Utrecht Improv Theatre & Comedy

Course
First lesson Mon 12 May, followed by 5 Wednesdays until 18 June. 5 lessons plus a show (show date 18 June in De Schuur). Lessons 19:00-22:00. Location Buurtcentrum De De Leeuw room 122. Price € 270 inc 21% BTW, €223,14 ex BTW
Tickets: improv-utrecht.weticket.com or www.improvutrecht.nl

We have 1 sponsored spot (20% discount) for people who need financial help. Contact info@theatersportworkshops.nl

##### Elevate Your Stage Presence and COMEDY Skills

Everyone has a story to tell—but how do you turn yours into a finished stand-up set? In this 6 week course you’ll learn how to craft an engaging, well-structured story and then to take it and mould it into a witty and dynamic comedy set.

The aim is for you to be able to craft a full stand-up set from just one story. We take a story-first approach, starting with the fundamentals of captivating storytelling before editing and refining it into a polished set using the stand-up comedians toolbox.

Through a mix of interactive exercises, comedy and storytelling theory, and guided feedback, you’ll develop your ability to hold an audience’s attention, sharpen your comedic instincts, and discover what it takes to make a story truly funny. Each week, we’ll focus on a different skill, from building compelling narratives to adding punchlines, tags, callbacks, and unexpected twists. We’ll also look at how to turn poignant or vulnerable stories into a set that is both funny and powerful.
What can you expect?

It’s important to note that, as these session are three hours long and so it really is a ‘workshop’. You will be working. You will be doing a lot of exercises, writing and performing during class.

This 6 week course is aimed at comedians already active in the stand-up scene but can also be of value to storytellers looking at getting into stand-up or for young (in experience) comedians looking to educate themselves on narrative based comedy.

• Hands-on exercises: No dry theory—only practical assignments that you can apply directly to your work.
• Inspiring examples: Learn from the other storytellers and comedians and discover what makes their set successful.
• Personalised feedback: Receive tailored advice to develop your unique storytelling style.

##### The trainer Emma Holmes

Emma is specialised in Improv, Stand-up Comedy and Storytelling. Emma has a sharp eye for how you can become a pleasant co-player for the other players. You will learn how you don’t have to act funny, but let the fun evolve from the story (finding the game). You will learn to be silly, out of your comfort zone without fear of failing, Presentation skills, active listening skills. And much more.

Level: Intermediate or advanced players

A very important skill for any improviser is “space object and location” work. Object work is a real magical side of improv. You can make the audience see things and places and really draw them into your scene.

As an improvisor, you need to create wheres and actions. Otherwise you would be just standing and talking in “a black box”. Instead, use the stage as your canvas to take the audience to any place and situation that you wish.

There are certain techniques to learn and practise.

• how to play with commitment, go slowly
• learn to enjoy having something to DO, to just BE somewhere and give yourself time to develop a character or story
• help your co-players to make any place real by overarticulating both in word and mime
• improv the quality of your acting, your games and stories

Teacher Emma Holmes.
The trainer Emma Holmes is specialised in Improv, Stand-up Comedy and Storytelling. Emma has a sharp eye for how you can become a pleasant co-player for the other players. You will learn how you don’t have to act funny, but let the fun evolve from the story (finding the game). You will learn to be silly, out of your comfort zone without fear of failing, Presentation skills, active listening skills. And much more.

Location Buurtcentrum De Jager, zaal 6 Utrecht, Teun de Jagerdreef 1. Free parking, close to station Utrecht Overvecht. After drinks at Hygge.
Tuesdays 13 May – 17 June 2025 18:45-20:30 . €150 inc 21% VAT.
We need a minimum of 7 sign-ups to start this course.

Improv Utrecht offers 1 or 2 funded courses with 20% discount for people with less finances. Send a message to Marieke van Laar.
tickets: improv-utrecht.weticket.com

All courses and shows at www.improvutrect.nl

Level: Intermediate or advanced players

Improve your short form games to shine on stage! You’ll learn new games, you will increase your improv toolbox and learn to captivate your audience with interesting and diverse short forms. Learn to find the funny in short games. Emma has organised and MC’d 500+ shows and will tell you all about how to work with an audience.

For whom: intermediate: preferably 2 courses and experience in show performing. This is especially good if you want to improve your stage performance.

• Finding the game: instead of acting funny, let the funny find you
• Spice up your games with intention, character and commitment
• Learn to work with the audience: asking suggestions, explaining your format
• more games and short forms that are entertaining for an audience

Teacher Emma Holmes
The trainer Emma Holmes is specialised in Improv, Stand-up Comedy and Storytelling. Emma has a sharp eye for how you can become a pleasant co-player for the other players. You will learn how you don’t have to act funny, but let the fun evolve from the story (finding the game). You will learn to be silly, out of your comfort zone without fear of failing, Presentation skills, active listening skills. And much more.

Location
Buurtcentrum De Jager, zaal 6 Utrecht, Teun de Jagerdreef 1. Free parking, close to station Utrecht Overvecht. After drinks at Hygge.

Details
Tuesdays 13 May – 17 June 2025 20:35-22:20 . €150 inc 21% VAT.
We need a minimum of 7 sign-ups to start this course.
Improv Utrecht offers 1 or 2 funded courses with 20% discount for people with less finances. Send a message to Marieke van Laar.
tickets: improv-utrecht.weticket.com

All courses and shows at www.improvutrecht.nl