Adults Enjoy Improvisation at SPARC Theater

August 1, 2025
Contact: Emma Ledesma
Emma@SPARCtheater.org
925-443-2273
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/55d70309/_x46gNfUC0CPErm36ud2dA?u=http://www.sparctheater.org/
Photos at: Mark Duncanson Headshots
Adults Enjoy Improvisation at SPARC Theater
LIVERMORE, CA — SPARC Theater will host a new series of Adult Education workshops beginning with a multi-series course on Improvisation, or “Improv,” starting Monday,
August 11 and Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at SPARC Studio in Livermore. The classes will be led by master teacher Mark Duncanson. The series will continue into the new year with courses in stage combat led by artists from SPARC’s professional acting company and Shakespearean text work taught by Artistic Director Lisa Tromovitch. 

“I love the opportunity to learn new skills—especially skills like those you learn in improv that are transferable to so many other situations in life,” said SPARC board member Trish Munro, who is looking forward to enrolling. “Adults need the fun and stimulation of learning new things outside their regular work environment.”

Lead teacher Mark Duncanson is well-known in the Tri-Valley as the creator of the award-winning teen improv troupe Creatures of Impulse. A graduate of BATS School of Improv, Duncanson began his improv journey with Liquid Soap, an episodic improvised soap opera. Over the years, he’s infused improvisation into every stage of his professional life—from working at the YMCA and Volunteer Center of Alameda County to his role as Recreation Supervisor at Pleasanton’s Firehouse Arts Center.
“It was pretty hard to imagine my professional existence after retiring from the City of Pleasanton after 20 years,” Duncanson said. “I had so many successful years creating and running programs in Pleasanton. I created and directed their teen improv troupe, Creatures of Impulse, to great success for 17 years, led the transition of Civic Arts Stage Company (a contracted theater program) into the in-house youth and teen theater program that exists today, and developed several other youth and teen initiatives during my tenure. After retirement, I reconnected with many people I’d partnered with over the years and was quickly reminded that my true love in recreation and the arts is building community. I’m blessed that Lisa and the team at SPARC value community building through the arts, and I get to teach and share a form of theater like improv that has enriched my personal and professional life.”

Tickets for the introductory two-day event start at $50. Longer courses are priced accordingly. For more information or to register, visit sparctheater.org/adult-education/.
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FACT SHEET
About SPARC Theater:
SPARC Theater produces high-quality professional theater experiences that entertain, foster empathy, and offer people of all ages the opportunity to self-reflect, enjoy, and learn, ultimately creating community for all in a celebration of the human spirit.
Through its summer productions, educational programs, and community events, SPARC is committed to inspiring and engaging audiences across the Tri-Valley. Adult Education offerings invite learners at any stage of life to expand their creative and performance skills in a supportive and playful environment.
 
WHO: Mark Duncanson, award-winning improviser, director, and educator.
SPARC Theater, a nonprofit arts organization bringing live theater and education programs to the Tri-Valley.
 
WHAT: Adult Improv Workshop Series — a playful and confidence-building exploration
of improv for beginners and seasoned creatives alike.
 
- Improv Preview Class – Try before you commit!
- Chapter 1: Foundation Building – Learn basic improv tools such as agreement, commitment, and support.
- Chapter 2: Long-Form Improv – Explore storytelling through formats like The Armando, Monoscene, and Improvised One-Act Plays.
- Chapter 3: Performance and Polishing – Practice scenes, develop performance-ready work, and build ensemble trust.
(Chapters 2 and 3 scheduled for 2026.)
 
WHERE: SPARC Studio
2172 Railroad Avenue
Livermore, CA 94550
 
WHEN: Preview: Monday & Tuesday, August 11–12, 2025
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Chapter 1: Fall 2025 (exact dates TBA on website)
 
HOW: Register online at: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/4b159373/O5M7CdAAdUGEIZ-nFO9Hnw?u=https://sparctheater.org/adult-education/
Or call: 925-443-2273