Online Improv course : Improv to writing

Level: Open

Sometimes a beautiful seed of an idea is created in an improv class, or show, then lost forever. What if we catch it, play with it, and give it permanence on the page?

During this 6-week writing class we’ll look at four different genres of fiction, followed by improv exercises and scenes that complement them. Throughout the course, you’ll be set short, timed writing exercises inspired by what we discover. Two weeks will be set aside for peer-critique* and further discussion/exploration.

This class is aimed at experienced improvisers and actors, who are happy to jump straight into longer scenes and explore ideas discussed in class. You do not need to be an experienced writer, as long as you want to write.

This course is different from previous Improv and Writing classes with Jen, and therefore suitable for people who have taken one before.

*Critique sounds scary? There’s nothing more useful to a writer (except maybe getting paid) than receiving honest, constructive feedback. Supportive peer-feedback is so useful for knowing when something makes sense to an audience – or when it doesn’t! The more you critique other’s work, the more you learn about your own.

What to expect from this course:

Short homework (i.e. to read a short story, extract or poem; to feedback on other people’s work).

Improvising inspired by fiction

Writing during timed writing exercises

Coming away with writing and ideas to work on in your own time.

Sharing ideas and work collaboratively.

If we have to cancel the event due to low numbers, we will do this with 24 hours notice.

This Open course runs six Tuesdays 7th Sept. – 12th Oct. 5 – 7 pm UK Time zone

Open – A class for anyone, regardless of their improv experience. Although more experienced players are of course welcome, the content does not require any prior improv knowledge.

Like the sound of this course, but can’t make these dates? Fill in this form to let us know what days and times suit you.

NB: Our electives frequently sell out, but do not despair if this class has. You have not missed your shot. If enough people join the waiting list, we are often able to put the same class on a few days after or in parallel. So if you were excited, join up and we will be in touch.

Scholarships and Bursaries:

We offer full and partial scholarships for all online courses in order to make sure that the fun and community of improvisation is available to as many people as possible across the globe.

You are encouraged to apply if you would not normally be able to:

Afford these courses

Be unlikely to attend a course for any other reason

No set criteria

Apply HERE for any course that is live on the Maydays or Nursery website

Closed captioning is available in all of our classes and courses. If you need any information on how to access this in zoom, please contact classes@thenurserytheatre.com

The Nursery/Maydays do not tolerate harassment of any kind, be it in our virtual or live spaces, or on our social media. People who engage in this kind of behaviour at The Nursery, or at any other organization, will not be allowed to participate in our community, in any capacity, online or in person.