Coached ensemble workshop descriptions below. For more information, check the website.

'The Bench' with Anja Sophie Boorsma

Imagine a park bench in the city. What stories would it witness during a single day? Will it see the morning runners, and then the corporate folks having lunch, after which the kids hang-out after school? Later, maybe there is a romantic date in the evening and then the homeless man in the night? Every day is different, and variety is the key to this longform format 'The Bench'. The audience provides the location: what buildings or areas are situated around the bench? There is room for both crazy finding-the-game improv and more in-depth scenework. Some stories can be continued later in the day, and others we only see once. The workshop focusses on variety of characters, rhythms and style.

About the coach: Anja Sophie Boorsma started improvising in 2000 and quickly became a leading lady of Dutch improv by bringing formats and teachers in from abroad. She has taught and directed impro throughout The Netherlands and abroad, and developed many new formats. During her Artistic Directorship of IMPRO Amsterdam (2011-2015) she laid the groundworks of the current festival.

Workshop level: Intermediate

Saturday, 19 May 2018

10:00 - 13:00 / Performance time TBD

€40 (includes player fee)

'Follow Your Dream' with Bart van Loon

This is a workshop where players absolutely block out any invention from the improvisers and audience. Through teaching the workshop participants to fully engage with even the tiniest 'thing' they see in their partners, the scenes can go wildly in any direction, making improv more dream-like and less fiction-like. Like in a dream, you're not in control, you're just participating. Feeling like you are following and living in an overwhelming dreamscape is the goal of this workshop, and the fluid format that results will be presented onstage.

About the coach: As one of Belgium's leading men, Bart said goodbye to scripted theatre in 2005 and picked up improvisation. He has been improvising professionally since 2012, organising festivals, doing corporate gigs, teaching across three continents, and performing as one half of The Bookends. In 2016, he completed a three-month tenure as Associate Artistic Director at the Courtyard Playhouse in Dubai, the leading theatre of improvisation in the Middle East. Bart also works as an entrepreneur, geek-for-life and public keynote speaker.

Workshop level: Intermediate - Advanced

Saturday, 19 May 2018

10:00 - 13:00 / Performance time TBD

€40 (includes player fee)

*** Each workshop fee includes a Standard Player Pass. You will receive a code to register for the standard pass or receive a discount on the upgraded pass.