What if your weirdest, wildest improv character could still win the audience’s heart?
“The Empathetic Freak” is a last-minute addition to the Defrost Festival lineup, led by Adam Kangas — the founder of The Improv Conspiracy Theatre.
Some improvisers lean into being the freak — the outrageous, chaotic, unfiltered character — but forget to ground that character in humanity, which causes the audience and their scene partners to check out.
This workshop is all about showing how empathy, accountability, and likability can unlock a freak’s full comedic potential. Through a mix of scene work and targeted exercises, we'll work on:
- Earning the audience’s trust and keep them on your side
- Apologising with sincerity while staying funny
- Pushing boundaries after building a foundation of relatability
- Discovering just how much mischief you can get away with when the audience likes you
Perfect for players who want to be bold, bizarre, and beloved — all at the same time.
- Workshop Session #1Friday, August 8, 2025
12:30–3:30pmThe Improv Conspiracy Training Annex - StudioRoom 502 / 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBDView map & info
$75
Plus online booking fee of $1.5
Prices include GST
Important dates, venues & times
Course calendar
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28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
- Workshop Session #1Friday, August 8, 2025
12:30–3:30pmThe Improv Conspiracy Training Annex - StudioRoom 502 / 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBDView map & info
Meet your teacher
Instructor Profile
Adam Kangas
Adam Kangas is the founder and Company Director of the Improv Conspiracy Theatre, with over 15 years of experience with improvisation. He is an alumnus of the iO West and Upright Citizens Brigade improv training centres in Los Angeles and has trained extensively with some of the world's best improvisers in Australia and the USA. Under his direction The Improv Conspiracy Theatre has become a Melbourne institution that has trained thousands of improvisers and entertained countless audience members.
You can catch him performing at the theatre most weeks in F#*k This, I Quit and/or The Remix
