Monday 4th August – Friday 8th August | 10:00 – 17:00
‘All the world’s a stage’ said one of our greatest poets, and, in this 5-day intensive course, you’ll get the chance to make this a reality!
Using fun, accessible tools and techniques inspired by the Bard’s plays and over a decade of improvisation & theatre experience, we’ll explore topics including:
- Word-play, imagery and poetic language
- Iambic pentameter (rhythmic speech)
- Monologues and asides
- Comedy, tragedy and history performance skills and story structures
- Shakespearian characters, including lovers, villains and clowns
- Emotional connection and melodrama
If you’ve been improvising for a while and want to stretch yourself with a fresh performance skill or if you are a fan of Shakespeare and want to immerse yourself in his style in good company, this course is for you. It may sound daunting to improvise Shakespeare, but by the end of this course you’ll have the confidence to weave poetic speech and casual asides into your daily life!
There’ll also be an (optional) performing opportunity to share some of the skills explored on Friday (8th) evening as part of a Bristol Improv Theatre showcase.
Places are capped at 16.
About the Instructor:
Imo Palmer is a theatre-maker, improviser, teacher and HCPC registered Drama Psychotherapist. She/they was the Theatre School Manager of Bristol Improv Theatre 2019 – 2022 and is the Artistic Director of The Delight Collective, creator of multiple shows including IMOGENÉ:the improvised pop concert (★★★★★ ‘IMOGENÉ is the loud, proud and unapologetic performer we all need right now’ – DIVA Magazine), The Bish Bosh Bash (★★★★★ – Bristol 247) and International Women’s Day 2020 show ‘If These Walls Could Talk’.
She/they has 12+ years of experience as a facilitator and performer, having trained with the world-leading Impro Melbourne and at Howard Fine’s Acting Studio (Melbourne). She’s performed improvised Shakespeare with Soothplayers (Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Fringe) as well performing improvised musicals, fairytales, horror, Theatresports™ and Maestro™ with Impro Melbourne.
She leads Bristol Improv Theatre’s applied improv offering and has designed and delivered activities for clients including Law Firms, Universities, SMEs and the Civil Service. This work has been featured in the Sunday Times. She’s experienced in creating inclusive and empowering learning environments for all abilities.