Introductory class for complete beginners to explore embodied improv and see if you’d like to do a course (also available on my site).

Practice
– Trusting your instincts
– Being seen
– Acting without knowing
– Engaging with the moment
– Having fun :-)

Children play instinctively.  They find out “What happens if I do this?” or “What feels most fun?”

As adults many of us forget.  We get stuck in being “right” and knowing what to do.  We self-edit to present the “right” version of ourselves.  We forget how to be with not knowing.   The idea of being our spontaneous natural selves often becomes scary.

That’s such a shame.

It’s vital to figure out the “right” way to launch a space rocket.

But what’s the right way to have a relationship, spend a Sunday, live a life?

“Right” keeps us in what is safe and known.  It leaves no space for discovering something completely new.

“The best surfer is the one having the most fun.” I like this phrase because it’s a reminder of a different approach.  One where you’re not defining success by an external measure like passing an exam, balancing the books or avoiding disapproval.  You’re measuring it in terms of what feels good, what brings you alive and what’s opening up possibilities.  You’re reconnecting with yourself and exploring not knowing.

We use improvisation to help you
– Reconnect with your free, spontaneous side
– Loosen your self-editing
– Commit to the moment
– Listen and engage deeply with others
– Surrender to what’s really happening, not what you thought would happen or should happen
– Explore what it’s like to follow the fun rather than trying to get it right

If it sounds terrifying, I understand.

I found improvisation scary too.  I’m not from a performing background at all.  I got through life by staying in the background and getting things right.  The idea of improvising scared me witless.  But I knew that the fear was pointing towards some buried treasure –  getting back in touch with my playful, spontaneous self.

I’ve now been improvising for eight years, performing with a variety of troupes including improvising songs as well as performing improvised tributes to Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.  It’s helped me be more spontaneous and have MUCH more fun in life.  I’ve taught improvisation to doctors, management consultants and more.

I’m also a hypnotherapist and embodiment coach.

We will have maximum fun.  But we will also spend some time loosening up, relaxing the “deer in the headlights” reflex and picking out what you can take into the rest of your life.

There’s nothing you have to do and you can participate up to what feels like a good edge for you.

You don’t need to be “funny” or clever or quick.  It’s not about entertaining.  It’s about learning to engage with others, open up to the moment and allow yourself to be seen.

We don’t love your cleverness, we love your humanity.

You don’t have to be confident.  If you’re feeling anxious – I love you!  You’re my favourite kind of improviser.  Because, like me, you probably have the most to gain

Sessions are in English so you need good enough English to follow along.  We’ll use lots of movement and won’t be doing anything that’s language-intense like rhyming. If you can read this comfortably then you’re probably fine.

What Happens in a Class
– Arrivals: Stretch, move, say hello and settle in.
– Improv Tools – I’ll sketch out some of the tools that make improv work and help you have the best fun. We’ll do a couple of quick grounding techniques you can use to stay present and flexible.
– Games and fun – We’ll play some games to start flexing your muscles. Mostly I’ll demonstrate something then you can play in pairs or small groups. We’ll check in after each one.  You
– Closing and sharing – Checking in with how you found it, what you took from it, questions.
– Official end at 2 hours.
– Hang out space – Part of the improv experience is spending time with great people. So this is part is like going out for a drink together.  Chat with each other or with me.  It’s also a way of making a smoother transition from “improv world” to the “normal world.”

We’ll do several movement-based activities.  If you’re able to stand up and move then that’s great.  But don’t worry if you can’t. There are options for everything so everyone is welcome.

Only twelve places per session to make sure there’s plenty of space for you to share if you want to.

Any questions email me, Andy, at hello@playconnect.co.uk

There’s a 14 minute video of me doing an introductory talk on the page here – https://playconnect.co.uk/product/letting-go-of-right/#video

Maybe see you soon. Have a good day :-)

Andy