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25th July – 29th August | Tuesdays | 19:00 – 21:30
‘All the world’s a stage’ said one of our greatest poets, and, in this 6-week 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 and tragedy performance skills and story structures
- Shakespearian characters
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 in week 6 and as part of a Bristol Improv Theatre Jam or student showcase. This opportunity will be arranged in collaboration with the group.
About the Instructor
Imogen Palmer is a theatre-maker, improviser and teacher. She was the Theatre School Manager of The 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 has 10+ 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 has trained in Commedia Dell’arte and clowning with master teachers including Didi Hopkins (National Theatre), Fabio Mangolini (Cornucopia Performing Arts Labs), Deanna Fleysher (Naked Comedy Lab), Holly Stoppitt and Phil Burgers (Dr Brown).
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 draws from her background working in Student Unions where she went through leadership, Trainer the Trainer, equality & diversity and coaching training. Imogen is currently studying a Dramatherapy MA at Roehampton University (London).