Saturday 15th February | 11:00 – 13:00
This is a fun and friendly workshop led by LGBTQ+ instructors for people who are LGBTQ+, and is open to all levels. You can be completely new to improv or looking to brush up on your basics and practise improv in a different context. Sessions will focus on fun, representing your own identity(ies) in improv, and connecting with other improvisers.
Why are we running these workshops?
Whilst we aim to be an LGBTQ+ friendly venue and believe that improv is an empowering artform for everyone, we recognise that for many reasons – not least wanting to avoid stereotypes and prejudice – some people may not feel confident or even safe to be open about their LGBTQ+ identity in classes or when improvising.
LGBTQ+ improvisers may worry about (or even have experienced) being judged, misunderstood, or stereotyped for their identity, or they may be put off by heteronormative bias (the expectation that heterosexual desire and relationships and binary gender are the default) in improvised scenes.
The aim of these workshops is to build community and increase visibility, and make space for LGBTQ+ stories and experience in improv. This workshop will create a space that allows people to practise bringing their lived experience into their improvisation, as part of a supportive community.
A note on the term “LGBTQ+”:
The Bristol Improv Theatre uses the term LGBTQ+ as an umbrella term for sexuality and gender identities outside of heterosexuality and the gender binary. The LGBTQ stands for: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer. The “+” is there to encompass other sexualities and gender identities, for example asexual, pansexual, intersex or non-binary.
You will not be expected to disclose how you identify as LGBTQ+ when you join the class – unless you want to!