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Unleash your creativity in an improv class! Discover the power of spontaneous storytelling in a team, explore your comedic abilities in a supportive, fun environment, and become part of a community of friendly international improvisers in Zürich.
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About our classes:
Our students are mostly non-native English speakers, so don’t worry if you are no Shakespeare. You also don’t need previous stage experience or be “funny” (but you may discover that you actually are…). Improv is a team activity where all kinds of personal qualities complement each other.
You can skip single sessions, but we encourage regular attendance.
There are on average 8-14 people in our classes. The age range is quite varied.
You get plenty of playing time, and we do a lot of group and pair work.
At the end of each class, there is an opportunity for students to perform in a public showcase if they wish.
Improv Taster Session
Next date: Tuesday 7th May 2024, 7.00 - 9.00 pm
Place: GZ Buchegg, Pavillon
Coach: Bernie
A fun and playful taster session for newbies in a supportive & playful atmosphere.
After some group warmups we will do creative exercises and play improv games.
Perfect as an intro to the Level 1 course.
Course fee: 40 CHF
Students & Kulturlegi 20 CHF
Level 1 (improv elementary)
Tuesdays, 7.00 - 9.00 pm
14th May - 25th June
Location: GZ Buchegg (Pavillion), Bucheggstr. 93, Zürich
Coaches: Bernie
No previous experience required. This class covers the basics of improv.
Perfect if you want to give improv a go and have fun, develop self-confidence, teamwork and creativity.
Get to know a group of like-minded friendly beginners.
You will learn and practise:
How to tap into your creativity
How to take the stage with more confidence
How to take initiative and start an improv scene
How to be a good listener, and develop an idea with a partner
simple short form improv games, as seen in Theatersports shows
Course fee: 330 CHF
Students/Kulturlegi: CHF 200 (please provide student ID/Legi on first course day)
Level 2 (improv middle school)
7x Mondays, 7.00 - 9.00 pm
6th May - 24th June 2024
Location: QR Bullinger, Bullingerstr. 9, Zürich
Coaches: Bernie
Showcase: tba
For Level 1 graduates or for people with some previous theatre experience.
Here we specifically work on the dynamics of the two-player improv scene and look at how comedy works.
Students can participate in a public show at the end - take the fun to a new level!
learn to build solid beginnings to improv scenes
learn to play with status
group support during a scene
deepen the basic improv skills from level 1
play more games
Course fee: 330 CHF
Students/Kulturlegi: CHF 200 (please provide student ID/Legi on first course day)
Level 3 (improv high school)
6x Thursdays, time tba
16th May - 20th June 2024
Location: QR Bullinger, Zürich
Coaches: tba
Showcase: tba
A class for people with at least two previous improv courses. In this class, we look into
stage skills: use space, use your body, use your voice
playing “game of the scene”
playing the wavy line vs. straight line
inspiring ourselves and our partners
Course fee: 290 CHF
Students/Kulturlegi: 180 CHF (please provide student ID/Legi on first course day)
Level 5 - Long Form (improv university)
6x Thursdays, 7.00 - 9.00 pm
16th May - 20th June
Location: Rampe 70, Hermetschloostr. 70, Zürich
Coaches: Bernie
Showcase: tba
This course is an exploration of long form improv formats. We look at premise-based and "non-narrative improv", group spirit, and deepen our understanding of improvisation and of ourselves on stage.
There will be a showcase where students can perform.
Prerequisite is the successful completion of Storylabor Level 3 class, or similar experience.
(If you haven't done level 3 with Storylabor, please get in touch to see if this course is suitable.)
Course fee: 290 CHF
Students/Kulturlegi: 180 CHF
Level 4 (improv college)
If you want to know when the class is offered again, please subscribe to our Newsletter to hear about new classes. (Or follow us on Instagram. Or both! :)
Location:
Coaches:
Showcase:
You have played for a while and are ready to widen your range of improv approaches? Then this class is for you.
The inside-out-approach (when you don’t care about Who, Where or What)
The pushback principle (when you should say NO)
Premise-based scenes (when you start improv with an idea)
Prerequisite is successful completion of Storylabor Level 3 course (or similar).
If you are not a current or former Storylabor student, please state your previous improv experience when applying.
Course fee: —
Students/Kulturlegi: —
Summer Sessions (drop-in nights, all levels mixed)
9x Tuesdays, from 2nd July to 27th August
Location: GZ Bäckeranlage, Zurich
Details coming soon
The Speaking Body - Taster session
Next session: tba
Place: tba
A taster session in a different form of impro. Use the body instead of words. Come and experience Heinz’ unique approach to improvised theater.
All forms of his Japanese theater work are based on the construction of a “series of opposites”.
We start with a basic training for this topic and participants can work out their personal themes.
The basis is always the body, the body in an empty space, the field of tension between body to body.
Bring clothing that allows for movement.
Coach: Heinz
Cost: 20 CHF (Students & Kulturlegi: 10 CHF)
This may turn into a regular class if there is enough interest.
Level 1 Weekend Course (improv elementary)
Weekend, next date tba
10.00 am - 5.00 pm (1 hour break)
Location: Zurich Altstetten, Rampe 70
Instructor: Bernie
The introduction class all in one weekend, covering the basics of improv. You will learn and practise
How to tap into your creativity
How to take the stage with confidence
How to take initiative and start an improv scene
How to be a good listener, and develop an idea with a partner
simple short form improv games, as seen in Theatersports shows
Heinz Gubler is a director and lecturer in theatre and film. He trained at Chelsea Art School, London, and was an assistant to Edward Bond. He met Peter Brook while working as co-director of the Theatre Upstairs in London. He has decades of experience in working with professional actors and “normal people” from all ages and all walks of life, in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Course fee: — CHF Early Bird (— later) (Students or Kulturlegi: — CHF, please provide student ID/Legi on first course day)