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xroadscomedyindy

A nonprofit theatre company offering live comedy shows, classes, podcasts, business improv training. Improv, comedy writing, standup, and more!

I got to see Act A Foo Improv Crew last night. So

I got to see Act A Foo Improv Crew last night. So much fun! This is a short form, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, type of improv show full of audience participation. The crowd was great, the on-stage participants were wonderful and even if they stumbled the crew made it work. They clearly enjoy playing with each other and messing with each other and their fun is contagious. Very much recommend following them at @actafooimprov and checking out their next show. #indyfringe #improvcomedy #livecomedy #arts

The 2024 IndyFringe Festival is in full swing! The

The 2024 IndyFringe Festival is in full swing! The number of performances in a festival of this kind can be overwhelming, so Crossroads is looking to help you out – specifically with some improv and other alternative comedy recommendations. Some of these I have seen in previous years whereas others have simply caught my eye. Recs include Designated Debaters, Time Car: An Improvised Parody, Netflix Roulette What If…?, Act a Foo Comedy Crew, Vile, Camp Summer Camp, and History of the Women’s World. Read more about each show and get links to tickets through the blog link in our bio. Can’t get out to see anything this week? Check out Red Curb Comedy shows every week in Avon!

Congrats to our Level 2 Improv students on a reall

Congrats to our Level 2 Improv students on a really great class showcase on Saturday! In this class we built on the basics, learned a bit about second beats, making connections, touched on structure, and more. Our next Improv 1 course starts 9/4! Enroll at XroadsComedyIndy.com and save $50 through 8/11. Huge thank you to Red Curb for hosting and to Clayton, Jei, and Lisa for staffing. Follow @redcurbcomedy for info on all the shows they have coming up. @indyfringe is coming soon! Look for our picks next week.

Learn the basics of stand-up in a fun and supporti

Learn the basics of stand-up in a fun and supportive environment.Start crafting a five minute set, meet new people, and have fun! Play now, pay later. Split your enrollment into 4 payments over 6 weeks with our student payment plan! Save $50 now through 8/25. Enroll at XroadsComedyIndy.com.

This 6 week, in-person class will teach the basics of stand-up comedy from reviewing and discussing the greats to writing your own material to crafting your first set. You’ll study with someone currently working in the business who will guide you through the ins and outs of getting started through lessons, exercises, and practice with useable feedback. You will also meet like minded people just starting out so you can support each other on your comedy journey!

Last night I (@mikemarbach) and instructor Ana Eli

Last night I (@mikemarbach) and instructor Ana Eligio Hammersley got out to enjoy some Indy improv in the form of Mock Trial: An Improvised Courtroom Comedy. It was my first time to @whiterabbitcabaret and loved the space. Such a great place to produce and to watch live comedy. The show was very fun with lots of great moments. The crowd, which was very good for a Tuesday night improv show with a two hour run time, loved every minute. Ana tipped me off to the show and I was able to pass it along to my Improv 2 students. Seeing improv is crucial to growing improvisers. Hopefully soon Crossroads will have some live performances to add to the ecosystem. For now, if you have an improv show or jam coming up, please let us know! We will absolutely share the info with our students in advance. Congrats to those involved in Mock Trial. Thanks to Ana for the performance pics. And thanks to my fellow audience members for supporting live comedy in Indy.

Crossroads is looking to bring on an improv instru

Crossroads is looking to bring on an improv instructor to join our already great team of instructors! Do you have a passion for comedy and love of the arts? Prior experience performing improv or even teaching improv to kids, teens, and adults? We want to talk to you! Check the link in our bio for more info.

This pay what you want, one day, Improv Basics wor

This pay what you want, one day, Improv Basics workshop adults will teach you the building blocks of improv in a fun and supportive environment. You will see that improv is not just for performers, but is for everyone. The skills learned in our classes go beyond the stage and can benefit you in your everyday life and work! Improve communication, build self-confidence, think more positively, embrace collaboration, meet new people, and have more fun! These are just a few of the concepts we will touch on in this workshop through a series of fun exercises and games. Whether you have zero performance aspirations or you are taking the first step on your journey to being an improviser - this is for you!

CLASS DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 22nd | 12pm - 2pm
CLASS LOCATION: Union Indy, 525 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225 (map)
REGISTRATION COST: Crossroads is a nonprofit theatre company! We are offering this workshop as “pay what you want” with a suggested donation of $20.

Mike Marbach (he/him) is originally from Philly and now resides in the Hoosier state. He is the Founder & Managing Director of Crossroads Comedy Theater. Mike has been studying, performing, and teaching improv since 2005 when he got his start training and performing with iO Chicago (the iO Theater) and The Annoyance Theater. Mike has studied with the UCB Theater in NY as well amazing instructors from all across the united states through various workshops.

Mike is the former Education Director (2011 - 2017) and Artistic Director (2017 - 2020) of Philly Improv Theater, where he worked until the pandemic closures. In addition to these positions Mike also served as instructor, director, and producer. Over the years Mike has also taught with or wrote improv curriculums for institutes of higher learning including Arizona State University, Drexel University, and Duke University.

When not doing Crossroads things Mike likes to watch tv / movies, listen to audiobooks, go bowling, or work on new celebrity impressions. Mike would describe his teaching style as “Mr. Feeny Meets Mr. Turner.”

We don’t do flash sales often at all these days

We don’t do flash sales often at all these days due to our enroll enrollment discount period now, but it’s our first time in business during the Indy500 and couldn’t pass it up. Save at least $50 through Monday 5/27. Improv 2 with Mike Marbach starting 6/6 had only 2 spots left! If you have at least basics training at another location, you can start with Improv 2 with Crossroads. Plus we got a few left in Sketch 1 Also with Mike and Standup 1 with the fantastic Dwight Simmons. Standup is still in early enrollment so you’ll save $100 off! Payment plans are available! Email indyclasses@XroadsComedyIndy.com to combine the discount with our payment plan. #indy500 #Indianapolis #IndyCar #memorialday #improv #comedy #thingstodoinindy

There’s only 3 spots left in our upcoming Improv

There’s only 3 spots left in our upcoming Improv 2! YES it builds on Improv 1 AND you study how all of it can be used to have more fun and be funny in scenes. On sale through Monday! Save $50 using the code MEMDAY24 at checkout. Want to split up your enrollment into four, equal, no-interest payments over 6 weeks? Use our payment. More info at xroadscomedyindy.com/classes.

This eight week course introduces students to the Crossroads approach to improvised scene work. Students will learn various ways to find and play with the funny in a scene and how to build on it to create scenes that are as much of a joy to be in as they are to watch. Students will also dive deeper into on the spot character creation, how to initiate more clearly, and how to support more fully. You do not need to aspire to be an improviser to take this course. Some of the skills practiced in this course that go beyond the classroom are listening, teamwork, agreement, observational skills, and more. This course ends with an optional performance.

ABOUT MIKE MARBACH: Mike Marbach is originally from Philly and now resides in the Hoosier state. He is the founder and managing director of Crossroads Comedy Theater and also serves as an instructor. Mike has been studying, performing, and teaching improv since 2005. He has trained with iO Chicago (the iO Theater) and The Annoyance Theater where he also performed, and the UCB Theater in NY. Over the years Mike has also taken numerous workshops from a wide variety of instructors.

Prior to Crossroads, Mike served as Education Director and then as Artistic Director of Philly Improv Theater, which closed in 2020 due the pandemic. Mike created and directed the long running shows Study Hall: Comedy Inspired By Lectures and Not Yet Rated: An Improvised Movie. Mike also directed the award winning improv teams Asteroid! and the Future, which still performs together 10 years later. Mike also conceived, wrote for, and directed the hit 2019 Sketch Comedy epic “A Nightmare on Jawn Street” and wrote for its 2022 sequel.

When not doing Crossroads things Mike likes to watch tv / movies, listen to audiobooks, go bowling, or work on new celebrity impressions.

Here are some phone shots of Saturday’s Improv 1

Here are some phone shots of Saturday’s Improv 1 grad show with Ana Eligio Hammersley. Look like fun? It is! Check out XroadsComedyIndy.com/classes and see how you can do it too. Not into a performance? No worries. It is optional… but also… it’s super fun and you will be great 💯 #indianapolis #indytheater #thingstodo #indyfun

Congrats to our Session 2 Improv 1 students on an

Congrats to our Session 2 Improv 1 students on an awesome class showcase! Not all could make the showcase, but those that did put an a fantastic performance that showed off their improv skills. Thank you to Ana Eligio Hammersley for leading a great class and thank you to Red Curb and staff for hosting! Improv 1 and 2 starting June 5th and 6th respectively. Only a couple spots left in Improv 2 with Mike Marbach! Check out XroadsComedyIndy.com for more info

Go see shows at Red Curb Comedy in Avon. Not into improv? What about Karaoke? Live music? Standup? They do it all. Check out RedCurbComedy.com.

NEXT STANDUP CLASS IS ONLINE! Our Summer stand-up

NEXT STANDUP CLASS IS ONLINE! Our Summer stand-up 1 class with Dwight Simmons is now enrolling. Save $50 through 6/23. Payment plans available. Stay cool and BE cool this summer! XroadsComedyIndy.com.

This 6 week, in-person class will teach the basics of stand-up comedy from reviewing and discussing the greats to writing your own material to crafting your first set. You’ll study with someone currently working in the business who will guide you through the ins and outs of getting started through lessons, exercises, and practice with useable feedback. You will also meet like minded people just starting out so you can support each other on your comedy journey!

Our early enrollment period is ending! Through May

Our early enrollment period is ending! Through May 5th you can save $50 on most of our classes for Session 3. You can also tak advantage of our payment plan which allows you to break up enrollment into four, equal, no-interest payments over six weeks! Look for the payment plan link on each class description page. Enroll at XroadsComedyIndy.com/classes.

IMPROV 1 WITH ANA ELIGIO HAMMERSLEY
DAY/TIME: Wednesdays | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

DATES: 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, and 7/31 (Skips 7/3)
LOCATION: Union Indy @ 525 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225

IMPROV 2 WITH MIKE MARBACH
DAY/TIME: Thursdays 6:30pm - 8:30pm
DATES: 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, and 8/1 (Skips 7/4)
LOCATION: Union Indy @ 525 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225

SKETCH WRITING 1 WITH MIKE MARBACH
DAY/TIME: Mondays | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
DATES: 6/17, 6/24, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, and 7/29
LOCATION: Union Indy @ 525 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225

We are now accepting applications for student aid

We are now accepting applications for student aid for session 3. This period covers 6-8 week core classes starting in June. The deadline to apply is May 19th. We will notify people of status during that week. This is a change from our rolling notifications for earlier sessions. For more information about our student aid program and to submit your application visit XroadsComedyIndy.com/student-aid.

CLASS STARTS NEXT WEEK! We’re lucky to have the

CLASS STARTS NEXT WEEK! We’re lucky to have the awesome Dwight Simmons teaching with us. Your standup journey can start in this informative, fun, and supportive environment. Includes a class performance! Payment plans available. More Info at XroadsComedyIndy.com.

This 6 week, in-person class will teach the basics of stand-up comedy from reviewing and discussing the greats to writing your own material to crafting your first set. You’ll study with someone currently working in the business who will guide you through the ins and outs of getting started through lessons, exercises, and practice with useable feedback. You will also meet like minded people just starting out so you can support each other on your comedy journey!

If you do not have performance aspirations - no worries! Stand-up comedy skills can significantly benefit individuals in various aspects of everyday life. The ability to craft and deliver humor enhances communication skills, making interactions more engaging and memorable. A well-timed joke can break the ice in social situations, fostering connections and easing tension. Honing comedic skills cultivates a quick wit and sharp observational abilities, allowing individuals to navigate daily challenges with a lighthearted perspective. The art of stand-up encourages resilience and adaptability, as comedians often learn to turn setbacks into humorous anecdotes. Overall, integrating stand-up comedy skills into your life not only brings joy and laughter, but also equips individuals with valuable tools for effective communication, problem-solving, and resilience.

CLASS DAY/TIME: Tuesdays | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
CLASS DATES: 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, and 6/4
CLASS LOCATION: LOCATION: Union Indy @ 525 S. Meridian Street, The Launch Room, Indianapolis, IN 46225 (map). This is an accessible building and classroom space.

We’re doing something new! Are you between class

We’re doing something new! Are you between classes and want to stay fresh, an experienced improviser and want to revisit some basics, study with someone different, or like the idea of dropping in with no further commitment - check this out.

Improv is a muscle that needs to be worked out regularly. As with any other skill, it takes practice to both stay fresh and to grow. This two hour improv practice group, lead by a Crossroads instructor, will aid you in doing both of those things. Each practice group will have a skill to focus on and feature lots of scene reps and instructor guidance to practice and grow that skill. Prerequisite: Crossroads Improv 1 or comparable experience at another location.

This practice group will focus on agreement. Do I need to “yes and” everything? If I don’t literally say yes to my partner am I doing something wrong? Am I allowed to say no in a scene and, if I do, is that negating? If you have any of these questions and more, we’ll see you at the practice group.

CLASS DATE/TIME: Thursday, May 16th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
CLASS LOCATION: Union Indy, 525 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225 (map)
REGISTRATION COST: $25

NEW CLASS! Sketch Writing 1: Sketch Comedy Basics

NEW CLASS! Sketch Writing 1: Sketch Comedy Basics with Mike Marbach. 6 week in-person class. Mondays, 6/17 - 7/29 (skips 7/1) from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Save $30 enrolling now at XroadsComedyIndy.com.

Unleash your inner SNL writer by learning the basics of writing sketch comedy in a fun and supportive environment. No experience is necessary as our expert instructors will guide you each step of the way. Topics covered in this course include identifying what makes a sketch funny, how to pitch sketch ideas, various types of sketches, editing and re-editing your scripts, and how to give and accept constructive feedback. Students will learn how to use what they know to develop their own ideas, how to turn those ideas into sketches, and how to edit those sketches to be the funniest they can be.

Skills gained that are applicable outside the classroom include working as a group, giving and receiving constructive feedback, identifying what is funny and why, improved communication, and more.
#sketchcomedy #indianapolis #xroadscomedy #indy #creativewriting

Did you miss out on Ana’s *sold out* Improv 1 th

Did you miss out on Ana’s *sold out* Improv 1 that started last night? You can stop kicking yourself! June is now online. You can save $50 enrolling by April 30th! Six week, no-interest payment plans are available. Classes take place in downtown #Indianapolis. For more info see the classes link in bio or visit XroadsComedyIndy.com.

This eight week, in person class will show you that improv skills go beyond the stage to help you in everyday life and work. If you are looking to become a better listener, build self confidence, break out of your shell, improve teamwork and collaborative skills, get more comfortable public speaking, explore your creative side, meet new people, or simply have fun for two hours a week – we got your back! This class is for everyone and will introduce you to the building blocks of improv in a fun, supportive, and welcoming environment with the best instructors in the Indy area.

Ana Eligio Hammersley is a performer, writer, director, producer, fundraiser and appreciator of all forms of entertainment. Co-owner of Hammersley Entertainment, LLC, she specializes in long-form, short-form and structured-format improvisation. Ana has been an instructor/member of the professional ensemble at SAK Comedy Lab, Orlando’s premier improv theater, for over 12 years. During her time in Orlando, Ana performed in and/or produced shows at Universal Studios Orlando, Gromalot Theater Factory and several fringe festivals including Chicago, New York, Orlando and recently IndyFringe. Ana previously worked for The Daily Buzz where she wrote and produced a daily comedy segment on the nationally syndicated morning news show.

Now in the Indianapolis area, Ana is a proud member of the ensemble at Red Curb Comedy and an associate of Odd-o-Ts’ Entertainment, assisting with casting for IndyZoo’s seasonal performance offerings. Ana has appeared in numerous commercials and her film credits include: Characterz, A Christmas Karen, The Beautiful Cádiz, and The Visitant.

Congrats to our graduates of Improv 1 and Improv 2

Congrats to our graduates of Improv 1 and Improv 2! They put on a really fun show for all in attendance. Thank you to @mikemarbach and Ana Eligio Hammersley for guiding both classes. Thank you to Will and @redcurbcomedy for hosting and to the great staff. And thank you to the absolutely packed audience of family, friends, and supportive strangers that filled the space at 4pm on a Saturday. Can’t wait to see what more these groups do! If you want to try your hand at improv, we got your back. There’s a Pay What You Want workshop on 3/16 and a new course starting 3/27. Come have fun with us! #improv #IndyImprov #improvcomedy #Indianapolis

Pay What You Want Improv Workshop with Mike Marbac

Pay What You Want Improv Workshop with Mike Marbach. Saturday 3/16 from 12pm - 2pm. Register now at XroadsComedyIndy.com. Class will be at Union Campus in Downtown Indy.

This pay what you want, two hour workshop will teach you the building blocks of improv in a fun and supportive environment. You will learn a new skill, have fun, meet new people, and you will see that improv is not just for performers, but is for everyone.

The skills learned in our classes go beyond the stage and can benefit you in your everyday life and work! Fortune 500 companies are now routinely bringing in improv workshops to help build up their team members and their leaders. Improve communication, build self-confidence, think more positively, embrace collaboration, meet new people, and have more fun! These are just a few of the concepts we will touch on in this workshop through a series of fun exercises and games. Whether you have no performance aspirations or you are taking the first step on the journey to being a performer - this is for you!

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