Harder, Better, Faster, Shorter

Early bird price available until the 13th of October, 2024!

About This Course

Short-form improv teaches you to make bigger choices faster. You'll fail more than you ever have, and enjoy it more than you ever have. Nothing is a problem.

After completing this course, you'll be able to perform and host a short-form show in the style of Whose Line Is It Anyway? By learning short-form games and short-form skills, you'll know what makes an audience laugh, and what they'll pay to see. Short-form is funny when you make big choices, accept failure, and get to the point. It will make you funnier and is excellent training for long-form improv.

The course is capped at 16 participants and is subject to our Conditions of Participation.

Only the Human places a high value on community, diversity and inclusion. We endeavour to create a safe space where people can explore comedy without fear of oppression or discrimination. Women, people of colour, non-binary, differently abled and other folx are highly encouraged to take our classes. Learn more about diversity & inclusion at OTH. If you’re unsure whether or not this class is for you, feel free to email us directly at inquiries@onlythehuman.com to discuss your needs.

The Term

Dates: Weekly every Thursday from the 17th of October until the 5th of December, for a total of eight weeks. You’ll also be invited to perform in the Student Showcase on the 12th of December.
Times: Classes run for 2 hours, from 6:00 - 8:00pm.
Where: Centenary Park Multi-Purpose Room (105 Daly St, Belmont)
Teacher: Cameron Davis

FAQ

Why should I learn improv with OTH?

Improv is a uniquely social experience and a great opportunity to make new friends and push your boundaries. We learn that being a good improviser is often just about being a radically excellent human: We need to be able to be vulnerable, confident, supportive, and empathetic. Improvisation has a long history of being used not only to train actors and comedians, but as a self-development practice. Don’t worry if you’re not an aspiring actor or comedian, our courses are designed for people who are starting fresh. You can read more about our teaching philosophy here.

We do our best to make all students feel welcome, accepted & included. When you take a course with us you’re also joining a community with plenty of opportunities for further learning, play and performance in the future. When you finish the introductory course, you can take specialised courses led by our senior teachers, join our community jams, or even form your own team.

Finally, there’s the science: Improv is effective in helping bosses become better leaders, improving mental health, and has even helped recently released prisoners adjust to life after release. Whoever you are, we are sure there’s something in Improv for you.

What can I expect to learn through the advanced courses?

The advanced curriculum is structured so that each senior teacher teaches a unique class that makes the most of their own strengths and experience.

Courses are intended for graduates of Intermediate Improv and experienced improvisers looking to deepen their knowledge and skills. Additional advanced courses allow players to explore improvised theatre in more depth. Ultimately, we encourage students to find what works for them by continually learning and experimenting.

A player who has completed several advanced classes will be equipped to tackle more advanced formats like ‘The Harold’, for example.

What can I expect to learn in the Harder, Better, Faster, Shorter course?

The choices you make as an improviser are crucial to the direction of every scene. This course is designed to use short-form improvisation skills to hone your ability to make bigger & better choices faster. Good choices, made quickly, result in scenes with better flow, get your scene partners on the same page more effectively, and get the audience laughing more frequently. These skills will improve all aspects of your improv performance, short- or long-form.

Do I need to come to every class?

Life happens and we understand making all classes can be difficult. Graduation from the course requires attendance of at least six out of the eight classes in a term and your teacher(s) will make the final recommendation.

Will the same class 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 class 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 class) 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 class is “HELPCHOICE”.

Can I register for someone else?

Absolutely! You can purchase classes 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 class communications.