Today was the first day of us not running our own workshop, but attending one, and watching two shows, not to mention the obligatory socialising this evening. I am so feeling the love. Improvisers are a really special brand, and my main revelation is Oz male improvisers, who are just totally into the whole feelings, team work, receiving offers, non competitive, generous world of making it up. Quite different from the generalised perception of Oz men, I have to say.
Locker Room, run by Glenn Hall from Perth, was a revelation in theatrical improv, based on character and relationships, and it was delicious for two reasons; one was the participating in it and the other was watching Glenn take the workshop. I was mesmerised by him, and how he works, and the result of it too.
Maestro happens every night this week, where as many improvisers as possible get to play in one of the heats, and the winner of each evening will go on to perform in the grand finale. Tonight was fabulous; fun, funny and delightful. The way short form improv should be.
Then there was Crescendo, a completely new format; an improvised band/show song thing almost impossible to explain. In the first half we met the 10 man band at a rehearsal and we find out the ins and outs of whose doing what (and sometimes with whom). I confess I wasn’t certain about the first half. In the interval we were given forms to write 2 song titles and the title of the band. The second half was the gig; a series of improvised songs based on titles chosen from the audience. Amazing. I have to say that once again I was blown away; a combination of star struck, filled with awe and so jealous. I wanted to be there, up on stage, being in a band.