The Physicality of Character

Early bird price available until the 12th of May!

The Course

Interesting characters can provide entertaining scenes without relying on narrative to hook an audience. In fact, with a great character you’ll never be stumped in any scene! About half of what our characters communicate comes from our body language, so presenting a complementary physicality – one that’s consistent with what we say and how we say it – is fundamental to those characters being compelling and feeling authentic.

This course is about effectively integrating your physical, vocal, and motivational choices to present characters that can captivate an audience. You’ll utilise a variety of different acting and creating methods (including Laban movement analysis, animal studies and vocal choices), practised through exercises and games from long- and short-form improv, to present fun, entertaining scenes without the need to build narrative.

Our advanced courses are designed for students with a solid grasp of the fundamentals from Rediscover Play and Make a Scene (formerly Intro to Improv & Intermediate Improv, respectively). Our advanced courses can generally be taken in any order; we encourage students to learn with different teachers to find which styles and techniques work best for them.

The course is offered over an eight week term, with two-hour classes held weekly on Thursday evenings, culminating with the optional Student Showcase performance the following week.

Please Note: This course has a physical component that, while not acrobatic or aerobic, should be considered before enrolling (e.g. you may be transforming physical posture, walking gait, or speed, while already in motion). Students that may be physically limited through ability or injury are encouraged to adjust their level of participation to their needs and are welcome to opt-out and/or observe any activity, throughout the course, without judgement or penalty.

The Detail

Dates: Eight Thursday evenings from the 15th of May to 3rd of July, followed by a Student Showcase performance in the subsequent week. The course runs a total of nine consecutive weeks.
Times: Classes run for 2 hours, from 6:00 - 8:00pm.
Place: Centenary Park Lesser Hall (105 Daly St, Belmont)
Facilitator: Wyatt Nixon-Lloyd
Cohort: Class size is strictly capped at 16 students

The Questions

What can I expect to learn through the advanced courses?

Our suite of advanced courses are individually developed by our expert facilitators, developed from their own extensive improv training and experience. Each advanced course offers a unique experience, focusing on particular skills, tools, and expertise to give you a wide range of opportunities to develop your improv skills. As usual, you are expected to adhere to our Conditions of Participation.

Advanced courses are intended for students with a solid grasp of the fundamentals from Rediscover Play and Make a Scene (formerly Intermediate Improv) and other experienced improvisers looking to deepen their knowledge and skills. Someone who has undertaken several advanced courses will be equipped to tackle more advanced formats like ‘The Harold’, for example. Ultimately, we encourage students to find what works for them by continually learning and experimenting.

Do I need to come to every class?

Not necessarily; life happens and we understand making all classes can be difficult. However, a commitment to the course is important to make the most of it. We also expect you attend a minimum of six classes to perform in the Student Showcase, though we may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

What happens after the course finishes?

You’re in the upper tiers now! Our advanced courses focus on particular skills and tools that enhance your improv fundamentals. Your teacher(s) will still be providing help and feedback throughout the term, but this is the level at which you also start to reflect on your own progress. Many of our students have completed at least some of our advanced courses more than once. Graduating is more about recommendation than advancement at this stage. Speak with your teacher in class about your progress and challenges.

Will the same course be available in the future?

Yes. Each of our advanced courses will usually be offered in two terms over a four term year, depending on teacher availability. If a course is sold out, the webpage should automatically offer you the option to join a wait-list.

Do you offer any payment plans or scholarships?

If you’d like to register but cannot afford the up front cost, our payment plan allows 50% to be paid upfront, with the remaining balance due by week five of the term. These plans are offered on a no questions asked basis - just enter the code “PLAN” at checkout and the discount will be applied automatically. We will then email you in Week 4 to seek the remaining payment directly through bank transfer.

Each term we offer two partial scholarships (per course) to students who face marginalisation, discrimination or financial hardship. These scholarships enable students who are struggling to take the course for half price. These scholarships are offered on a no questions asked basis - the discount code for this ccourse is “HELPPHYS”.

Can I register for someone else?

Absolutely! You can purchase our courses as a gift, or just enrol a friend to join you. When you register, just say “It’s for someone else,” and add their details. We will reach out to them separately to confirm and keep them across our course communications.