Improv 101

PROGRAMME DETAILS

Life itself has been called the greatest improvisation of all. That is why Improvisational Theatre holds many nuggets of wisdom which can be applied to our lives, both as actors and non-actors.

Improvisational theatre is performance created in the moment. In its purest form, the dialogue, action, story, and characters are created in present time without a prepared, written script. Actors must think on their feet and access their creativity instantaneously.

The Improv 101 one-day session is an introduction into the basics of improvisation that can enable one to overcome the fear of failure and trust one’s instincts.

This short intensive provides a holistic view of this form of acting, including performance as well as a deeper understanding of creative writing, storytelling and directing. At the end of this session participants will find themselves invigorated with a passion for the spontaneous and creative.

SYLLABUS

  • Exercises on spontaneity and creative response from personal truth
  • Short, informal lectures on Improvisation
  • Character and short scene work
  • Personal reflection to achieve an authentic performance

AREAS OF FOCUS

  • Introduction to the basics of devising, performing and directing an improvised scene
  • Harnessing one’s creative instinct and unique talent
  • Creative collaboration and team work through improv team exercises
  • Engaging an audience

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Confidence when thinking on one’s feet and facing the unexpected
  • Trust in oneself & one’s creative instincts
  • Conquering the fear of failure and breaking away from a reliance on structure
  • Embracing change and spontaneity

TRAINER

Raised in Avignon, where one of the most famous French theatre festivals is held every summer, Arnaud Pierre started his first theatre classes in elementary school. Throughout high school, Arnaud studied classic French theatre and even co-wrote a few plays. It was only in 2006 that he discovered his one true love amongst all types of theatrical performance: improvisation.

Arnaud studied dozens of different improvisation formats with various coaches for eight years and discovered the many faces of improv, such as the narrative style of Keith Johnstone, Del Close’s organic approach and Viola Spolin’s games-based format. Arnaud has performed with a variety of different improv troupes in France, and in national and international festivals. Arnaud arrived in Singapore in 2012, wide-eyed and eager to experience the Improv scene in the Lion City. This led to him quickly setting up a troupe with The Theatre Factory, as well as joining The Improv Company where he performs frequently.