class + Improv One-On-Ones 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Monday, 6/29 - Artist Roundtable 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv CLOW 7-10pm in Mar Vista

*New date for our monthly Artivism workshop

Stay tuned to other workshops and opportunities that may pop up during June!

June's Challenge: Help alleviate another's distress. Be an active listener. Be an active doer. Be active. GO ROGUE by intentionally initiating a conversation with someone with the goal of being a sounding board. Don't wait for your turn to talk. Ask them questions. And follow-up questions. Not questions you want to know but connected questions that help them reflect on their situation (you may need to reconsider how you normally ask questions...). Don't make it about you. Focus. Engage out of compassion, not agenda. If you're only talking to someone because you want something from them (i.e. validation, attendance to your show, a date), you're thinking of yourself before them. No connection, no empathy. Open yourself up to being there for others this month.

Rogue - A closed mind leaves you empty

P.S. We need your help! To keep Rogue free and low cost, we need financial support. No donation is too small or big! Venmo: Rogue-Improv. Let us know if there's another electronic way you'd like to contribute (Zelle, Google Wallet, etc). Thank you!

"Tell me the facts and I'll learn. Tell me the truth and I'll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever." -Native American Proverb

The power of stories is real. And your voice deserves to be heard. Join us in Los Feliz this Wednesday night to workshop first-person stories. This month's theme: EMPATHY. The details:

STORYTELLING CLOW (CLASS + SHOW) IN LOS FELIZ
Wednesday, June 3rd - 8-10PM at The Clubhouse
To kick off this night of stories, Michael Sielaff will first guide you in an hour of storytelling exercises. Whether you're relatively new to the idea of telling stories about your life or are currently performing around town, you'll be met where you're at and given helpful tips on how to make your story as impactful as it was when you lived it!

Right after the workshop, there will be a storytelling open-mic. You can either just sit back and watch or put your name in the hat to be selected to tell your own 5-7 minute first-person story! All stories told should connect in some way to June's story themes...

June Story Themes: Empathy, Compassion, Understanding, Rapport, Connection, Sympathy, Care, Identify, Sensitivity, Warmth, Insight, Presence, Kindness, Listen, Pride, LGBTQ+

The Schedule
8:00 - Storytelling Exercises
9:00 - Storytelling Open Mic*

*10 Storytellers will have 5 minutes each to tell a story inspired by one of the themes for June. Sign-up in-person before the Open Mic or by emailing us at [email protected].

Location:
The Clubhouse,
1607 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Feliz, CA 90027

Door Code: 0279 #. This event is FREE, donations encouraged. No need to RSVP, just show up! There's a parking lot with plenty of spaces available. Bring a friend! Storytelling is nothing if not communal.

Can't join us this time? All good! Rogue Storytelling is on 1st & 3rd Wednesdays unless otherwise noted. Mark your calendar!

ROGUE'S JUNE SCHEDULE
Monday, 6/1 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/3 - Storytelling Workshop & Open Mic 8-10pm in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/8 - Artivism 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Saturday, 6/13 - Rogue Variety Show 8:30-9:30pm at The Clubhouse in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/15 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/17 - Storytelling Workshop 8-10pm on Zoom or in Filipinotown (RSVP)
Sunday, 6/21 - Laughtivism Improv Jam 4-6pm + Movie Night 7-10pm in Filipinotown
Monday, 6/22 - Drop-In Improv Class + Improv One-On-Ones 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Monday, 6/29 - Artist Roundtable 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv CLOW 7-10pm in Mar Vista

Stay tuned to other workshops and opportunities that may pop up during June!

P.S. We need your help! To keep Rogue free and low cost, we need financial support. No donation is too small or big! Venmo: Rogue-Improv. Let us know if there's another electronic way you'd like to contribute (Zelle, Google Wallet, etc). Thank you!

“Empathy is the most radical of human emotions.”
-Gloria Steinem, Journalist/Activist

So let's dive in this month! June's Rogue theme is EMPATHY! Afterall, it's Pride Month, so what better way to love our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and acquaintances than to cognitively, compassionately, and emotionally strengthen our ability to empathize. We'll kick off the month with a little improv this Monday, June 1st at The Clinic in Mar Vista!

THE SCHEDULE
7:00 - Intermediate Improv w/Richard J. Martinez
10:00 - Hangout
11:00 - Head to Cafe 50s for a bite to eat!

CLASS LOCATION
The Clinic
11600 Venice Blvd.
Mar Vista, CA 90066

Street parking available.

Want more details?

7-10PM INTERMEDIATE IMPROV WITH RICHARD J. MARTINEZ!
Richard will be leading an Intermediate Drop-In Improv Class focused on the theme of EMPATHY. If the class gets too large, we'll split it up so everyone can get in more reps. Bring a friend!

RICHARD is the driving force behind Long Beach's The Playful Stage, fulfilling his lifelong passion for theatre by creating a vibrant and inclusive theatre school. He began teaching improv in 2015, and his supportive and encouraging teaching style helped lead countless students to personal breakthroughs, both on and off the stage. He taught improv classes, both advanced and introductory, at Held2gether for eight years, and has been a student of Impro, Second City, Groundlings, and IO West. He and his team of wild card players placed third at the 2019 Improv Cup in Orange County. In addition to classes at The Playful Stage, Richard also coaches improv at local high schools, medical programs, and for various corporate events.

What else?
-Share: Bring a snack!
-Connect: Join Rogue on Discord!
-Donate: Time (wanna help with admin?), Talent (submit to an upcoming show!), &/or Money!

INCREASE EMPATHY AT ROGUE:
1. SELF-CARE: Unplug for the evening, be present! If you need to use your phone, please go outside to use it. Your teacher and classmates will appreciate your focused support and commitment.
2. CARE FOR OTHERS: Please do not invade another's personal space by touching them (i.e. hugs, picking them up, jumping on their back, etc.). Everyone may have different boundaries, but in an open class with a mix of acquaintances and strangers, it's safest to just not go there.
3. CONTENT CARE: Be aware of the content of your scenes. Anything racist, sexist, ageist, culturally insensitive, or out-of-bounds/cringe-worthy is not allowed. Duh right? It needs to be said. Things to avoid: Stereotyping - especially based on gender, ethnicity, or age (just because you're in a scene with someone you perceive as older than you doesn't mean you have to label them a grandparent- or parent for that matter); playing caractitures of people groups you do not personally represent (this includes accents); and talking over anyone, especially women.

These rules are here so everyone can feel safe and taken care of. We want you to be able to express your creativity freely! Let's be better improvisers, teammates, and humans!

June Theme: EMPATHY. This month we'll be exploring how empathy can improve our improv scenes, stories, and artivism. If we legitimately care about our fellow scene partner, the characters we play/speak about, and, most importantly, each other as people, our art will connect with others more. It's in this connection that we can feel confident enough to grow and reach our own potential. And empathy can help all of us shed the side of ourselves that leans towards being a dick. Don't be a dick. At least for a month. :)

ROGUE'S JUNE SCHEDULE
Monday, 6/1 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/3 - Storytelling Workshop & Open Mic 8-10pm in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/8 - Artivism 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Saturday, 6/13 - Rogue Variety Show 8:30-9:30pm at The Clubhouse in Los Feliz
Monday, 6/15 - Drop-In Improv Class 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Wednesday, 6/17 - Storytelling Workshop 8-10pm on Zoom or in Filipinotown (RSVP)
Sunday, 6/21 - Laughtivism Improv Jam 4-6pm + Movie Night 7-10pm in Filipinotown
Monday, 6/22 - Drop-In Improv Class + Improv One-On-Ones 7-10pm in Mar Vista
Monday, 6/29 - Artist Roundtable 6-7pm + Drop-In Improv CLOW 7-10pm in Mar Vista

Stay tuned to other workshops and opportunities that may pop up during June!

June's Challenge: Help alleviate another's distress. Be an active listener. Be an active doer. Be active. GO ROGUE by intentionally initiating a conversation with someone with the goal of being a sounding board. Don't wait for your turn to talk. Ask them questions. And follow-up questions. Not questions you want to know but connected questions that help them reflect on their situation (you may need to reconsider how you normally ask questions...). Don't make it about you. Focus. Engage out of compassion, not agenda. If you're only talking to someone because you want something from them (i.e. validation, attendance to your show, a date), you're thinking of yourself before them. No connection, no empathy. Open yourself up to being there for others this month.

Rogue - Celebrate your neighbor

P.S. We need your help! To keep Rogue free and low cost, we need financial support. No donation is too small or big! Venmo: Rogue-Improv. Let us know if there's another electronic way you'd like to contribute (Zelle, Google Wallet, etc). Thank you!