Degrees of Error Present: More Stuff She Didn't Write
2024-06-02 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Sunday 2nd June | 19:00 – 20:00
Sunday 7th July | 19:00 – 20:00
Degrees of Error (the diabolical minds behind Murder, She Didn’t Write) present an easy-going extravaganza of short form improv comedy featuring a different guest group each month. The perfect way to brighten up your Sunday!
Degrees of Error is an improvised theatre company based in Bristol, focused on producing improvised dramatic and comedic work. Their improvised Murder Mystery play Murder, She Didn’t Write has toured the UK and enjoyed sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2013.

Performing Level 2: Scenes and Songs
2024-06-03 19:00 - 21:30 (Europe/London)
3rd June – 15th July | Mondays | 19:00 – 21:30
Building on our popular Singing Songs course, Scenes and Songs will take your improvised singing skills to the next level and put them to work in your scenes and stories.
Over the 7 weeks of this course, you’ll explore how improvised scenes and songs can play beautifully together to make a whole greater than the sum of its parts, covering topics such as:

How music can act as an extra character or player in your scenes
Using songs to express a character’s deepest emotions
Building characters and the world of your story through song

All voices are welcomed.
This course is part of our Level 2 Performing Improv programme. Completion of Level 1 courses (or equivalent beginner-to-intermediate training) is recommended, but not required.
Who is this course for?

Students who have completed Performing L1: Singing Songs and want to take the next step
Performers who have some improv experience and want to develop their skills with improvised songs, bring music to their scenes and characters
Anyone who has learned improv elsewhere and wants to start learning with the BIT school

Class Details
This is a 7-week course, capped at 12 participants, plus up to 2 instructors (14 in total).
If you have any accommodations or access needs, questions, feedback or concerns about the classes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via hello@improvtheatre.net.
Price changes to our courses
Like many other small, independent businesses, over the past year the cost of running our venue has increased significantly. This has included increased utility bills and higher staff wages to ensure we maintain our Living Wage employer status by complying with the increase in the National Living Wage. Whilst we have undertaken an array of cost-saving measures throughout last year, we need to implement a small price increase to our courses to be able to continue operating with the increased costs that we are facing.
One of our primary aims at the Bristol Improv Theatre is making improv accessible to as many people as possible. But it is also important to us that our team are paid fairly and that we can ensure the longevity of the theatre. We are continually looking and applying for funding to support our work and we hugely value the support from our audiences, students and supporters, whether that’s in the form of donating to the theatre, buying tickets to our events or talking about our work with friends and family.
If the increase in price is a barrier for you, please check out our Pay It Forward scheme or drop us an email at hello@improvtheatre.net. We’re always here to listen and provide as much support as we are able to.

Intro to Performing Improv
2024-06-04 19:00 - 21:30 UTC
4th June – 9th July | Tuesdays | 19:00 – 21:30
Improvisation happens all over the place: at work, at home, when you’re messing around with your mates. Whenever you do something that you didn’t plan in advance, try something just to have a go, or join in with something that looks fun – you’re improvising!
But what about improvising in front of people on a stage? Improv as a performance can be a scary prospect, but it can also be tremendously fun and hugely rewarding!
Following on from our hugely popular Discovering Improv course, this six-week course will immerse you in the fundamentals of improvising for an audience through games, exercises, and scenes. Our experienced facilitators will guide and support you on your journey towards performing.
Is this course for me?
Intro to Performing is an introduction to improvisation as a performance artform, aimed at beginners. No experience is required. This is the course for you if;

You’ve completed our Discovering Improv course and want to take the next step
You’re new to improv and want to learn the fundamentals of improvisation for an audience
You learned improv elsewhere and want to start learning with the Bristol Improv Theatre School

Class Details
This is a 6-week course, capped at 16 participants, plus up to 2 instructors (18 in total).
If you have any accommodations or access needs, questions, feedback or concerns about the classes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at theatreschool@improvtheatre.net.
Price changes to our courses
Like many other small, independent businesses, over the past year the cost of running our venue has increased significantly. This has included increased utility bills and higher staff wages to ensure we maintain our Living Wage employer status by complying with the increase in the National Living Wage. Whilst we have undertaken an array of cost-saving measures throughout last year, we need to implement a small price increase to our courses to be able to continue operating with the increased costs that we are facing.
One of our primary aims at the Bristol Improv Theatre is making improv accessible to as many people as possible. But it is also important to us that our team are paid fairly and that we can ensure the longevity of the theatre. We are continually looking and applying for funding to support our work and we hugely value the support from our audiences, students and supporters, whether that’s in the form of donating to the theatre, buying tickets to our events or talking about our work with friends and family.
If the increase in price is a barrier for you, please check out our Pay It Forward scheme or drop us an email at hello@improvtheatre.net. We’re always here to listen and provide as much support as we are able to

Performing Improv Level 1: Making a Scene
2024-06-04 19:00 - 21:30 UTC
4th June – 16th July | Tuesdays | 19:00 – 21:30
People often start their journeys into improvisation by rediscovering the joys of play – there’s a pure and deeply human delight that we can get from messing around together and being silly! But how do you go from playing with each other for your own delight to entertaining an audience with fully-fledged improvised comedy and drama?
This seven-week course aims to equip you with the tools you need to take your improvisation to the stage by creating spontaneous and compelling scenes. You’ll explore how to make bold choices that drive a scene forward or give it a strong start, how to build a shared world for your scene using basic mime and space-work, and the essential ingredients that make a scene come together (or fall apart without them).
Who is this course for?

Students who have completed Discovering Improv & Intro to Performing Improv and want to take the next step
Performers who have some improv experience and want to develop their improvised scene work skills
Anyone who has learned improv elsewhere and wants to start learning with the BIT school

Class Details
This course consists of 7 sessions that last for 2.5 hours each, and will be taught by two of our experienced facilitators. Places are capped at 12. Like all our Performing Improv courses, the 7th week includes a showcase performance to a supportive audience of friends, family, and fellow students.
Price changes to our courses
Like many other small, independent businesses, over the past year the cost of running our venue has increased significantly. This has included increased utility bills and higher staff wages to ensure we maintain our Living Wage employer status by complying with the increase in the National Living Wage. Whilst we have undertaken an array of cost-saving measures throughout last year, we need to implement a small price increase to our courses to be able to continue operating with the increased costs that we are facing.
One of our primary aims at the Bristol Improv Theatre is making improv accessible to as many people as possible. But it is also important to us that our team are paid fairly and that we can ensure the longevity of the theatre. We are continually looking and applying for funding to support our work and we hugely value the support from our audiences, students and supporters, whether that’s in the form of donating to the theatre, buying tickets to our events or talking about our work with friends and family.
If the increase in price is a barrier for you, please check out our Pay It Forward scheme or drop us an email at hello@improvtheatre.net. We’re always here to listen and provide as much support as we are able to.

Improv Jam & Social
2024-06-06 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-07-04 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
First Thursday of Every Month | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
Join us for an evening of improv games, socialising and fun at our monthly jam.
You can sign up to play improv games – think ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ – or scenes, all facilitated by our experienced compere. There will be lots of silly nonsense, laughs and plenty of chances to join in! Everyone is welcome, whether you’re aching to stretch your improv muscles, curious to try improvising for the very first time, or simply want to come along and watch.
Tickets are pay what you decide, but please book in advance so we know who we’re expecting. Please book your ticket below and use the donation box to decide how much you would like to pay.

All the Paints in the Box with Jim Fishwick
2024-06-14 10:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 14th June | 10:00 – 13:00
Despite our best intentions, we sometimes find ourselves playing the same scenes, same characters, same games over and over again.
All The Paints In The Box is a joyful approach to reignite curiosity, helping us shake off our creative cobwebs, identify the habits that have turned into patterns, and push out to the furthermost edges of what’s possible in improvisation.
This workshop is aimed at people who have already practised scenework in improv, and is ideal for people who have already done introductory courses in improv (such as Performing Level 1 courses at the Bristol Improv Theatre) or who are already comfortable acting and holding their own in improvised scenes.
Praise for Jim:
“An inspiring experience. It was a true creative journey, and Jim’s encouragement to push us past the point where we were collectively struggling for new ideas made it a memorable and enriching experience.”
“Their workshop was delightful to experience, like a series of nuanced revelations that feel like self-discoveries.”

About the Instructor:
Jim Fishwick is an award-winning director, teacher, actor and writer. They have been in demand as a theatremaker and consultant around Australasia for over a decade, and are currently the Artistic Co-Director of the New Zealand Improv Festival.
Jim is the general manager of Jetpack Theatre, who have created experiential, interactive and immersive theatre since 2015. They directed Jetpack’s flagship show Art Heist, a critically acclaimed theatrical escape room that sold out its four-month run.
In their spare time, Jim writes for the BBC2 quiz show Only Connect, hosts a few podcasts, and enjoys cryptic crosswords.
Photo credit: Kirsty McGuire

The Saboteur
2024-06-14 20:00 - 21:30 (Europe/London)
Friday 14th June | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
Five performers are all working hard to put on a good improv show. Well, almost all of them. One of them is trying to sabotage the show without getting caught. Will The Saboteur be unmasked before the evening is ruined?
It’s a reality television show on stage, for fans of Whodunnits and Whose Line alike. It’s devious. It’s hilarious. It’s thrilling. It’s The Saboteur. Good luck.
Fresh from hit seasons in Australia and New Zealand, join us for a high-stakes, interactive evening of subterfuge, treachery, backstabbing, and laughs!
“Ingeniously destructive”—Theatreview
“Delightfully fun and wonderfully unpredictable”—Wellingtonista
“Priceless…Top marks from me!”—WeekendNotes
“Hilarious fun”—What Did SheThink
“Kept on my toes from start to finish”—Weekend Notes
“A winning performance, providing a fresh spin on improv”—WeekendNotes
“Equal parts unique, unpredictable and hilarious”—Weekend Notes
Winner: Outstanding Show, New Zealand Improv Festival 2019
Created by Jim Fishwick
Sound design by Bryce Halliday
Please note: The show is 90 minutes long and there will not be an interval.

Live Music with Sofar Sounds Bristol
2024-06-16 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Sunday 16th June | 19:30
Three unannounced acts. Secret unique locations. An incredible live music experience.
Sofar transforms everyday spaces into captivating, intimate venues for secret live music performances in hundreds of cities around the world. At this show, you’ll get up close and personal with artists, meet like-minded music fans, and experience a cool, local space in an entirely new way.
For tickets visit www.sofarsounds.com/cities/bristol

Stage Ready Short-Form with GÄMEZ
2024-06-22 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Saturday 22nd June | 14:00-17:00
Are you an improviser looking to take your short-form to the next level?
Join GÄMEZ team members in a one-off 3-hour workshop on Saturday to improve your short-form skills, add some sparkle to your scenes, and help your performance fly!
Who is this for?
People who:

Want to take their short-form to the next level
Are keen to expand their improv toolkit
Are coming back to short-form improv after some time away
People who have played short-form improv before

This workshop is designed for people with previous experience performing improv.

About the Instructor:
Ryan J Murphy is an improviser from London who has been performing since 2012. He performs a mix of short-form, long-form and musical improv styles with various troupes, including GÄMEZ, Show Up – The Improvised Musical, IMDp and Bumper Blyton, and has performed in 5 countries and at 8 Edinburgh Fringe runs, including directing Durham’s Improv Comedy Society for two. He’s been taught by a range of improvisers from Showstoppers, Austentatious, Comedy Store Players, Baby Wants Candy, North Coast, iO, UCB and more.

Antics Joke Show ft. GÄMEZ
2024-06-22 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Saturday 22nd June | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
Up The Antics present their killer format of comedy variety, featuring the best local stand-up talent, improv comedy from Up The Antics and sketch comedy from special guests … GÄMEZ!
Full Line-Up

SKETCH from Up THE ANTICS
Up The Antics (as heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra) bring a showcase of some of their best sketches. After 10+ years of performing together, 4 Edinburgh Fringe shows releasing an award-winning sketch comedy pilot, and establishing a hit monthly night of comedy variety, there’s some gems to choose from!
Leicester Square Sketch-Off Semi-Finalists
“Brilliantly Witty” ★★★★★ Inter:Mission
“Up The Antics are guaranteed to deliver a laugh every minute” ★★★★ EdFringeReview

IMPROV from GÄMEZ
GÄMEZ, one of London’s premier short-form improv groups – brings you GÄMEZ TV! The comedy show where we improvise never-before-seen TV shows inspired by your suggestions.
From dating shows to dramas to soap operas, and everything in between – we need your suggestions to create your favourite night of television in front of your very eyes!

STAND-UP FROM MILLIE MALONE and special guest TBC

Murder, She Didn't Write
2024-06-27 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-06-28 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-06-29 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
Thursday 27th June – Saturday 29th June | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
You become Agatha Christie in this improvised comedy as each night an original murder mystery play is created based entirely on audience suggestions. So take up your magnifying glasses and don your deerstalkers for a never-seen-before (and never-to-be-seen-again) evening of murder, mayhem and making it up on the spot.
Lord Gold slain during a Bristol University graduation ceremony. Professor Violet crushed at the auction of the SS Great Britain? But will you guess whodunit?
“Absolutely fantastic… incredibly clever… laugh out loud funny… a truly entertaining and hilarious take on the murder mystery and absolutely not one to miss.”
★★★★★ Voice Magazine
“Had me howling with laughter… the Murder, She Didn’t Write troupe are mesmerizingly impressive.”
★★★★ Arthur’s Seat
“This show is everything a fringe comedy should be: original, professional, and very, very funny.”
★★★★ EdFringe Review
“Live action Cluedo, with more laughs.”
★★★★ Fringe Guru

Games Night: Pride Special
2024-06-30 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Sunday 30th June | 19:00
Bring your friends to Games Night; our pub quiz-cum-improv challenge night!

Inspired by an array of popular improvised activities, our night of gripping games and comical challenges will have you and your team howling with laughter as you play together against others. From solving riveting riddles to giggling at guessing games, and acting out murder mystery charades, you can let your competitive side run wild!

Our hosts will bring the games, we’ll bring the atmosphere, all you need to do is turn up and have fun!This PRIDE Games night will be hosted by IMOGENÉ.
IMOGENÉ is a queer, feminist, over-the-top diva, on the brink of pop immortality, who needs the audience’s help to return to the stage and inspire material for her come-back tour. Performed by Imogen Palmer of The Delight Collective.
‘Top Ten Comedy Picks of the Festival’ – London Evening Standard
★★★★★ ‘an improvised masterpiece from the beginning…very very funny’’- Bristol 247
★★★★★ ‘IMOGENÉ is the loud, proud and unapologetic performer we all need right now’ – DIVA Magazine

Bristol Pride Presents: Dragprov Revue
2024-07-06 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
Saturday 6th July | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
‘Christian Adore’ and ‘Eaton Messe’ are a drag double act performed by Francesca Forristal and Ed Scrivens. Using your suggestions, this lovable soft-boy and sassy queen will create dazzling songs, sketches, and raps. It’s RuPaul’s glamour meets “Whose Line Is It Anyway” style improv comedy. With smash hit shows from the Edinburgh fringe now join the dazzling double act as they come to Bristol! Serving you wit as sharp as their contour; jinks as high as their brows; memories that will stick with you longer than last night’s glitter, we present The Dragprov Revue.
‘Uses humour as a feminist weapon […] Good, clean fun!’ The Sunday Times
‘I do not have enough superlatives to describe how incredible this inimitable act is… filled me with so much joy I wondered what I’d done to deserve it’ ★★★★★ The Pink Times
‘Musically flawless… an uproariously wicked success. A glamorous, belly laugh fiesta’ ★★★★★ The 730 Review
‘The name everyone talks about in London’ ★★★★★ The Phoenix Remix
‘Brilliantly funny’ ★★★★ London Theatre 1
‘Sharp as a bobby pin’ ★★★★ The Musical Theatre Review
Donate to Bristol Pride >

Degrees of Error Present: More Stuff She Didn't Write
2024-07-07 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London)
Sunday 7th July | 19:00 – 20:00
Degrees of Error (the diabolical minds behind Murder, She Didn’t Write) present an easy-going extravaganza of short form improv comedy featuring a different guest group each month. The perfect way to brighten up your Sunday!
Degrees of Error is an improvised theatre company based in Bristol, focused on producing improvised dramatic and comedic work. Their improvised Murder Mystery play Murder, She Didn’t Write has toured the UK and enjoyed sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2013.
With support from: Secrets from the Sixth Floor
The sixth floor of an iconic building, a group of people with secrets… Watch these secrets being revealed, unfold and explode in a fast paced, exhilarating show where the consequences are unpredictable. Whose secrets are those? Yours, of course!

The Cambridge Footlights International Tour 2024: This Time We Have a Dog
2024-07-10 20:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Wednesday 10th July | 20:00
Please note: This event is an external hire. For queries not relating to the venue, please get in touch with The Cambridge Footlights.
‘The most renowned sketch troupe of them all’ (Independent) embark on their annual international tour once again! The Cambridge Footlights are back with six of Cambridge’s best student comedians putting on a brand new show featuring their funniest sketches, and this time they’ve brought a dog! Before they jet off to venues across the UK, the Edinburgh fringe and beyond be sure to catch them at the Bristol Improv Theatre putting on their best show yet. You’d be silly to miss it!!

Bristol Pride Presents: Hell Yeah Bristol!
2024-07-12 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 12th July | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
Fun, femxle-centered, fearless and completely improvised. Monica Gaga presents a supHER group of Bristol’s hottest queer improv talent.
HELL YEAH! is a night of completely improvised comedy, characters, sketches and storytelling. With no script spontaneity is the only choice and whatever way it goes you are promised a great night.
HELL YEAH features a Femxle-centred cast of powerhouse award-winning/rave reviewed queer performers who in their own right sell out shows, push the arts forward and are seen/heard on the BBC, Channel 4, Netflix, Amazon Prime, The Comedy Store and Hoopla Impro to name a few. Look out for familiar faces from Bristol improv shows in this Bristol Pride special!
This event is brought to you in collaboration with Bristol Pride
With Support from IMOGENÉ
IMOGENÉ is a queer, feminist, over-the-top diva, on the brink of pop immortality, who needs the audience’s help to return to the stage and inspire material for her come-back tour. Performed by Imogen Palmer of The Delight Collective.
‘Top Ten Comedy Picks of the Festival’ – London Evening Standard
★★★★★ ‘an improvised masterpiece from the beginning…very very funny’’- Bristol 247
★★★★★ ‘IMOGENÉ is the loud, proud and unapologetic performer we all need right now’ – DIVA Magazine

God, The Devil and Me a.k.a The Devil Called Me a C**t
2024-07-13 20:00 - 21:00, 2024-07-14 20:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London)
Saturday 13th July | 20:00
Sunday 14th July | 20:00
Doors open 19:30
Please note: This event is an external hire. The Bristol Improv Theatre is only able to answer questions relating to your ticket booking and the venue.
Gabe is a perfectly average teenager, with perfectly average problems… except he is best friends with god and the devil. Gabe will have to navigate teenage life all while keeping two omnipotent beings in tow. GCSE stress… if only!
Content warnings: mental health references, religious references and strong language.
Age rating: 16+

Performing L2: Scenes and Songs Student Showcase
2024-07-15 20:00 - 21:30 UTC
Monday 15th July | 20:00
Come and see the graduates of BIT’s latest Performing Improv course as they share some of the skills they’ve been building over the 7 week course.
Our wonderful students will be improvising songs and scenes before your eyes, based on your suggestions.
FREE ENTRY – fellow students, family and friends welcome!
The bar will be open from 7:30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Why not join us for a celebratory drink after the show?

Pottervision: Secret in the Chamber
2024-07-18 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Thursday 18th July | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
Please note: This event is an external hire. For queries not relating to the venue, please get in touch with Pottervision.
The Potter parody show is back with a brand-new show, now celebrating the ridiculousness of the second Potter film. With mad props, regular wig-changes, and audience participation, the Pottervision boys take you on a Ford Anglia ride through the Chamber of Secrets with new characters, new sketches and the same old Pottervision madness. Sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival three years running and a podcast with over a quarter of a million downloads.
‘Great comedic timing and an ability to connect with the audience that other companies can only dream of.’ – Broadway Baby
‘Big laughs and a fabulous finale.’ – Squirrel Comedy
‘A fun ride not to be missed.’ – The National Student
Age Rating: 16+

The Comedy of Convincing Errors with Caitlin Campbell
2024-07-20 10:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Saturday 20th July | 10:00 – 17:00
Stumbles, fumbles, gaffs, screw ups; the risk-assessor’s nightmare is the physical comedian’s dream! Nothing makes an audience laugh like everything going wrong at the most crucial moment. But how do we construct these moments to make them safe and executable for the actors but also surprising and delightful for the audience? And most importantly of all, how do we employ them as part of an improviser’s toolkit?
Join Lecoq-trained improviser Caitlin Campbell for a day of exploring the world of physical and slapstick comedy. You’ll learn practical techniques for performing convincing mistakes on stage, along with a narrative and character-based approach for integrating them into your scenework and stories.
This course is suitable for new improvisers with a course or two under their belt, or more experienced players interested in learning something new.

About the Instructor
Caitlin is a theatre-maker, actor and teacher currently based in the south of France. Since discovering improv at Bristol University in 2011 she spent the next decade as a confirmed improv addict, performing and co-creating shows with Murder, She Didn’t Write, The Adventures of the Improvised Sherlock Holmes, This Is Your Musical, The Bish Bosh Bash!, Screwball!, Completely Wonderful and the Bristol Improv Marathons, among others. Improv has taken her all over the world; from performing in a circus tent in Australia, teaching and co-directing in Korea and being rained on for ten years at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She is a co-founder and former Artistic Director of the Bristol Improv Theatre, and taught and developed courses there as a senior instructor for eight years.Her acting and devising credits include My Father’s Nose, The Rocky Shock and Drac & Jill.
She has just completed a two-year professional course in physical theatre at the Ecole Internationale de Theatre Jacques Lecoq in France.

Intro to Performing Improv
2024-07-22 19:00 - 21:30 UTC
22nd July – 26th August | Mondays | 19:00 – 21:30
Improvisation happens all over the place: at work, at home, when you’re messing around with your mates. Whenever you do something that you didn’t plan in advance, try something just to have a go, or join in with something that looks fun – you’re improvising!
But what about improvising in front of people on a stage? Improv as a performance can be a scary prospect, but it can also be tremendously fun and hugely rewarding!
Following on from our hugely popular Discovering Improv course, this six-week course will immerse you in the fundamentals of improvising for an audience through games, exercises, and scenes. Our experienced facilitators will guide and support you on your journey towards performing.
Is this course for me?
Intro to Performing is an introduction to improvisation as a performance artform, aimed at beginners. No experience is required. This is the course for you if;

You’ve completed our Discovering Improv course and want to take the next step
You’re new to improv and want to learn the fundamentals of improvisation for an audience
You learned improv elsewhere and want to start learning with the Bristol Improv Theatre School

Class Details
This is a 6-week course, capped at 16 participants, plus up to 2 instructors (18 in total).
If you have any accommodations or access needs, questions, feedback or concerns about the classes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at theatreschool@improvtheatre.net.
Price changes to our courses
Like many other small, independent businesses, over the past year the cost of running our venue has increased significantly. This has included increased utility bills and higher staff wages to ensure we maintain our Living Wage employer status by complying with the increase in the National Living Wage. Whilst we have undertaken an array of cost-saving measures throughout last year, we need to implement a small price increase to our courses to be able to continue operating with the increased costs that we are facing.
One of our primary aims at the Bristol Improv Theatre is making improv accessible to as many people as possible. But it is also important to us that our team are paid fairly and that we can ensure the longevity of the theatre. We are continually looking and applying for funding to support our work and we hugely value the support from our audiences, students and supporters, whether that’s in the form of donating to the theatre, buying tickets to our events or talking about our work with friends and family.
If the increase in price is a barrier for you, please check out our Pay It Forward scheme or drop us an email at hello@improvtheatre.net. We’re always here to listen and provide as much support as we are able to

Performing Improv Level 1: Telling Stories
2024-07-22 19:00 - 21:30 (Europe/London)
22nd July – 2nd September | Mondays | 19:00 – 21:30
Stories and storytelling are a fundamental part of the human experience. We shape the world around us into narratives that we can understand, forming deep emotional connections to the tales that resonate with us. A keen improviser can play on this narrative instinct to craft engaging stories on the fly and leave a delighted audience asking ‘How did they do that!?’
This seven-week course combines techniques inspired by legendary improviser Keith Johnstone and Pixar Animation Studios to equip students with a formidable toolkit of storytelling techniques and skills. From confidence and communication skills to knowing how to make bold choices to keep the story alive (or deliver a surprising twist ending), you’ll train the narrative instincts that will grab and sustain your audience’s interest.
Who is this course for?

Students who have completed Discovering Improv & Intro to Performing Improv and want to take the next step
Performers who have some improv experience and want to develop their story skills
Writers who want to explore a more spontaneous approach
Anyone who has learned improv elsewhere and wants to start learning with the BIT school

Class Details
This course consists of 7 sessions that last for 2.5 hours each, and will be taught by two of our experienced facilitators. Places are capped at 12. Like all our Performing Improv courses, the 7th week includes a showcase performance to a supportive audience of friends, family, and fellow students.
Price changes to our courses
Like many other small, independent businesses, over the past year the cost of running our venue has increased significantly. This has included increased utility bills and higher staff wages to ensure we maintain our Living Wage employer status by complying with the increase in the National Living Wage. Whilst we have undertaken an array of cost-saving measures throughout last year, we need to implement a small price increase to our courses to be able to continue operating with the increased costs that we are facing.
One of our primary aims at the Bristol Improv Theatre is making improv accessible to as many people as possible. But it is also important to us that our team are paid fairly and that we can ensure the longevity of the theatre. We are continually looking and applying for funding to support our work and we hugely value the support from our audiences, students and supporters, whether that’s in the form of donating to the theatre, buying tickets to our events or talking about our work with friends and family.
If the increase in price is a barrier for you, please check out our Pay It Forward scheme or drop us an email at hello@improvtheatre.net. We’re always here to listen and provide as much support as we are able to.

Discovering Improv
2024-07-23 19:00 - 21:30 UTC
23rd July – 27th August | Tuesdays| 19:00 – 21:30
Improv isn’t just about being funny (although it’s often very funny). For you, improv could be about facing your fears, working with a team, trusting yourself, listening, or just letting yourself be silly and playful!
This six-week course is a voyage through spontaneity, creativity, and connection. Our experienced instructors will guide you through games, exercises, and reflections that will equip you with the tools to improvise, both on stage and off.
Is this course for me?
Discovering Improv is an introduction to improvisation aimed at absolute beginners – no experience required! The course consists of 6 sessions that last for 2.5 hours each.
This is the course for you if:

You want to be more spontaneous, confident, or creative.
You want to meet new people and have fun!
You’re looking to push outside of your comfort zone in a supportive environment.
You’ve heard about this improv thing and you want to find out what it’s all about.
You’ve been improvising for a while and want to return to the fundamentals.

If you’re curious about improvisation, but you don’t want to commit to a full 6 week course, why not try one of our improv taster sessions?

Class Details
This is a 6-week course capped at 16 participants, plus up to 2 instructors (18 in total).
If you have any accommodations or access needs, questions, feedback or concerns about the classes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at theatreschool@improvtheatre.net.

Performing Improv L2: Approaches to Scenework
2024-07-23 19:00 - 21:30 (Europe/London)
23rd July – 3rd September| Tuesdays | 19:00 – 21:30
Scenes are the building blocks of improvised theatre, but there are as many different ways to play a scene as there are improvisers. From emotionally-focused play, to creating a narrative flow of cause and effect, deftly weaving themes and concepts together, or just finding something funny to do again (but bigger), how you approach a scene helps to define how it plays out. This 7-week course delves into improvisation techniques and theory from a range of perspectives to help you stretch your scenic muscles and develop your own approach to scenework.
A great course for those looking to develop their scenework skills and explore their personal voice as an improviser.
This course is part of our Level 2 Performing Improv programme. Completion of Level 1 courses (or equivalent beginner-to-intermediate training) is recommended, but not required.

CLASS DETAILS
This is a 7-week course capped at 12 participants, plus 2 instructors (14 people in total).
The Lead Instructor for this course is Cat Murphy.
If you have any accommodations or access needs, questions, feedback or concerns about these classes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at theatreschool@improvtheatre.net.

Improv Appreciation Weekend
2024-07-26 - 2024-07-27
As part of the ‘Save the Bristol Improv Theatre’ campaign, join us for a weekend celebrating everything we love about the art of improvisation!
Join us on Friday 26th July to kick off the weekend with a bang at our Charity Get-Together and Fundraiser. We’ll be sharing the improv love, hearing about the benefits of improv on individuals and communities and raising money to keep the Bristol Improv Theatre’s doors open!
Then on Saturday 27th July, we have a jam-packed day full of workshops with some incredible guests. David Escobedo’s ‘History of Improv‘ will take you on an interactive adventure through improv’s past. Emma Boddy’s ‘Improv Your Perspective’ will equip you with improv tools for personal development. And our own ‘Improv Taster Session‘ will allow you to dip your toe into improv in a fun-filled afternoon.
And on Saturday evening, it’s the bonanza that is the Up the Antics Summer Party! They’ll be hosting some of the best, Bristol based improv groups around for an evening of hilarious comedy and Summer vibes.
It’s going to be an action-packed weekend, full of everything improv, we can’t wait to see you there!
Find out more about the ‘Save the Bristol Improv Theatre’ campaign >

Bristol Improv Theatre Charity Get-Together
2024-07-26 19:00 - 2024-07-27 00:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 26th July | 19:00
As part of the ‘Save the Bristol Improv Theatre’ fundraising campaign, we are hosting an evening of sharing what we love about improv and raising money to safeguard the future of the Bristol Improv Theatre. We’ll be sharing and hearing about the benefits of improv on individuals and communities, through film, talks, improv jams and more! This event is also the launch of our Improv Appreciation weekend.
The night will feature the premiere of a new documentary featuring improvisers from the Bristol scene, created by improvisers and friends of the theatre Scott Wilson and Rosalind Beeson (Wilbee films). The film will be followed by a panel on improv, community, creativity, and connection, with panellists including David Escobedo (The Improv Boost) and Kierann Shah (Artistic Director of the Bristol Improv Theatre) and Chris Mead.
Later on in night, we’ll be hosting an Improv Jam where you get the chance to show us what you love about improv. After that, the party continues in our bar!
Our cosy bar will be open throughout the evening, giving you the chance to chat to staff, volunteers Trustees and community members from the theatre, as well as donate to the fundraising campaign. You can also browse our new art exhibition in our bar and catch one of the artists, Convergence 10 (Beki), doing some live drawing.
Full Timetable
6:30pm – 8:00pm (Bar) – Mingle in the bar with our team, volunteers and trustees; view our new art exhibition and meet the artists; and watch some live drawing by Convergence 10.
8pm – 8:30pm (Theatre) – Screening of ‘WHO WHAT WHY’ – a short film all about improv by Wilbee Films.
8:45pm – 9:05pm (Theatre) – Panel discussion with David Escobedo, Kierann Shah and Chris Mead.
9:20pm – 10:00pm (Theatre) – Improv Jam
10:00pm onwards – Party continues in the bar.
This charity Get-Together is part of our Improv Appreciation weekend, which also includes the Antics Summer Party featuring fantastic local improv acts, and the workshops Improv Your Life with Emma Boddy and History of Improv with David Escobedo.
Tickets for this event are pay what you decide with a recommended donation of £10. Please book your ticket below and use the donation box to decide how much you would like to pay. Read more about the ‘Save the Bristol Improv Theatre’ campaign on our Donate page.
