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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!
Diablo Improv Festival: Workshop "Listen Specifically!"
- Date: 10/17/2026 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 Shulie Cowen
About this Workshop
LISTEN SPECIFICALLY! They say in improv, the end is in the beginning. But if you’re not paying attention in the beginning, how will you know where to go?
Shulie Cowen’s Listen Specifically! Intensive will help you listen to yourself and trust your instincts, become a better scene partner, and more open to your own creativity. Through side coaching and lots of individualized feedback, Shulie will help you become more comfortable with being in the moment, and truly improvising.
Experience Level
Mid-level to advanced. Beginners would likely be ok as well!
About the Instructor
SHULIE COWEN teaches improv to kids, senior citizens, and everyone in between. After teaching for over 15 years at The Second City Hollywood and iO West, Shulie now travels the USA and the world teaching acting and improv at festivals and schools, including Camp Improv Utopia Yosemite, The Florida State Thespian Festival, and the Shanghai American School. She is a graduate of Northwestern University, a former member of The Second City National Touring Company, and an original cast member of Schoolhouse Rock Live!. Shulie studied improv in Chicago at The Second City Training Center, The Annoyance Theatre, and at iO Chicago with Del Close. She currently directs and performs in Opening Night: The Improvised Musical!® (the longest running improvised musical in Los Angeles--and possibly the world!) and with the improv team EST. Film and television credits include Mr. Mayor, Parks and Recreation, 2 Broke Girls, Liza on Demand, and How I Met Your Mother.
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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