A 6-week advanced long-form improv comedy course for experienced improvisers and actors. It is part of a series of research projects by comedian/actor/writer Charlie Vero-Martin for her book, "Improv Rules and How to Break Them".

WEDNESDAYS, 9TH APRIL - 14TH MAY, 7PM - 9.30PM (THEATRE DELI)

What is the course

Improv has the capacity to be an incredibly accessible, diverse and explorative form of comedy and theatre. Rules can be useful guidelines, like stabilisers, that help some get started but at some point you have to let go. In fact, after a while they can hold you back. Improvisers who are intuitive (connected to themselves, their team and the audience) can travel anywhere.

This course/research project (and book) prioritises developing intuition over all other constructs and ultimately questions whether many of our current and traditional improv rules still serve us.

How will we do it

Participants will be encouraged to engage in other forms of creative expression both in class and out. Exercises will focus on group sensitivity, impulses and flow. It will predominantly involve scene work as a class with personal coaching from Charlie. You will need to be open to experimenting with styles and approaches that you may not have encountered in other improv workshops. 

Who is it for

As well as experienced improvisers, this particular 6-week project is also open to professional actors who have little improv experience but are interested in performing improv comedy. 

Before signing up, please consider the following:

• Commitment & Collaboration. Of course illness and life happens and with working actors I expect last minute absences for jobs but please try to commit to the whole 6 weeks, especially at this point. Absences have a knock on effect to the growth of the whole group as well as the individual. 
• Taking direction. You must be comfortable improvising in front of the group and taking direction and being given notes. This will be done in a very supportive and constructive way that will help you and the group improve. 
• Improv for Improv's Sake. This course is for people who want to improve their ability to perform improv comedy on stage rather than do improv for R&D purposes or purely for recreation.
  
• Open Mind. As previously mentioned, this course will involve a variety of styles and activities from puppetry to meditation. We will also be discussing experiences and approaches to best practices for improvisers. 

Ultimately, the more you put in the more you'll get out! This course is more about the process and developing you as a performer rather than preparing for a single show. 

If you are unsure about whether or not this is the right course for you, please get in touch: charlievmartin@gmail.com

“Charlie’s course was a wonderful and eclectic journey on how to challenge your mind and be freer as an improviser. There was an ease in creating and working together - it felt new and exciting and I’d recommend to anyone wanting to try something new in improv!”

- Alex H., former participant

"Charlie went to great lengths to create an experimental course drawing on her expertise in clowning, theatre, comedy and puppetry. I appreciated the rare opportunity to free myself from some of the tired conventions of improv and develop more physicality and sensitivity in a playful setting that was offered with such generous spirit. True to her ambitions Charlie was as open to the experience as we were and flexible to the needs of the group. I enjoyed being part of her vision and had a lot of fun learning fresh takes on how much more expansive I could be with my practice."

- Laura, former participant

Who is Charlie

Charlie Vero-Martin is a comedian, actor and improv teacher with over 16 years experience performing improv comedy. Her methods often draw from her background in dance, puppetry and clowning. She has previously taught for Hoopla Impro, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and has trained with Clowns Without Borders in Trauma Informed Practice. 

She has done a lot interesting things with lots of fascinating people and you can find out more about all that here if you like: www.charlieveromartin.com

"Charlie is an extremely gifted improviser and a hugely empathetic and kind teacher. What makes her extra special though, is her commitment to pushing improv’s boundaries. She’s not content to settle for what improv has been, she always looking for the next level." - Chris Mead, Improv Teacher & Director

“Charlie V Martin is one of the UK’s best improvisers. Her creativity, craft of character and natural charm creates shows and scenes that elate the audience as well as make them laugh. She’s friendly, supportive and always has something positive to contribute.” 
- Tai Campbell, Improviser & Director (Do The Right Scene)

"Charlie is a talented veteran of the improv world who is a joy to be on stage with." - Liam Brennan, Hoopla Improv Teacher

"a truly gifted performer" - The Wee Review

FAQs

I can't make these dates and times. Will you run this course again? Yes although the requirements and timings may change. The best way to keep up to date about future courses is to sign up to my newsletter:
https://charlieveromartin.substack.com/ or follow me on Instagram @CharlieVMartin

I have access needs, can I still take part? Yes, please email me with any concerns around access needs and we will discuss the best approach. The studio and all facilities are wheelchair accessible.

I can't afford the course right now. Do you offer any bursaries or payment plans? Yes, two spots are available as a partial bursary at £80 and you can pay me directly in instalments. Please contact me directly for details (I will not ask for evidence of your financial situation): charlievmartin@gmail.com

There is also a 20% discount for Equity Members with the code EQUITY20 (please provide your Equity membership number on confirmation)