For many actors, the very thought of having improvise can fill them with dread.

This is totally understandable, when they’ve had little or no training in how to improvise, or are holding onto misconceptions about what it means and what it involves.

Improvisation Without Fear takes a step-by-step and light-hearted approach to demystify the whole process of improvisation. Participants will explore the foundational building blocks of improvisation — the ‘Offer’ and ‘Counter-Offer’ as well as six guiding principles. Through practical games and exercises, they will apply these building blocks and guiding principles in both short-form and longer-form improvisations.

Participants will explore the history of improvisation and different schools of thought that have become popular, from Keith Johnstone’s Theatre Games to approaches developed by Viola Spolin. Participants will discover that the building blocks and guiding principles can be applied to many of these schools of thought.

Participants will explore Viola Spolin’s ideas behind The Lone Actor, and how to improvise solo.

We’ll then take the building blocks and principles even further and apply them to devising narrative-based work through improvisation.

CONTENT & OUTCOMES

Improvisation Without Fear can take two forms:
a one-day introductory workshop, and a five-day deep-dive residency.

During the one-day introductory workshop, participants will:

  • Explore why some actors might find the idea of improvisation stressful, and shatter some misconceptions about what it means to improvise successfully.

  • Learn the building blocks and guiding principles to demystify the process of improvisation. The building blocks and principles will be explored practically through games and exercises. Each principle builds on what has come before, providing a structured approach to the learning.
  • Build confidence by applying the principles to a series of short-form improvisations.

During the five-day deep-dive residency, participants will also: 

  • Gain more confidence by applying the building blocks and principles to multiple short-form improvisations.

  • Apply the building blocks and principles to longer-form improvisations.

  • Explore the history of improvisation and different schools of thought that have become popular, from Keith Johnstone’s Theatre Games to approaches developed by Viola Spolin. Participants will discover how the building blocks and guiding principles can be applied to many of these schools of thought.

  • Explore Viola Spolin’s ideas behind The Lone Actor, and how to improvise solo.

  • Apply the building blocks and guiding principles to devising narrative-based work through improvisation.

DETAILS & LOGISTICS

  • Who is the workshop for?
    — The workshop is for actors, performers, devisers, writers, ensembles, directors and drama facilitators.
    — It is suitable for both professional artists and artists-in-training.
    — Groups consisting of people in different roles (e.g.: some actors, some writers and some directors) can also be accommodated.
    — No previous improvisation experience is required.

  • How many participants can take part?
    — To ensure everyone can have the fullest experience of the practical exercises, workshops are capped at a maximum of 12 participants.

  • How long is the workshop?
    — The one-day introductory workshop comprises two 3-hour sessions with a break in between.
    — The five-day deep-dive residency is made up of two 3-hour sessions with a break in between on each day.
    — At drama schools and universities, a showing of the work explored can be scheduled for the last session of a five-day residency.
    — Other schedules can be accommodated to suit a group’s particular circumstances.

  • Where can the workshop take place?
    — The workshop is practical and needs to take place in-person; it cannot be delivered online.
    — The booker is responsible for finding a suitable room or studio for the workshop to take place in.

  • What space or equipment is needed for the workshop?
    — A space that is large enough to comfortably accommodate full-group practical work and exercises.
    — A chair for each participant.
    — Participants should wear clothes they are comfortable moving in.
    — Participants should bring something to take notes with (as no handouts are provided.)

  • What is the cost of the workshop?
    — Workshop costs vary depending on length and location. Please enquire about the cost by filling in the form below or emailing directly.

  • Can the workshop accommodate participants with specific needs or who require specific adjustments?
    — Absolutely! It is very important that everyone can participate fully in a way that is comfortable and positive for them. Please provide as much detail as possible when booking and I’ll arrange a time for us to have a conversation in advance of the workshop date.

INTERESTED IN BOOKING A WORKSHOP OR LEARNING MORE?

Get in touch to secure your dates or to arrange an informal chat about your ideas and plans. You can contact me using the form below, or email me directly:

hello [at] garethjnicholls [dot] com.

Which workshop (s) are you wishing to enquire about?

AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS

The Box

A powerful devising, writing, improvisation and scene study tool rolled into one.

The Funhouse

Enter The Funhouse to devise work in front of an audience in real-time.

The Bold Ensemble

A workshop to help groups of actors and devisers nurture key collaborative skills in order to work together most effectively.

Effortless Devising

A stress-free approach to developing narrative-led work.

Improvisation Without Fear

A step-by-step approach to eliminate dread when improvising.

Audience Collaboration — For Actors & Devisers

An approach that invites audiences to be your most important collaborator.

Audience Collaboration — For Directors

An approach that invites audiences to be your most important collaborator.