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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 "Rescue Your Partner/Rescue The Scene"
- Date: 10/18/2026 11:10 AM - 1:10 PM
- Location: Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek, California 94596 - Introduction: A Diablo Improv Festival Workshop with Jaime Rich
About this Workshop
When a scene starts to drift, most improvisers are taught to “yes, and” and hope it recovers. Strong performers know how to actively support their partner and restore clarity—without breaking the scene. This workshop introduces a practical, repeatable toolkit for identifying when a scene is losing focus and making grounded, in-character moves that re-establish relationship, stakes, and direction. Participants will learn how to support without overriding, clarify without stopping momentum, and make bold choices that move the scene forward. Through targeted exercises and coached scene work, performers will develop the awareness and confidence to turn uncertain moments into compelling ones.
Experience Level
Open to intermediate to experienced improvisers
About the Instructor
Jaime Rich is a performer, producer, director, and improv teacher whose work spans theatrical, community, corporate, and applied improv settings. She teaches students from beginner to advanced levels and has worked with teens, adults, seniors, corporate groups, people with developmental disabilities, and residents of assisted living facilities. She is a performer, producer, and creative director with ACT II Improv, Spontaneous Mind Over Matter and performs in the fully improvised serial film noir Partners in Crime.
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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