Weaving the strands together

Pōneke improv round up for the week starting Monday 22 August

Aug 21, 2022

Yesterday I learned how to weave a small kono in an all-day workshop and I’ve spent today catching up on the usual weekend life, hence this evening delivery of issue three. It’s very easy to be zeroed in on improv when you are an enthusiast. I find a break away and focusing on something else for a moment or two (or twelve) serves as a palate cleanser, an energy booster, and sometimes as a good place to just think through improv thoughts or challenges while not having to actually do any. I get a similar buzz from podcasts… does anyone else find themselves mid-way through listening to someone talking about the history of fish fingers or unpacking a true crime (like murder, or MLMs) and suddenly you find yourself scrambling for a pen and paper or your notes app because you’ve just realised you’ve figured out that thing you’ve been working on and you have to get it written down immediately or you will forget and be mad about it forever?

Anyway - 34 subscribers! The little graph showing the numbers on the Substack admin page looks like a lovely ocean cliff, reaching up a hill. Share this with your networks and one day we’ll reach all the improvisors in the capital. (Special shout out to the subs from far away, thanks for keepin’ tabs on our wee town!)

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imProfile: TEMPEST

Who they are: Wellington-based theatre company. Here mostly for the wind. They specialise in improvised, esoteric and bizarre theatre. Led by Emma Maguire.

What they do: A 60:40 split of scripted and improvised work. Past shows include Shift Your Paradigm, Rough Night, and DETECTED! Upcoming: Thank You To All My Voyeurs at Auckland Fringe (and online so, really everywhere) and Witchez Bitchez at BATS Theatre this October.

The vibe: Chaotic and short form theatre. Lots of games and silliness, also a lot of outdoor-based stuff too. I love that Tempest takes creative risks and has no interest in being pinned down!

Get involved: Go to a show! Or watch out for auditions & workshops, they often post opportunities in Wellington Actors Group and on their facebook page.

Stay updated: Follow them on their fore-mentioned Facebook page.

Help me profile all the improv companies and ensembles in Pōneke!
Send me your group’s info and you’ll feature in a future post.

coming up this week…

shows

Art of the Scene Graduation Showcase (Improv Connection). Monday 22 August, 8pm at The Pow Wow Room, tix $5-$14.99.

workshops

Fundamentals of Improv - Taster Class (Improv Connection). Saturday 27 August, 11am-1pm at Toi Poneke, registration and koha.

Jill Bernard (HUGE Theatre, Minneapolis) is teaching a solo improv workshop online! It’s on Saturday, 10 September at 13:00 CDT - this link will show what time it takes place where you are (PLEASE check it before you sign up).

Regular spots: WIT Tuesdays, Java Dance improv jam. Check out earlier issues for more details.

let’s talk

This month is full of coaching and directing rather than teaching, and as I plan and prep for rehearsals and workshops I’m noticing where my focus is when I’m performing these different roles. When directing I’m thinking about the show we are making; when coaching, I’m focused on the improvisor or ensemble’s goals; when teaching, I’m thinking about the lesson I’m trying to impart, and whether the lesson plan fits the moment we are actually in. And always: I am watching the people in the room. What do they need to hear & see in this moment? What is blocking them? What can I do to clear the way?

Do you teach? Direct? Coach? What’s different and what’s the same?

Let's Talk Improv