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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 "Wait, I thought this was supposed to be fun: Rediscovering the spontaneity of improv"
- 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 Paul Hitlin
About the Workshop
Even the most experienced improvisers can get stuck judging and overthinking. This workshop will focus on scenic techniques to rediscover the joy of play that so many of us experienced when we first started doing improv.
By emphasizing character and reactions, particularly at the top of scenes, we can rediscover that feeling of freedom and find fun in new, unexpected ways.
About the Instructor
Paul Hitlin has been performing and teaching improv in Washington, D.C. for more than 15 years. In addition to performing in ensembles with Washington Improv Theater, he is a founding member of Sistine Robot, one of DC’s longest-running indie teams. Paul has appeared at numerous festivals including the District Improv Festival, the Chicago Improv Festival, the Boston Comedy Arts Festival, and the Del Close Marathon. He has also studied at Second City and the Annoyance Theater in Chicago.
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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