The Harold - Advanced Longform
Tuesdays 7-9 pm @ 2237 Dundas Street West
Six weeks - 12 hours

For experienced improvisers ready to level up their ensemble work.

The Harold is one of the most iconic structures in longform improv — and in this stand-alone Assembly program, we break it down in a way that’s clear, playable, and immediately empowering.

Designed for improvisers with solid scene work under their belt, this intensive digs deep into the patterns, group mind, and showcraft that turn a Harold from “complicated format” into a collaborative engine. Students will explore how clarity, grounded choices, and ensemble sensitivity transform the structure into something flexible, joyful, and surprisingly intuitive.

What You’ll Learn

• Dynamic, Idea-Rich Openings
  How to generate shared themes, patterns, and inspiration without overthinking or overwhelming the show.

• Smart, Clear First Beats
  Sharpen your ability to spot game early, heighten cleanly, and anchor scenes in honest character choices.

• Purposeful Second Beats
  Explore time dashes, analogies, and world-expansions that heighten the comedic idea instead of drifting away from it.

• Group Games That Actually Matter
  Practice group games that amplify themes, build momentum, and feel as satisfying as scenes — not just “required format beats.”

• Satisfying Third Beats
  Bring everything together with confident callbacks, converging worlds, and strong ensemble instinct.

• Show Flow, Pacing, and Edits
  Learn when to sweep, when to support, and when to let the scene breathe — all in service of a cohesive piece.

Live Performance: Two 30-Minute Harold Sets

To anchor the work in real stage experience, students will perform two full 30-minute Harolds in front of a live audience.
This gives improvisers the chance to:

• test their ensemble rhythm under real performance conditions

• experience how the structure breathes onstage

• build confidence in timing, pacing, and edits

• receive targeted notes after each set

These performances turn the course from a training class into a practical, performance-ready rehearsal process.

Who This Course Is For

Improvisers who already:

• understand game and basic scene mechanics

• have experience with longform or advanced training

• want to push their ensemble thinking, world-building, and structural play

What You’ll Leave With

By the end of this course, students will confidently perform full Harolds, track patterns across beats, and collaborate with sharper awareness of group rhythm and show architecture. It’s ideal preparation for anyone interested in performance opportunities with The Assembly or wanting to refine their longform toolkit.

Six Weeks
Tuesdays 7-9 pm @ 2237 Dundas Street West
February 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th & March 4th, 11th
$325 CAD (+tax)