Pretend Academy | Tom Mathias | Your Theatrical Improv Batbelt

What is Pretend Academy?

Pretend Academy is a monthly improv boot camp for any improviser who has gone through an improv school's training programme and is thinking - What next? This class is for improvisers who want to progress in the craft - we expect all students to already have experience performing and know how to sustain scene work.

• We will start at 6pm and the session will only have a brief warm-up before moving into exercises and scene work for 90 mins, no break
• We will focus on a different skill each month
• The class size will be limited to 14 people maximum
• Each class will also include a FREE ticket to The Pretend Night (worth £10) - which starts at the same venue at 8pm
• The class is open to any improviser of any school of improv - we love and respect all forms of the craft

This month: Tom Mathias - Your Theatrical Improv Batbelt: Stagecraft for Improvisers

As a performing improviser, there are so many choices to make - staging your show is one of them. Make it with intention!

Stagecraft for improvisors can be rushed, picked up implicitly, or sadly, neglected. Learning how a play is prepared, rehearsed and staged and what choices there are to make gives improvers powerful insights and a fresh toolkit to apply. Scripted theatre can be "full body physiotherapy" for improvisors, time to book in and stretch yourself.

Topics covered:
Warm-up - a simple top-to-toe, outside in warm-up to help get you ready and open for a performance
Blocking - more than just 45+45, principles and exercises to ensure you're seen/heard and how to emphasise the choices and actions of your group
Staging - how to perform with, not against unusual playing spaces and ways to make plain spaces interesting.

About Tom

Tom has created theatre with South London Theatre for over 10 years; performing, designing, producing and directing across classic and contemporary pieces. Tom is a founder member of Linc Theatre having written and produced and performed Replay: The Stage Play.

Tom has been improvising for over 7 years; learning in multiple schools, under international teachers and at festivals. Tom has taught improv for theatrical performers and corporate speaking, produced shows and performs with La Wronge. Tom was part of the debut team that performed Somewhere on the Other Side of this Wide Night with The Pretend Company at Improfestival Karlsruhe in 2024.

Summary

Where?  Theatre Deli Studios, Studio 10, 107 Leadenhall St, City of London, London EC3A 4AF, United Kingdom
When? 6-7.30pm (with this ticket you also get free entry to our Pretend Night show 8-10pm in the same venue)
How much? £25