Beyond Words: Silent and Non-Verbal Online Improv Course

Level: Intermediate

“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence in between.” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Discover what happens when we take away the spoken words in our improvisation. Everything else becomes so important – subtle changes in body language, gestures and facial expression speak volumes; non-verbal sounds and noises define a character or say the unspeakable; music, sound effects and other background noises become foreground; the written word may make an appearance – either subtle or blunt.

In this playful course, we will explore creating scenes using little to no spoken words and dialogue. Some of the work we do will be subtle and delicate, some intense and dramatic, but don’t worry, we will also be doing some silly and goofy things too (silent melodramas anyone?).

Syllabus includes:

Getting comfortable: pushing past the pressure we feel to use words as soon as possible when in a scene.

Not speaking much, but saying lots: working those non-verbal communication muscles to maximum effect to create characters with points of view, and to make offers and build on them.  

Background noise: creating atmosphere and even narrative using background sounds and music.

Silent genres: playing with silent or minimally verbal tropes and genres we are familiar with through film and tv, from the serious to the silly.

Whatever the level of ability required, all of our classes are safe, supportive environments led by our experienced teachers. Please email us if you are unsure whether a class is suitable for you. If you sign up for a class inappropriate to your level the Nursery/Maydays reserved the right to remove you from the class without refund.

Min. participants 6, max. participants 12.

This intermediate course runs for 6 weeks every Friday evening 13th November to 18th December, 7.30pm – 9.30pm GMT.

Intermediate (3/6 months+) These classes will be opportunities to add tools to your growing toolbox. Normally these classes will expect players to be confident playing scenes. These classes will provide practice and specific new skills.