Aug 24-26, 2026
Class Description:
The intensive will include two classes of 8-15 students each: one for rising (going into) 6th–8th graders and one for rising 9th–12th graders.
Separately and simultaneously, the cohorts will build improv skills under the instruction of Full Tilt Comedy core company members. We will utilize specific exercises and proven improv games in each class to guide the development of specific skills and prepare students for a full on-stage improv performance.
The work usually includes fun warmups, focused instruction on improv concepts, specific game reps, and improvised scenework.
At Full Tilt, we believe that individuals and communities thrive with shared creativity, laughter, and friendship – and we expect this camp to deliver exactly that. Please come prepared to get silly and find the confidence and joy that come from being spontaneous and laughing in a room together. Both groups' work will culminate in a public improv show on the Opera House stage for family and friends. Schedule 9:30AM-10:00AM | Registration and Check in @ City Opera House August 26, 2026 | Wednesday 5:00PM | Call Time Full Tilt Comedy – Teacher Bios: Nicole Hastings McKendrick Nicole has been with Full Tilt for three years, before which spent a decade as a performer, teacher and director in the Chicago comedy scene. She has taught all levels of comedy arts at The Second City, in The Improvisation Program, The Conservatory and the Music Improv Program. For Full Tilt, she teaches all levels, but predominantly advanced electives and specialty classes. She relishes sharing what she has learned and what she loves with students. She has directed and coached scripted and improvised ensembles. She is a native of Northern California and a graduate of Columbia University in New York. Nicole’s performing credits include: Blank! The Musical (Off-Broadway), Thrones! The Musical (Edinburgh Fringe festival), Baby Wants Candy, The Deltones (iO), The Second City Touring Company and Fast, Loud & Funny (The Second City) and The Improvised Sondheim Project. Nicole lives in a Victorian house in Elk Rapids with her husband, three kids, one cat and zero level floors. Dave’s versatile career is fueled by three decades of weaving sketch, improv, and storytelling into the fabric of community work. A graduate of Spring Arbor University, he recently honed his comedic edge through the ranks of Full Tilt Comedy, and he has trained at Chicago’s legendary Annoyance Theater. He has collaborated with local staples like the National Writers Series, Northport Performing Arts Center, Leland’s Old Art Building, and Northwestern Michigan College to unleash the power of improv on middle and high school students. Whether he’s directing high-energy kids shows and workshops in schools and community centers or teaching adults in a Full Tilt cohort, Dave thrives on the spark of human connection. Dave performs onstage with Full Tilt Comedy throughout Northern Michigan, specializing in sharp improv and original sketch. As a core member of the production team, he crafts the chaos behind Full Tilt’s regular shows and special events, and serves as the architect and host of The Comedy Lab.
When he’s not building community or crafting comedic chaos, Dave can be found trying to convince his neighbors that improv is a life skill and not just a very loud hobby.
August 24 - 26, 2026 | Monday – Wednesday
10:00AM–12:00PM | Morning Session
12:00PM–12:30PM | Lunch break
12:30PM–2:30PM | Afternoon Session
6:00PM | Doors Open
6:30PM | SHOWCASE
High School Cohort Instructor
Dave Thomas
Middle School Cohort Instructor