Description
This is a three part course. Suitable for beginners.
Spontaneity and in-the-moment presence are essential tools for actors on stage and on screen – but too often we become bound up in our head when asked to improvise. This workshop is not about being witty, smart or verbally dextrous – instead we’ll explore how improv can flesh out worlds, offer us richer choices, help us to tell stories and build characters that feel real.
It helps if you’ve had some experience of improv, though we will revisit the joyful basics – and then dig deeper. For actors who’d like to work more boldly with the unknown, or who’ve frozen in auditions when asked to improvise. And for improvisors who yearn for something more than goofy gags and punchlines. We’ll create a safe environment for challenge and risk, whilst having a fun and playful time
Alex Murdoch trained with Philippe Gaulier, Keith Johnstone and Tim Orr, Regina Saisi and Rafe Chase at Bay Area Theatresports. Acting work includes Young Vic, BBC, Barbican, Sherman, Theatr Clwyd and Kneehigh. Improv credits include the Comedy Store Players, Scandalgate and her Twoprov ‘Alex and Siobhan’. For Improbable their improvised shows Animo, Permission Improbable and Lifegame. She ran cult indie theatre company Cartoon de Salvo for twenty years – and their long-form improv shows Hard Hearted Hannah and Other Stories and Made Up (with Brighton band The Adventurists) toured theatres, village halls and Edinburgh and Latitude Festivals, with runs at Lyric Hammersmith, Soho Theatre and the Kennedy Center, Washington DC.
She’s taught improv extensively throughout this time at most of the major UK Drama Schools (Central, East 15, Guildhall, Drama Studio), and for several years for Improbable Theatre.
Actors on last term’s Class 1 –
What a great foundation for improv. Alex was so patient and fun and knowledgeable. After 3 weeks I have a burning desire to carry on. Sarah
Thank you Alex for the wonderful class – your warmth, humour and enthusiasm are infectious. Miranda
Alex is infectious. Welcoming and accepting. Her methods and teaching points are all toward improving and validating each every choice as a gift. Ironically it is herself who is the biggest gift to us because of it. Jackson
So great to do improv with Alex…This class was a reminder that improv is fun, freeing and playful. Alex made us feel comfortable and encouraged our ‘inner child’ out. Will definitely recommend it and do more with Alex. Thanks muchly! Carol
Great 3 sessions with Alex and a marvellous group, and lots of inspiring experiences – and a lot of fun! Lesley
Alex has the most welcoming and nurturing energy, she is really able to bring out the childlike joy and playfulness that is really necessary for improv. The who, what, where structure was a really great hook, perspective to view each week. Every exercise felt like a safe space to explore and learn, learn, learn. Cécile
A wonderfully free class to explore and play with a trusted teacher to guide and encourage you to make mistakes, be silly and enjoy learning. Rachel
Bloody marvellous! Feeling like I had lost my imagination, this class has helped me to reawaken my sense of play! It’s not just silly jokes and gags but instead delves in the fundamentals of what it is to be an actor – listening and responding. Gary
