Course Information
Impro Melbourne runs four different courses that are available to the general public: Spontaneity, Narrative, Character and Impro Gym.
The courses are designed for adults aged 18 years or older. Each course consists of weekly two-hour sessions run over nine weeks. These courses are ideal for actors, professional people, people interested in improvisation, individuals who’d like to improve their communication skills, and anyone who likes to have fun and try something new!
Course Structure
Spontaneity requires no prior improvisation or performance experience. Anyone over the age of 18 can join. Spontaneity is an introduction to the theory, language, skills and basic building blocks of improvisation, which we explore through the use of games, exercises and discussion. It’s designed to encourage fearlessness, creativity, collaboration, and fun.
Narrative assumes some knowledge of basic improvisation. In general, it’s only open to people who have done Spontaneity. This requirement may be waived in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Artistic Director. Narrative looks at how to identify the elements of a story, and use them to construct stories in ways that are both satisfying and inventive, also drawing on improvisation skills learnt in Spontaneity. There is a focus on being able to contribute within a group.
Character assumes basic improvisation skills, as well as basic narrative skills. In general, it is only open to people who have done the Narrative and Spontaneity courses. Again, this requirement may be waived in very exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Artistic Director. Character assists performers to invent and portray the wide range of characters which keep their work interesting.
Impro Gym is the place to flex and buff your impro muscles. Keep up your impro fitness with a regular weekly workout, or drop in and work on specific muscle groups. Tone up your physical skills by exploring ways to use your body to create stories and environments without the need for words. Build your range of characters by working on voice, movement, status and attitudes. Improve your flexibility in genre as you focus on styles of storytelling and how to incorporate them into a scene. The emphasis is on fun. Come join the Gym Team as we explore the surprising and delve the delightfully uncharted! Impro: it's good for your health.
The courses are not seen as a progression. You may take a course as many times as you like: the experience is sure to be different and useful each time. At the end of each term, the course instructor will offer you a private feedback session, where they may recommend switching to another course if you intend to return for another round of classes. The decision on course switching is based entirely on what is best for the individual at that stage of their exploration of improvisation. No two people learn improvisation in the same way or at the same pace. There is no pass/fail structure in these courses.
Performance Opportunities
The aim of these classes is to learn more about improvising; they should not be seen as a pathway to automatic stage time, nor to advancement to the performance level of Impro Melbourne. However, most of our performers have trained through our class system and we are always watching for new people to work with.
If you are interested in stage work here is a brief summary of our company structure. Our performance company consists of two groups: Technique and Ensemble. Entry into these levels is through invitation by the Artistic Director. If invited into Technique you will be given some performance opportunities and classes to help to prepare you for stage work. Advancement from this level to Ensemble is again by invitation of the Artistic Director.