Making it up as they go along

It’s easy to put your foot in it during an improv workshop. Photo / Supplied

Think ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ and then think ‘it’s my turn, I’ll take it.’

An improvisation workshop being held at Centre Stage in March should whet the stage aspirations of local actors, says workshop organiser Toni Sullivan.

But it’s not just for those wanting to act.

“Learning to improvise teaches you to be generous with your acceptance of other people’s ideas, but also giving your own ideas, you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable

“Whether you’re opening a business, moving into management – it teaches a lot of life skills, allows for creativity, really builds team and self-confidence – skills that anyone can actually use.”

But she didn’t deny it can also lead to new talent pitching up to audition for the next Centre Stage production.

Visiting tutors for the day-long workshop on March 15, Leona Revel and Alan Dingley, had a wealth of experience in teaching improvisation, said Sullivan.

“They are really passionate about people doing new things and see learning how to improvise as a way to foster community engagement through inclusive performance projects.”

The workshops will conclude with a sharing of work by those willing to show off skills learnt.

Those interested in enrolling for one of the 24 spaces for adults (18 and over) should visit the Centre Stage website.

The Saturday workshop will be preceded by one for youth on Friday, involving 24 drama students from Taupō schools.

Sullivan is hoping to follow the improvisation workshops with more relating to other roles in the theatre.