Relapse Theatre

Relapse Theater is a comedy and performing arts venue in Atlanta, Georgia that focuses on improvisational theatre and improv comedy. The theatre is home to several resident improv performance troupes, hosts open mic and showcase performances for stand-up comedians, and holds staged plays and special events throughout the year. Multiple performance spaces include an intimate cinema, a black box studio theater, a comedy club cabaret, and a main stage ballroom-auditorium. Classes in short-form and long-form improv are taught throughout the week.

Relapse was created by its artistic director Bob Wood in 2005, after leaving The Whole World Theatre, where he was artistic director. The inspiration for the theater is attributed to Emmy Award Winning Director David Webster, under whom Mr. Wood studied. Other key founding members include Troy Halverson (Business Manager) and Shellie Schmals (Event Planning).

In the first year, the theater was primarily a venue for special events and improv classes that focus on teaching strong, emotional, two-person, scene work. This style emphasizes the role of emotions In character work, and how to use movement to inspire genuine feelings and a NATURAL performance. All students are drilled in the basics of scene work -- character, relationship, objectives, and where you are -- before combining it with "short-form" improv games or theatre sports. He teaches students that "the basics of scene work never change." This emphasis on solid acting skills is a key to performing “comedy with heart.”

In February 2006, the "Relapse Improv Troupe" began with performing their style of improv every Friday night. To that schedule was added a Saturday night "long-form" improv show, and stand-up comedy nights.

The addition of long-form improv came to the theater when Jim Karwisch, of The JaCKPie Theatre Workshop, began teaching classes at Relapse. One of the key forms taught by Karwish is the Harold improv form created by Del Close. "Harold Night" at Relapse showcases various troupes performing in this style form and in variations of it.

2007: Creative Loafing readers name Relapse Theatre the Best New Trend in the Arts.

2008: AOL ranks Relapse Theatre City's Best Comedy Club.

See also

• Improvisational theatre
• List of improvisational theatre companies