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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 "The Mechanics of Funny"
Where Stand-Up and Improv Meet
- Date: 10/18/2026 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 Randy Wight
About this Workshop
Stand-up and improv may share the same goal, laughter, but they often take very different roads to get there. Stand-up plays with expectation, timing and the carefully constructed surprise. Improv relies on discovery, listening and building something together in the moment.
The Mechanics of Funny: Where Stand-Up and Improv Meet explores what these two disciplines can teach each other. Through demonstrations, exercises and a little comic experimentation, performers will explore timing, absurdity, patterns, escalation and the difference between forcing a joke and recognizing when something funny has already happened.
Come discover what happens when stand-up asks, “What’s funny about this?” and improv asks, “What’s interesting about this?” Sometimes, they’re asking the same question.
The Mechanics of Funny is not about Stand-Up vs. Improv. It is about understanding the architecture they share, and becoming a more complete comic performer because of it.
Experience Level
Intermediate and advanced improvisers, stand-up comedians interested in improvisation, and performers who work in both disciplines.
No prepared stand-up material is required.
About the Instructor
Randy Wight is a professional speaker, author, trainer, and performer with a background that spans stand-up comedy, improv, and corporate communication.
Randy is the co-founder of Spontaneous Mind, where he applies improv-based methodologies to strengthen communication, collaboration, and innovation. He also serves as General Manager of Act II Improv, and is a co-star and co-executive producer of Partners in Crime Murder Mystery.
A former stand-up comedian with extensive improv training, Randy has taught, directed, and produced workshops and performances across a wide range of disciplines and venues. His work is driven by a commitment to helping individuals and teams communicate more effectively, collaborate with intention, and adapt confidently in dynamic environments.
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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