The Improv Conspiracy is Australia's only improvisation group focused exclusively on Chicago-style improvised comedy.

This workshop is designed to give experienced actors and improvisers a crash course in Chicago-style improv.

We'll start by exploring the simplest building block of this style of improv: the two-person scene. The best scenes will focus on the relationship between the two characters, while avoiding any attempts to create a plot or narrative. The goal is to create and bask in interesting, truthful moments.

We'll move on to explore group work involving the entire cast. How can we get 8-10 people on stage, participating in the same activity at the same time without it turning into utter chaos? We'll teach you how, via "openings" and "group games".

And finally, how do we put it all together into a compelling experience that audiences will enjoy? We'll teach you how to combine two-person scenes and group events into The Harold, a 30-minute longform piece with repeating characters and themes, but without a central plot.

Basic stagecraft knowledge required. Prior improvisation experience will certainly be helpful, but is not mandatory.

Improv Conspiracy teaches the kind of improvisation we need more of in Australia, with a free-wheeling playful style that is both more open to theatricality and more accessible to beginners than many of the familiar rule-bound forms of improv you might come across. Training with Improv Conspiracy has helped me build my confidence and skill as a performer, while also injecting a healthy dose of fun into my life. They're all friendly, funny, talented, attractive people and you should totally go do their classes. - Nick Spunde

These improv classes have been amazing. They have brought me back to life as an actor and have made me remember how much fun performing should be. It's challenged me every class, but with such a supportive and encouraging environment I have never felt embarrassed to stuff up, and have had huge laughs while doing it. I would definitely recommend anyone to give improv a go with the Improv Conspiracy! You will laugh your ass off. - Grace Presse

What I've really learned from improv training is that's not about being funny, it's about gaining personal confidence; learning techniques to spark your overall creativity; teaches you how to listen, how to think fast but also logically and how to successfully contribute in group settings. All skills easily important and essential for most of things life throws at us. The added bonus of taking classes with the Improv Conspiracy is that you'll learn all these lessons from talented teachers in a supportive and nurturing environment. - David Evans

The Improv Conspiracy is Melbourne's leading source of "Chicago-style" longform improvisation, which is currently experiencing a renaissance in cities like NYC and LA.

Through battle-tested improvised formats like The Harold, we will show you how a group of people can work together to spin a hilarious half-hour of magic out of a single audience suggestion.

Our members have trained and performed with some of the best improvisation schools and troupes in Australia and the USA, including:

• The Big HOO-HAA! (Perth, Melbourne)
• Impro Melbourne (Melbourne)
• The Upright Citizens Brigade (NYC, LA)
• iO - formerly Improv Olympic (Chicago, LA)
• The Annoyance Theatre (Chicago)