Now that you've been introduced to improv and have actually performed in front of a live audience, it's time for a new challenge!

Our Starter 201 course focuses on two very important aspects of long form improvisation: character relationship

Character is all about what we can bring to the scene. The most interesting characters might have an affected voice, physicalities, turns of phrase, points of view, emotions, etc. We aim to play deep, rich characters within our scene work. 

Relationship is all about how your character gets on with that of your scene partner. What's the shared history between these two people? Their empathetic connection? The subtext that lies just beneath the surface of the words which are being said?

In addition to the titular focus of the level are the following:

Playing Truthful: Even when we are playing characters that are not ourselves, we need to commit to the truth of that character and the relationship they are in. This requires a willingness to be vulnerable and respond honestly and truthfully through character and relationship filters.

Status: Different relationships have inherent statuses built in. This level explores what that means for how we play. 

Base Reality: Establishing a clear base reality at the beginning of each scene, is an essential foundation to build our comedy on top of. A good base reality requires patience and the ability to hold back on oddities and ‘unusual’ things until a firm platform has been co-discovered with your scene partner via ‘yes, and…’

  • Workshop Session #1
    Saturday, May 4, 2024
    3:00–6:00pm
Instructor(s)
Venue(s)
Course Fees

$575 Full / $525 Concession

Plus online booking fee of $5

Prices include GST

Course Prerequisites
Please to determine eligibility
Bookings
Hurry – only 4 spots remaining

Important dates, venues & times

Course calendar

Workshop Sessions
MoTuWeThFrSaSu
MoTuWeThFrSaSu
  • Workshop Session #1
    Saturday, May 4, 2024
    3:00–6:00pm
  • Workshop Session #2
    Saturday, May 11, 2024
    3:00–6:00pm
  • Workshop Session #3
    Saturday, May 18, 2024
    3:00–6:00pm
  • Workshop Session #4
    Saturday, May 25, 2024
    3:00–6:00pm
  • Workshop Session #5
    Saturday, June 1, 2024
    3:00–6:00pm
  • Workshop Session #6
    Saturday, June 8, 2024
    3:00–6:00pm
  • Workshop Session #7
    Saturday, June 15, 2024
    3:00–6:00pm
  • Workshop Session #8
    Saturday, June 22, 2024
    3:00–6:00pm

Meet your teacher

Instructor Profile

James Collopy

James Collopy is a comedian, improviser, and multi-disciplinary artist & designer.

James had his first improv class on his 25th birthday in what he was certain at the time would be 'a nice hobby for the winter'. Many years and countless shows, sketches, standup sets and short films later, he is starting to worry that his hobby has gotten away from him. James has directed, tech designed for, written and starred in numerous shows including his own debut solo sketch show, 'Telly' in 2022.

In his practice as a designer, James enjoys mixing physical and digital media, both new and old. He also writes music, loves character comedy and has a passion for dramatic storytelling even though he finds reading books pretty difficult.

James can be seen performing at TIC alongside VHS and the cast of The Remix

Our community watering hole

Enjoy some good times downstairs at Theory Bar

Fancy a beverage after your next show or class session? Our ground floor bar is open Wednesday–Sunday.

Community members and ticket-holders get 10% off*

(* Sundays and Public Holidays excepted)

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