Workshop: Musical Improv Primer (Ottawa)

Getting you stage ready in one session

Ottawa session: Bronson Centre (211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa)

As a consummate performer and facilitator, Velvet Wells (they/them) has earned a reputation for patiently guiding performers past anxiety and social conditioning, so you can find your fun with vocal musical improvisation

During the three hour workshop, we'll create made up verses and choruses while playing with rhyme, rhythm, and choreography

The Musical Improv Primer will reinforce three skills that you can use off and on stage:

• Active Listening to the music, your stage partners, and the audience
• Brainstorming phrases and perspectives
• Collaborating with others and your own ideas

Whether you're preparing to play musical improv games or join in a made up musical, the Musical Improv Primer will get you stage ready in one session

Suitable for: All ages and improvisational experience | Duration: 3 hours (with a break) | Bring a water bottle and comfortable clothing

SOLD OUT at the following festivals: Black and Funny Improv Festival (2024), GNATA Festival (2024, Oakville edition), and Ottawa Improv Jamboree (2023)

About Your Facilitator

Velvet Wells (they/them) developed the All Request Radio musical improvisational format in 2020 and began touring the live show in 2022. In addition to being an award-winning queer, Black, lyrical comedian and creator-producer, Velvet facilitates performance and applied improvisational sessions across North America. They graduated from Second City Toronto Musical Conservatory, as well as advanced improvisational studies with international instructors.  web: thevelvetduke.com socials: @TheVelvetDuke

Guest Musician

Frederick Gietz has been improvising for 14 years and playing piano for over 20. He has played for a range of musical shows, from shortform song games to fully improvised musicals.

Testimonials

"You will feel joy and feel empowered!" Jennifer P

"I came in feeling nervous and left feeling confident and ready to try musical improv outside of a class room setting." Daa’iyah H

"Velvet Wells’ workshops are a masterful welcoming safe creative space, well structured and insightful from the start to the end." Rob W

Financial Accessibility solutions

• Pay it Forward (CAD$30) donations will create free spots; for those with comfortable means able to support the community
• CAD$10 discount code (commUNITY2024); no justification or request required
• Indigenous and Black performers contact Velvet directly to sign up for free; I’m modelling the support I wrote about in 2021