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

The Armando: Advanced Longform

For improvisers who want to blend truthful storytelling with sharp scene work.

The Armando is a beloved longform format that combines personal storytelling with inspired, playful scenework. In this Assembly course, students will learn how to create a show that feels cohesive, heartfelt, and deeply funny — all sparked by a monologist’s honest perspective.

This course focuses on using authenticity as a launchpad for bold choices, clear game, and strong ensemble support. Improvisers will sharpen both their scene mechanics and their ability to listen closely for hidden patterns, themes, and comedic worlds buried within a single story.

What You’ll Learn

• Working With a Monologist
  How to pull inspiration from real stories without recreating them literally — finding playable ideas, themes, and emotional details.

• Scene Initiations From Story Details
  Turning lived experiences into strong premises, grounded relationships, and heightening moves.

• Pattern Recognition & Thematic Callbacks
  Building shows that feel unified through recurring ideas, character echoes, or emotional patterns.

• Honest vs. Comedic Choices
  Balancing heart and humour to create scenes that feel bold, real, and still deeply funny.

• Ensemble Listening & Support Moves
  Learning when to pull focus, when to follow inspiration, and when to let the story breathe.

Live Performance: Two 30-Minute Armando Sets

Students will perform two full 30-minute Armando shows featuring a monologist, giving them the chance to apply skills in real performance conditions. Post-show notes help the ensemble sharpen instincts, timing, and thematic play.

Prerequisite

This intensive is intended for experienced improvisers with previous longform training or stage experience. Students should be comfortable playing grounded scenes and supporting ensemble work.

Six Weeks
Mondays 7-9 pm @ 2237 Dundas Street West
February 3rd, 10th OFF 17TH, 24th & March 3rd, 10th, 17th
$325 CAD (+tax)