Improv Theatre 101: Learn The Tools

Improvisation is a tool to create spontaneous theatre, where the performers work together to tell or act out stories on stage. Whether you want to make fast and loose comedy, faithful adaptations of your favourite genres & texts, or heartfelt spontaneous theatre, an understanding of the shared fundamentals of improv is key.

This is an eight-week course introducing (or reinforcing) tools and concepts to grow you into a well-rounded improvisor, preparing you for whatever direction you want to take your practice. Foundational concepts explored through exercises, games, and scene work include:

- Accepting and Exploring Offers
- Inspiring Your Scene Partner
- Embracing Failure
- Yielding and Being Changed
- Full Body Listening

Additional content will be tailored to the needs of the class, and will be drawn from the teacher’s experience and research in a variety of styles.

Who is this for?
This course is designed for absolute beginners to start their improv journey AND for those with training in a specific style to broaden their skillset. It is the counterpart to Improv Theatre 102, and the course content is designed so that you can take 101 and 102 in either order, and take either as many times as needed/desired. Everyone’s improv journey is different and we encourage you to embrace your own path and development.

Workshops are upstairs in Thistle Hall, top of Cuba Street. There is a lift, street parking (paid until 8pm), and bus routes on Taranaki St, Victoria St, and Ghuznee St. Participants must have a valid My Vaccine Pass and follow all 'traffic light' Covid rules.

About the teacher:
Jennifer O’Sullivan is an improvisor, director and creative producer living in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington, New Zealand). With an MFA (Creative Practice) in Theatre from Victoria University, she is the co-founder and director of Locomotive, the director of the New Zealand Improv Festival and the creative lead for Kickin’ Rad Productions, as well as a freelance administrator, designer, and teacher. As an improv teacher she has travelled nationally and internationally, helping improvisors become fearless and work naturally on stage, while also working with almost every improv company in Wellington. As a performer she has been in countless shows (mostly improvised) with many different companies, including Awkward Threesome (Tastiest Show NZ Fringe 2016) and many more. And finally, as a director, she has worked with ensembles, duos and solo performers in both full length works (The History Boy, Deep & Meaningful, Suddenly! A Musical) and shorter works (Late Night Knife Fight headliners).

Testimonials:
“Jen is a flexible trainer who is able to quickly identify the needs of the group and adapt her workshop to best fit her attendees no matter what skill level. She gives clear feedback and works in both a fun and focused way. I would highly recommend taking any workshop she has on offer.”

“It was a lovely, friendly, safe learning environment full of wonderful positive energy.”

“[Jen] excels at giving incisive and detailed feedback in a super positive way. Her positivity and energy are unmatched and I can’t wait to take more of her classes!”

Want to know more? Email us on hello@locomotive.nz.