Impro ACT

Improvisers who have completed the "Prepare to be unprepared" class or a similar course in another city can choose from a range of more advanced classed offered by Impro ACT.

In term 2 2012, Impro ACT is proud to present two advanced classes. Full details of each class are provided below.

Advanced classes run for nine consecutive weeks for a total cost of $150.

Making Connections

Tutor: Ben Crowley

At the heart of any good story is a series of connections between people. In the context of live performance, particularly improvised theatre, the pieces and scenes that last long in the mind for audiences and actors are those where a strong connection is made between characters, between actors and most importantly between actor and audience. Drawing on influences from more than just theatre this course will delve into all those important connections and how to develop it.

Key skills: Making strong characters and relationships in both comedic and dramatic scenes through body language, accepting unconscious offers, being in the moment with your scene partner and most importantly making every conversation count. 

Isn’t it time you made a connection?

WHEN: Tuesday nights from 7 pm, Starting May 1st
(runs for nine consecutive weeks)
WHERE: Performing Arts Services Hub (PASH) – Suite 301, 20 Allara St, Civic
(Across from the Casino, directly above Kathmandu)
COST: $150 for the full nine week term
HOW TO ENROL: Enroll online above, or Contact Cathy Hagarty on getgood@impro.com.au or 0438096373

Finding The Game

Tutor: Nick Byrne

Regardless of whether you perform improvised scenework or games, humorous or dramatic, truthful or absurd, one of the most powerful tools in an improviser's armoury is finding the game in any scene. This does not mean replacing one player's arms with those of another, or talking in gibberish, (though it could do). Rather, it means finding the unspoken connection between the performers that makes any interaction special and keeps players in the same mindset or in the same moment. In this incredibly enjoyable frame of mind, you will learn to relax into a child-like freedom during your performance, and break through to a new level play.

WHEN: Thursday nights from 7 pm, Starting May 3rd
(runs for nine consecutive weeks)
WHERE: Performing Arts Services Hub (PASH) – Suite 301, 20 Allara St, Civic
(Across from the Casino, directly above Kathmandu)
COST: $150 for the full nine week term
HOW TO ENROL: Enroll online above, or Contact Cathy Hagarty on getgood@impro.com.au or 0438096373

Coming up in term 3

Truth and Fearlessness – Heidi Silberman

Are you ever disappointed with your performance?
Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut or sitting in neutral?
Do you want to be challenged?

In this class we’ll explore truth in improvisation by drawing from our own experiences, responding to our performance partners and using the nuances present in every scene. In a safe environment we’ll also delve into the fears that hold us back from becoming better improvisers. In order to kiss those fears goodbye we’ll develop a deeper understanding of how failure truly can be our friend.

Genre and Finding the Context – Catherine Hagarty

We have all watched our favourite improvisers make magic on stage when in a different historical context or genre. Their characters come alive within that context. How did they do it? Like all aspects of impro the trick is very simple and easy to learn. Throughout this course we will explore quick and handy ways to dive into different genres and create ‘real’ scenes that are painted for the audience. We will find context and genre in both short and longform with a focus in the last three weeks to develop a specific genre-based longform. Come along and have a blast in the past (or specific genre)!

Coming up in term 4

Musical - Nick Byrne

All the best musical improvisation exercises, stolen from a dozen different tutors, then gently re-arranged to take you to a level of comfort in the most common musical performance modes, and beyond into areas you may not have explored. Music connects us to the audience in a direct and instinctual way. Learn how to bring it to all areas of your performance - not just musical games or formats. Crescendo Director, Nick Byrne will have you harmonising, providing background music, dancing, responding dramatically to musical cues, and singing songs that are not reliant on traditional musical structures. Do this course, and you WILL be confident working with music.

Make ‘em laugh! – Benjamin Crowley

This class will explore some of the basic elements for creating comedic short-form scenes. From character quirks to the role of the straight-man and elements of physical comedy. Students will learn the joy of creating funny moments in the context of the scene rather than relying on a gag-line. – Just slip on a banana peel and the world will be at your feet!