A common misperception amongst improv teachers is that when it comes to the topic of the class we have to be all-knowing. While actually, I don’t believe that.
Can we then come unprepared?* No, but the focus of your class should be on your students learning. And you can definitely do that without being an expert on the topic.
Let’s say you want to teach a class on fairytale characters…
Read MoreWhen faced with limitations, there are 2 things you can do. One is to think about how to work within these limitations.
Today I want you to consider a second option: going full-on in the direction of what is not possible. Because if improvisers can do one thing really well, it is to pretend a thing that is not there.
So how about next time when as a teacher you are faced with a limitation, lean into it. Play intimate love scenes at 2 meter distance. Set up a silent church scene while there are noisy constructions outside the workshop room. Climb onto each other in an online workshop.
Read MoreGetting into your head: it is one of the most common challenges in improv. (And for some of us: in life.)
That is why I am always looking for new ways to incorporate more physicality in my improv classes. It makes players worry less, it makes the class less talky and -lordy- it makes all scenes better.
When we are teaching either online or offline with distance, having students use their body is not that obvious. But for this month’s tip I would like to remind you that using our body is not just flapping one’s arms or crawling over a stage.
The point is…
Read MoreTeaching during a lockdown is different. The online space is fun but also challenging. Teaching right after a lockdown is also different. Many of us will be asked to teach with more distance between players in order to keep everyone safe.
But how do you make players be more connected to their bodies?
Here is a fun exercise for connection to each other and to our bodies
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