6-Hour Intensive
10:00am - 1:00pm
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Experience the innovative improv form known as Close Quarters from an original cast member, Rich Talarico (The Second City, iO). This class invites you to explore a series of interconnected scenes that unfold in the same location and time yet reveal different perspectives on the same moments. Improvisers will engage in character-driven performances that emphasize rich environments and dynamic soundscapes. The format encourages heightening characters through focused interactions while navigating multiple two-person scenes simultaneously. Save your spot and be part of this unique one of a kind experience that is Close Quarters.

Rich Talarico's Bio
Rich is a Peabody® Award-winning writer/producer with four Emmy® and four WGA Award nominations, best known for his work on Key & Peele. Rich was responsible for K&P fave Substitute Teacher, (“…Ay-ay-Ron?”) which in 2024 was added to The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum Of American History. Rich wrote dozens of K&P faves: Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice, and co-wrote many more. 

Other credits include: MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically-acclaimed, Review. An alum of Chicago’s Second City and Improv Olympic, Rich also provided punch-up work on Mean Girls and Get Out. As an improviser, Rich teaches, coaches and performs with long-form group Dasariski, Rich played in the early casts of Chicago’s The Armando Diaz Show and co-created the shows, Close Quarters, Strap Heads and Trio. As an actor, Rich appeared on screen on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and in A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant. Rich is currently teaching and performing stand-up comedy around the US. — more at www.richtalarico.com

“Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers.”

— Tina Fey