Improvisation Classes

Open Improv (18+)  

7:30pm – 9:15pm
Wednesdays 12 Feb – 2 April
Cost - $195 
Teaching Artist: Hannah McDougall

Suitable for:
• People who are new to improv
• Those who are wanting a fun hobby
• People seeking personal development and transferable skills
• Note: This is an adult course, 18 +

To join an improvised theatre group is to engage in a joyous, text-building, world-imagining art form which awakens our latent ability to tell stories. This inherently co-operative practice enhances our deep listening, empathy, resilience, risk-taking and narrative construction skills, all within the confines of a supportive and fun atmosphere. With all these benefits, there is little wonder improv enjoys great popularity worldwide, not only as an entertainment product, but also as a personal hobby, or an avenue for professional development. The Open Improv group is designed for beginners and those who simply want to explore improv for all the inherent skills and joy it can provide as a weekly practice. The environment will be supportive and non-judgemental, and there is no end of term showcase. It is play for play’s sake.

In Open Improv you will…
• Be led by multiple expert improv teachers from the Court Theatre
• Play circle games to build camaraderie and confidence
• Learn and try spontaneity exercises to free the imagination and tell stories
• Do some easy physical exercises to engage your body in the practice
• Learn the rules to, and play multiple short performance games developed by Keith Johnstone and others such as Speak in One Voice, Alphabet, and New Choice.
• Learn enough about improv theory to partake in basic scene play
• Be coached kindly in regards to basic stagecraft. eg. facing the audience, projecting voice, making basic character choices
• Be asked to respond and reflect on the practice
• Have a LOT of fun and laughter

Performance Improv 1 (18+)

6pm – 7:30pm  
Mondays 10 Feb – 31 March 
Cost - $195  
Teaching Artist: Caitlin Penhey

Suitable for:
• People who want to experience performing improv in front of an audience
• Those who have done some improv already and are keen to develop their skill levels in a fun environment
• People seeking personal development and transferable skills
• Note: This is an adult course, 18 +

Take your improv skills to another level with Performance Improv 1! Designed for those with some experience or a keen interest in performing, this class dives deeper into acting skills, storytelling theory, and creating engaging scenes. You’ll develop ensemble skills, learn plenty of performance games and scene types, and be coached in the techniques needed to captivate an audience. Ideal for aspiring actors and those ready to take their comedy seriously.

In Performance Improv 1 you will…
• Be led by multiple expert improv teachers from the Court Theatre
• Play circle games, spontaneity exercises, and some easy physical exercises
• Learn the rules to, and play multiple short performance games developed by Keith Johnstone and others
• Perform spontaneous scene work, learning how to add structures such as repetition, revelation, time jumps, and developing action
• Be coached in your scene work to develop your acting, stories, and stagecraft
• Be asked to respond and reflect on the practice
• Perform in a programme of scenes and games in an end of term showcase
• Have a LOT of fun and laughter

Performance Improv 2 (18+)

7:45pm – 9:15pm  
Mondays 10 Feb – 31 March 
Cost - $195 
Teaching Artist: Dan Allan

Suitable for:
• Experienced and confident improvisors
• Note: This is an adult course, 18 + and entry is through application

Challenge yourself with Performance Improv 2, an acting company-type class for experienced improvisers ready to refine their craft. Introducing students to advanced acting exercises and the skills involved in long form improvisation, this course will ask students to push the artistic boundaries of their improv practice. The group will design their own original show formats and take them to the public with the aim of a polished, professional show. Court Jesters and Court Theatre teaching artists are eligible and welcome to join this class if they want extra training in their week.

In Performance Improv 2 you will…
• Be led by multiple expert improv teachers from the Court Theatre
• Perform spontaneous scene work, investigating structures and styles
• Be coached in your scene work to develop your acting, stories, and stagecraft
• Coach the scenes of other company members
• Be asked to respond and reflect deeply on the practice, improving the product
• Perform an original format in an end of term showcase
• Have a LOT of fun and laughter

This class is for experienced improv practitioners who are confident in their own abilities. It is recommended that members have completed at least one year of Court Theatre classes, such as Performance Improv 1, or Advanced Improv, or have equivalent experience. Membership is through application and will be decided on a case-by-case basis.