Comic Character Development Workshop

So, you think you are funny huh? 

Trap Door Theatre is offering a Comic Character Development workshop taught by Los Angeles movement master Stephen Buescher!

Sunday, March 29th

Comic Character Development is a high-octane, physically driven class for Actors, Clowns, Dancers, and Sketch Comedy Artists who are ready to go bigger, bolder, and funnier! You’ll explode into fearless character creation by leaning into heightened physicality, crystal-clear points of view, and unapologetic choices that leave a lasting impact. Through lively comedic exercises and improvisation, you’ll learn to wield comic principles—raising the stakes, sharpening instinct, and committing fully to both the sublime and the ridiculous. This class is for performers who want to stand out in auditions, play with abandon, take bold risks, and discover how far they can really go!

Workshop Details:

When: Sunday, March 29th from 12-5pm

Where: Trap Door Theatre – 1655 W Cortland St. Chicago, IL 60622

Admission: $150

Limited places! Only 12 Spots available.

Reserve your Spot: https://our.show/comic-character-development

Workshop Objectives:

  • Create bold, physically expressive comic characters with a clear point of view
  • Use heightened physicality to instantly communicate character and comedy
  • Apply core comic principles: raising stakes, committing fully, and making strong choices
  • Strengthen comedic instinct through improvisation and playful risk-taking
  • Develop confidence to go bigger, bolder, and more fearless in performance and auditions.

About the Teaching Artist:

Stephen Buescher the director for Trap Door’s upcoming production of Le Bal. He is a Director, Choreographer, Actor, and Educator. He has directed numerous plays and workshop readings at The Vineyard, Manhattan Theater Club, and Roundabout Theater. Stephen’s choreographic work has been seen at La Jolla Playhouse, Roundabout Theater, Shakespeare Theater Company, Center Theater Group, Fiasco Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Arena Stage, Seattle Repertory Theater, Old Globe Theater, Theater Calgary, American Conservatory Theater, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, and the Lorraine Hansberry Theater. As an Actor Stephen has been a Company member with Dell ‘Arte International. While performing with the Company Stephen performed original works in Columbia, Hungary, Croatia, Germany, and Greece. Stephen is a Movement and Acting Professor at the University of California San Diego and is a graduate of CalArts and the Dell ‘Arte International School of Physical Theater.