Impro Theatre ACT in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory | Arts and entertainment

Impro Theatre ACT

Locality: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Phone: +61 1300 851 055

Address: Suite 301, 20 Allara Street, Canberra 2601 Canberra, ACT, Australia

Website: http://www.impro.com.au/

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25.01.2022 THE CLASS BEFORE CHRISTMAS - Wed Dec 16 It was the Class Before Christmas, And all through the town, Improvisers were feeling a little bit down, Their courses w...ere finishing There final show, too, If only there was just one more class they could do, Just to mix with all levels; have a last splash of fun, And perhaps share a beverage, when that class was done. Then came the announcement, Here in this rhyme, An extra class before Christmas, Enrol here, in quick time; http://www.impro.com.au/one-off-workshops/ See more

24.01.2022 Oooh! Look! That improvisation course you'd always thought about doing starts Thursdays from April 22, or choose Tuesdays, from April 27! And as usual, it's filling fast, because the skills are real and the fun is constant. Mmmmmm. Best grab a place in one of these very popular courses, here; http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/

24.01.2022 Performer Tips #3 - Presence and Including The Audience Your audience is always there. If there is no audience, (even an online one), you are actually rehearsing or just amusing yourself, rather than performing. Your audience notices everything, so there's little point either ignoring them or attempting to hide any part of yourself from them. They are, however, there by choice, with a strong desire to have a fulfilling experience. They want you to succeed! They really do! Thi...s makes them one of your greatest assets. Allow them the honour of assisting you, because they are an absolutely essential part of your performance, and you are an essential part of their experience. We are all inhabiting the same space. There are many types of performance, of course, so you may not feel you can look them in the eye and speak directly to them. In many plays, for example, you might be hoping to sweep them away into a fantasy world, and you feel that direct communication will break the 'fourth wall', sending them back into reality......., but you must still invite them and welcome them into the other dimension that you want them to visit. Accordingly, we tend to face in the direction of the audience, somewhat more than purely realistic experience would suggest, and we project our voice with enough resonance for them to hear. We enter the stage, to present ourselves to the audience! They exist! If you imagine, before you begin your performance that rather than trying to impress the audience and be good enough for them, you are actually delivering them a gift that they already want to receive, with as much love as a birthday present for your favourite friend or relative, performing is easier and a very great pleasure. Give yourself to them, and they will give themselves to you. Find authenticity, by allowing them to see you - the real you, beyond, yet within the character. Show them your eyes. Breathe in the atmosphere (quite literally), when you are facing them, and you will gain an awareness that will improve your timing, amongst a dozen other nuances of your performance. Definitively, this is a large part of that magical quality known as 'stage presence'....., but it's not magic, nor a trick. It's very real, and YOU can have it. Just believe in your audience. Love them. Invite them in, and be generous with your hospitality, as you share the space. Perform together. <3 (From the writings of Nick Byrne, Artistic Director of Impro ACT. If you'd like to join a class, or to arrange a private session, tailored to you or your team, check http://www.impro.com.au/ to [email protected] )

23.01.2022 When is it time to have fun, again, meet new people, and learn truly practical skills for stage and life? Join an improvisation class! Information and enrolments, here; http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/

23.01.2022 Performer Tips #4 - Authenticity When I began to tour overseas, I was reasonably confident about my ability to teach, and my ability to create/direct shows, at ...a level suitable to the other internationals in my field, but I didn't rate myself so well, on stage. People were advertising their Australian guest, as part of festivals, and I felt the pressure to deliver the qualities that others had, in comparison......, but that's NOT what you're hired to do. You are hired to deliver what YOU have. When you try to be something that you're not, you might just get away with it, but you are taking a big risk that the audience will like what you try to do. The result will always be a game of percentages, (which is a bit stressful). You are, in a way, faking it, so they will always have a subconscious reason to doubt you, and your job will be to constantly seduce them into believing otherwise, even as you maintain the same uncomfortable doubts, yourself. Under these circumstances, you feel yourself needing to get your performance 'right', and every pause, stumble, cough, seems to be a glaring mistake. When, however, you are simply being yourself, the audience can immediately relax. They will automatically empathise with you, because that's what the human mind does when confronted with anyone telling them the truth. The game of percentages is gone. They will actually accept you EVERY time, and your performance will not fail; it will simply be rated somewhere between perfectly ok and outstanding, (which removes the stress and thereby improves your work, anyway). You can pause, stumble, cough, as often as you like, because you are not pretending, and these elements, as well as all your inherent idiosyncrasies, will only make you seem MORE real. When you play a character (a fiction), that is not you, rather than first concentrating on learning the altered vocal qualities, style of movement, and other imposed elements, begin by empathising with the character; consider what you share with them. If you are playing an aggressive monster, recall what it was like when YOU felt different or an outcast, and when you felt angry. Play the authenticity first, and allow the character tropes to filter-in, naturally, so that in this way, you can allow the audience to empathise with the reality of your character, too. Just as when you were being yourself, they will believe your character, which will also have a multi-dimensional depth. Anyone can roar like a monster, but your monster will seem real. I am never worried, on tour, now, because I am only trying to be me. I know, for certain, that this is the best result I can get at any given time, and that it is going to be good enough to be on stage with any of my peers, and from this base, I can continue to build stagecraft that can filter-in on top, gradually and naturally. This is definitely true for you, too. To practice, and to prove this reality to yourself, (because you'll only feel empowered to be authentic, when you believe in it), tell vulnerable honest stories (no matter how light or heavy) to groups of friends, or at rehearsals. The more honest, and the more vulnerable you are, the more you will feel the empathy and interest of the listeners. It's a good feeling, and it's instant, and it's reliable. In this way, you are training to accept your authentic self, and the good feedback will be the drug that replaces your earlier desire to be what you are not. Authenticity is easy. You've always had it, hiding somewhere beneath the cover story we all create to some degree. You just need to exercise this strongest of performance muscles, to harvest the many benefits, both on and off stage. <3 (From the writings of Nick Byrne, Artistic Director of Impro ACT. If you'd like to join a class, or to arrange a private session, tailored to you or your team, check http://www.impro.com.au/ to [email protected] )

23.01.2022 Did you book? All levels. You can improvise this week! This coming Sunday July 26 and Tuesday July 28. (Plus new beginners course, the following Wednesday) * Winter Taster (Sold Out, sorry, but see Beginners, below) * Back To Impro July 26, 2:00pm-4:00pm one-off session http://www.impro.com.au/one-off-workshops/ * Impro In Space course from July 28 (Still places) http://www.impro.com.au/other-courses/... * Beginners Prepare To Be Unprepared course from August 5 http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/ See more

22.01.2022 Intermediate/Advanced courses for next quarter are filling super fast. Our popular "The Music In You" course, filled with improvised singing, dancing, respondin...g to music and creating accompaniment, is about 70% full, already, and "Peak Performance", learning how to be at your best every time you perform on or off stage, is about half full. We'd love to see you back, and you grab one of the remaining places, here.... See more

22.01.2022 Performer Tips #5 - Rhythm & Pitch There is a rhythm to everything we do, on stage and off. An awareness of, and your intervention into this rhythm, will dramat...ically increase the artistic potential and ease of your performance. Verbally, when we hear someone deliver their speech or dialogue 'beautifully', they will typically be using (even if subconsciously) a somewhat regular rhythm pattern, broken occasionally to give a particular impact or closure. Shakespearean text is a case in point. A monotonous rhythm that is never broken, or conversely an entirely erratic delivery, is often less engaging, so someone creating an audition piece might attempt to constantly adjust their rhythm for impact, yet still lose the interest of the listener. Practice the feel of rhythmic speech, simply by breaking your dialogue, (whether pre-written or improvised) into blocks of a certain rhythm of syllables, selecting occasional special moments of emphasis to dramatically increase or reduce the duration or speed. Note that I haven't said, 'a certain NUMBER of syllables'. Be more interested in the number and emphasis of BEATS. For example, the nursery rhyme 'Mary had a little lamb' has phrases with a regular number of beats (four or eight per line, depending how you like to count), though strictly speaking, the syllables vary between six and eight. Physically, you can apply similar ideas. Prior to a show, or beginning a new character, I will typically select a default rhythm for the performance, based on the type of energy I wish to project. I might sing to myself, a popular song with this rhythm, until that beat is stuck in my brain. (eg. 'Uptown Funk' is a song that gives an excellent positive energy without being rushed). When I enter, I will naturally move with that rhythm. Extend this idea in the style of the verbal exercise, above. Try breaking your movements into phrases of beats, within your selected rhythm, then breaking the pattern, after a few moves. To emphasise a particular moment, dramatically reduce or increase the number of.beats or the tempo. Use these techniques, and you'll inspire a whole range of new dimensions within your work, and your performance will have flow. On a good day, it's like simply enjoying the ride, rather than trying to drive, all the time. Poetic devices, such alliteration and metaphor will magically become apparent in your speech, while style, finesse, and dexterity, will replace any awkward steps. Those experiencing 'the new you' are unlikely to pick-up on exactly what you are doing differently. They will simply consider your work more engaging, professional, and beautiful. <3' (From the writings of Nick Byrne, Artistic Director of Impro ACT. If you'd like to join a class, or to arrange a private session, tailored to you or your team, check http://www.impro.com.au/ or write to [email protected] ) (Photography: Aleksey Mazurkin, Moscow)

21.01.2022 A sneak peek Impro Spring Taster session, anyone? Try impro in a single session, to see if you like it. September's taster sold out, as did the previous one, so we've added another on Sunday October 11. Maybe good to book early Here; http://www.impro.com.au/one-off-workshops/

17.01.2022 This Sunday! Still places available in our Back to Impro Session for all levels. Book here; http://www.impro.com.au/one-off-workshops/

17.01.2022 Hey, it's a real live show! Or is it?? Yes! It is! Or is it??? OK, yes, it's a live show, but a lot of people in the show will be liars. Honest! Your job is to have outrageously good fun guessing who is lying and who is telling the truth. Two sessions to cope with social distancing requirements. hat means limited numbers, so book early, and I'll see you at Smiths, August 13!

17.01.2022 Enticing new intermediate courses, now enrolling, for an October start, suitable for anyone who has completed at least one Impro ACT or other recognised improvisation course. "That Instant Connection" - Create a special relationship with your audience or those you meet in life. Mondays evenings from October 19 "In Your Own Words" - Have something beautiful and inspiring to say on and off stage, anytime you want. Wednesday evenings from October 21 Last term sold out, so enrol early, here; http://www.impro.com.au/other-courses/

17.01.2022 Wondering what it's like to do impro? Come, watch, laugh, and meet students of different levels, in our end-of-term students showcase, on December 5 :) Sold out early, last term, so book early.... https://www.smithsalternative.com/even/one-night-only-70281

16.01.2022 Seriously, very few tickets left in each session :) https://www.smithsalternative.com/even/one-night-only-69525

15.01.2022 Last chance to sign-up. Starts this Tuesday. A few places left. I'm so excited to be back with teaching :) Bookings and info; http://www.impro.com.au/other-courses/

15.01.2022 If you join a class this term, you WILL have the opportunity to perform in a show (only if you want to perform, of course). Did you sign up, yet? Courses at all levels; http://www.impro.com.au/

14.01.2022 Make friends fast, whilst enjoying a laughter-filled weekly class that teaches very practical communication skills for stage and life. Become an improviser, starting Apr 22 or Apr 27, and enjoy the benefits living in the moment. http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/

13.01.2022 Final days. Start Week 1 this Tuesday or join this Thursday's group (now in Week 2)... Did you enrol, yet? Join 1500 happy Canberrans, who have enjoyed our Prepare To Be Unprepared" beginners course, since 2005. Go direct to the booking site, here; http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/

13.01.2022 Wow! Folks are really booking early for Term 1, 2021 improv courses, with a few people already enrolled in each class and level. Check out the links below for options, and whether you're brand new to impro, or returning, you can enjoy the enthusiasm of our warm and fun learning/performing community, while all the options are still available :)

13.01.2022 Live on stage, September 18. Book now :)

11.01.2022 Starts next week! Need a little spontaneity in your life? Want big fun, with very practical skills for stage and life? Join an improvisation class! Start Apr 22 or Apr 27. Information and enrolments, here; http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/

11.01.2022 Filling extremely quickly! Enticing new intermediate courses, now enrolling, for an October start, suitable for anyone who has completed at least one Impro ACT or other recognised improvisation course. "That Instant Connection" - (50% sold) Create a special relationship with your audience or those you meet in life. Mondays evenings from October 19 "In Your Own Words" - (40% sold) Have something beautiful and inspiring to say on and off stage, anytime you want. Wednesday evenings from October 21 Last term sold out, so enrol early, here; http://www.impro.com.au/other-courses/

10.01.2022 Last chance to enrol for THIS SUNDAY's one-off session... Interested to try improvisation, but not sure what it's really like? Taste-test all the fun with a one-off Impro Autumn Taster session on April 18. Only $25, here; http://www.impro.com.au/one-off-workshops/

09.01.2022 Thank you all for being such a supportive group, during what has been a challenging time to maintain a little theatre business like mine. I'm so happy that we s...eem to be coming out of the more difficult period, and now have our big training room back, a full slate of classes at all levels, definitely more shows, and maybe even in a real theatre, again :) I really appreciate you. <3 See more

09.01.2022 How to connect with your scene partner and your audience. Starts next Monday, and 75% full, so book now; http://www.impro.com.au/other-courses/

08.01.2022 Need a little spontaneity in your life? Want big fun, with very practical skills for stage and life? Join an improvisation class! Information and enrolments, here; http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/

08.01.2022 Just games and just three sessions! That should brighten the month of September. Book here for the funnest mini-course of the season; http://www.impro.com.au/other-courses/

06.01.2022 Just want to play some improv games, without taking a whole course? Games For Stage and Life is a 3-session mini-course starting September 10. Big fun awaits, when you enrol here; http://www.impro.com.au/other-courses/

06.01.2022 Impro Inventors Summer Camp Jan 8-10, Canberra and surrounds! We had a GREAT time, last year from Friday evening to Sunday evening. Half-impro (workshops/rehear...sals/show) and half-social events (BBQ, swimming, nightlife), though there's no actual camping :) Read all the details, and enrol here; http://www.impro.com.au/other-courses/ See more

06.01.2022 Want a quick taste of what an impro class is like, before you decide whether it's for you? Try our Impro Spring Taster - just two hours on Sunday, September 6, full of real skills for stage and life, and laugh-a-minute fun. The last taster sold out, so best book-in now, right here; http://www.impro.com.au/one-off-workshops/

05.01.2022 True or false? There's a real live show on Thursday, August 13. Limited seating. Unlimited fun, guessing who is lying, wrapped in variety performances. Book here; https://www.smithsalternative.com/eve/the-liar-s-club-69312?

04.01.2022 Improv things to do in Canberra list.... Sep 6 Spring Taster - Sold Out Sep 7 Musical Improv - Sold Out Sep 10 Games For Stage & Life - Available places in 3 session mini-course of gameplay and more gameplay... Info/bookings; http://www.impro.com.au/other-courses/ Sep 18 "One Night Only" - nearly sold out, so hurry for this night of three different improv student showcase performances Info/bookings; https://www.smithsalternative.com/even/one-night-only-69525 Oct 11 Spring Taster - Filling fast. try an impro class in a one-off session, to see if you like it. Info/bookings; http://www.impro.com.au/one-off-workshops/ Oct 15 Prepare To Be Unprepared - Booking now for very popular classic beginners course over 8 Thursdays. Info/bookings; http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/ Oct 20 Prepare To Be Unprepared - Booking now for very popular classic beginners course over 8 Tuesdays. Info/bookings; http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/ See more

03.01.2022 Interested to try improvisation, but not sure what it's really like? Taste-test all the fun with a one-off Impro Summer Taster session, or give it as an innovative Christmas gift. Only $25, here; http://www.impro.com.au/one-off-workshops/

02.01.2022 Thought about starting impro?

01.01.2022 It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change. Charles Darwin should have been around for 2020, huh? I guess we'll just have to improvise! Join a class, now Info and enrolments, here; http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/

01.01.2022 You'll make a new friend, for sure, on your first night of improvisaion classes. Want to come join us? Start Prepare To Be Unprepared within days on Wednesday August 5. Info and enrolments, here; http://www.impro.com.au/beginners-courses/

01.01.2022 All new mini-courses in improvisation! Suitable for all levels. Choose ; "Musical Improv" (3 Monday evenings Sept)ember) or "Games For Stage & Life" (3 Thursday evenings September) Our full-length courses sold out, this term, but these mini-courses are a great way to get a splash of spontaneity, with real skills and real fun. Learn to improvise singing with others and without fear, or learn a whole bunch of theatre games, or do both! This September! Limited places for COVID safety, so ac quickly. Information and bookings here; http://www.impro.com.au/other-courses/