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This fall, spontaneity, laughter, and connection take center stage at the second annual Diablo Improv Festival (DIF), a three-day celebration of unscripted theater at the Lesher Center for the Arts in downtown Walnut Creek.
Whether you're a seasoned improviser, a comedy fan, or simply improv curious, DIF is an opportunity to see great live improv, try it for yourself, and become part of a welcoming creative community. No experience is necessary. Just a willingness to play!
COME FOR A SHOW. STAY FOR THE WEEKEND.
You don't have to be an improviser to enjoy the Diablo Improv Festival. Come see a show, take a workshop, jump into a jam, or make a weekend of it.
Special festival packages make it easy to experience more while saving money.
WATCH IT. LEARN IT. PLAY IT
The Diablo Improv Festival is presented by Spontaneous Mind, DKW Productions, Synergy Theater and The Lesher Center for the Arts.
CHECK OUT OUR ENTIRE WEEKEND LINEUP OF SHOWS, WORKSHOPS, AND JAMS!
There are No Mistakes in Improv
- Date: 10/25/2025 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Location: Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek, California 94596 - Introduction: A Diablo Improv Festival Workshop with Jennifer Lavenhar
About this Workshop
This workshop borrows lessons from the world of partnered dance - specifically West Coast Swing (WCS), which has a strong emphasis on improvisation. In WCS, partners share a common vocabulary, extraordinary attention, absolute trust, and an agreement to lead boldly and follow whole-heartedly. The result is a dance where every move looks like the right move. We'll use these concepts to explore the principals of improv somatically (through our bodies) and kinetically (through movement). By getting us out of our heads and into our bodies, this workshop gives improvisers access to more attentive, connected scene work with a focus on: - Being completely in the moment - Making your partner look not just good, but spectacular - Gaining confidence in making clear, bold offers - Finding deeper levels of trust, receptiveness, and responsiveness - Communicating and listening with your whole self - body, mind and soul.
Experience Level
Some improv experience is helpful for this workshop, but anyone from beginners through advanced improvisers will benefit from this fresh approach. The goal is to offer new pathways to incorporate the practices that make for great improv.
About the Instructor
Jennifer Lavenhar is a professional improviser, actor, dancer, and ballet teacher. Since 2018, she’s been a member of the Mop and Bucket Company in Schenectady, NY, where she also teaches, coaches, develops, and directs shows, including Bollix Manor and The Book Club. Jen’s improv studies began as a cast member of NYC’s Without Annette, directed by Nancy Ponder (a founding member of Chicago’s Compass Players) who was Jen’s mentor for many years. In addition to weekly shows at the MopCo, Jen also performs with brilliant duo partners around the country and teaches workshops in Canada, the U.S., and Portugal.
CHECK OUT OUR ENTIRE WEEKEND LINEUP OF SHOWS, WORKSHOPS, AND JAMS!
Prepare to be inspired, delighted, and entertained at the Diablo Improv Festival. Laugh while you learn at improv workshops designed for all ages and experience levels, meet new friends, cultivate creative collaborations, and enjoy unforgettable performances from top-notch improvisers who take the craft to the next level.
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