Sheldon: Duo Workshop

Two-Person: Building a world onto yourself and another
Taught by Rob Belushi & Tim Stoltenberg

Our first experiences in improvisation are in a group setting—in classes, on teams, at a jam. We learn about support and give and take and saying yes to ideas that may be a departure from our expectation. It can be liberating, but it can also be a lot to juggle. Sometimes a smaller group or a duo is a great way to develop faster. We must take leadership in all aspects on stage, while at the same time more urgently depend on our partner. It is a big risk, but often the most fun possible—and the best thing to share with someone else. In this workshop, Rob Belushi and Tim Stoltenberg will discuss how they approach their two-person show, and each other, in the simplest and most accessible form. We will discuss variety, energy and trust, how to get the audience on your side, and what to do with them while they’re there. Duos are encouraged to enroll, but also open to singles that can be paired up for the day, or slightly larger groups. We will run through a simple opening, how to best use it, and what to look to do structurally within your given time frame. When it’s just two people there is nowhere to hide, and that can bring out our best work.

Prerequisite: intermediate and higher

About Rob Belushi & Tim Stoltenberg:

Tim Stoltenberg (AEA/SAG/AFTRA) currently resides in Los Angeles, but is originally from Wisconsin. After graduating from St. Norbert College in 2001 Tim went to tour with The Academy Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. While in Atlanta Tim worked with The Center for Puppetry Arts, The Alliance, Laughing Matters, Agatha’s Dinner Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, Jewish Theatre of the South, and Dad’s Garage Theatre. At Dad’s Garage Tim was the Improv Director for 4 years where we helped to create original plays, improv formats, teach improv classes and Corporate Training workshops.

In 2009 Tim moved to Chicago where he toured with The Second City and did other co-productions with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and The Goodman Theatre. In Chicago Tim taught improv at Second City and performed with The Improvised Shakespeare Company and numerous improv groups at the iO Theatre. Tim was seen on such shows as: Sirens, Chicago Fire, and The Onion (web series.) Tim was also seen in commercials for AT&T, T-Mobile, and the Ohio Lottery.

Tim moved to Los Angeles where he continues to perform and teach at The Second City, as well as teaching a commercial improv workshop with Lawless Casting. Tim has been seen in commercials for Southwest Airlines, Comcast, and Dollar Shave Club. Tim continues to travel performing improv, storytelling, and stand up.

Rob Belushi grew up in Chicago and Los Angeles and graduated with honors from Wesleyan University (CT) as well as The School at Steppenwolf (Chicago).  Rob is an alum of the Second City Vegas resident company, as well as the Second City National Touring Company, and an Understudy to the Chicago Mainstage. He has taught improv for Second City in Vegas, Chicago and currently in Hollywood, as well as colleges nationwide. AFter working in equity theater houses in Chicago for years, he moved to Los Angeles. Some of his recent TV credits include: Ballers (HBO), Chicago PD (NBC),The Mentalist (CBS) Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC) How I Met Your Mother (CBS), The Goodwin Games (FOX), Pie Guys (Comedy Central) The Joe Schmo Show (Spike). Film credits include Devil's Due (20th Century Fox), Heebie Jeebies (SyFy), Valentine's Day (Warner Bros), Thunderstruck (Warner Bros). Rob is one half of the two-man improv duo, SHELDON, who have headlined comedy festivals nationwide as well as appeared at the Comedy Central Showcase Stage in Hollywood.  You may have  seen him with Peyton and Eli Manning and JJ Watt and Cam Newton, refusing to sell Gatorade to people that aren't sweating. LOOK FOR HIM IN MARCH IN THE ABC DIGITAL SERIES "THE OFF SEASON." 

EARLY BIRD PRICE ENDS 2/6: $55
REGULAR PRICE: $65
Arcade Comedy Theater classes are open to adults 18 yrs or older.

About the Arcade Academy 

Registration is NON-REFUNDABLE. If you sign up for a class and are unable to attend, please contact us in advance and we may be able to switch your enrollment to a different eligible class. Location subject to change. Students will receive a confirmation email the week of the class/workshop.