Electronic art: Kai Jones
Don’t just play the scene—create the world.
Elevate your performance from 'just talking' to truly commanding the space. Join veteran improviser Mark Smith (Wing It Impro) for an intensive two-part workshop designed to sharpen your physical awareness and unlock the power of the solo voice.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a solid foundation or an experienced player wanting to add 'precision to your winging it,' this day is about expanding your toolkit beyond the standard back-and-forth dialogue.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a solid foundation or an experienced player wanting to add 'precision to your winging it,' this day is about expanding your toolkit beyond the standard back-and-forth dialogue.
- Sunday, 21st June | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- £60 + booking fee
- Liverpool Arts Bar studios - L1 9BY
- Limited to 12 participants
SOLD OUT
|
|
|
Images by Chris Sparkes (Oxford Improv Festival 2026) & Diana Brown (Impro Amsterdam 2026)
Part 1: Listening with Your Eyes and Ears
Creating Image and Sound
Improv isn't just about what you say—it’s about what the audience sees and feels. This playful morning session explores the 'architecture' of a scene.
Part 2: Me, Myself, and I (And the Audience)
The Improvised Monologue
The monologue is improv’s ultimate "power tool," yet it is frequently overlooked. In the afternoon, we strip away the 'safety net' of the scene partner to explore how a single voice can build an entire world.
We will deconstruct the monologue into four core functions:
The Goal: Move beyond "talking at" the audience. Learn to find the extraordinary in the mundane and use the monologue to fuel the very DNA of your show.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
About Your Instructor: Mark Smith
Mark Smith is the founder of Wing It Impro and has spent years developing a toolkit that any improviser can apply to their spontaneous work.
This methodology has been featured in acclaimed shows including The Incomplete Works (Improvised Shakespeare), Talk to the Hand (Puppet Improv), Gricers, and his most recent production, Talking Head Twice a show dedicated entirely to the art of the monologue.
For more info on Mark and his work check out the about page.
Creating Image and Sound
Improv isn't just about what you say—it’s about what the audience sees and feels. This playful morning session explores the 'architecture' of a scene.
- Stage Pictures: Learn how group shapes and abstract physical pictures can strengthen transitions and enrich your offers.
- The Non-Textual Voice: Discover how to use vocal soundscapes to add layers of additional depth to your work.
- Layering the Scene: Combine these tools with spoken text or song to create a cinematic quality that works in both short and long-form formats.
Part 2: Me, Myself, and I (And the Audience)
The Improvised Monologue
The monologue is improv’s ultimate "power tool," yet it is frequently overlooked. In the afternoon, we strip away the 'safety net' of the scene partner to explore how a single voice can build an entire world.
We will deconstruct the monologue into four core functions:
- The Internal: Giving voice to a character’s private psyche and emotional landscape.
- The External: Processing 'the now' or 'say what you see'
- The Idea Generator: Mastering the monologue as a springboard for formats like the Armando or the Harold.
- The Soloist: Commanding the stage with depth, wit, and authenticity.
The Goal: Move beyond "talking at" the audience. Learn to find the extraordinary in the mundane and use the monologue to fuel the very DNA of your show.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
- Character Revelation: Learn the fastest way to show an audience a character’s motivations and secrets without 'social politeness.'
- Narrative Stamina: Develop the ability to sustain a compelling story from scratch.
- Pacing & Focus: Understand how to use a solo moment to slow down a frantic plot for deep emotional resonance.
- The 'Step-Out': Master the 'truth bomb' revealing internal thoughts to the audience to create instant dramatic irony.
About Your Instructor: Mark Smith
Mark Smith is the founder of Wing It Impro and has spent years developing a toolkit that any improviser can apply to their spontaneous work.
This methodology has been featured in acclaimed shows including The Incomplete Works (Improvised Shakespeare), Talk to the Hand (Puppet Improv), Gricers, and his most recent production, Talking Head Twice a show dedicated entirely to the art of the monologue.
For more info on Mark and his work check out the about page.
Participant testimonials:
"I found Mark's course an incredible experience. He holds a wonderful balance between structure, information and play, which is seamless. As I was developing skills I was also developing confidence and facing performance fears gave me the ability to take risks outside of the sessions. If you're thinking about doing it but feel a bit unsure, just go for it!" (Su Jackson)
"I had so much fun with Wing It Impro. Even though everyone attending had different levels of experience with improvisation, it was a really great environment for learning and experimenting. Mark is very knowledgeable on all things impro and his passion for it is quite infectious. I would definitely recommend this course for anyone with an interest in improvisation and building their confidence through performance." (Kate Mulvihill)
"Mark is great at explaining things, he works you out and what makes you tick" (Sonia Sidje)
"I found Mark's course an incredible experience. He holds a wonderful balance between structure, information and play, which is seamless. As I was developing skills I was also developing confidence and facing performance fears gave me the ability to take risks outside of the sessions. If you're thinking about doing it but feel a bit unsure, just go for it!" (Su Jackson)
"I had so much fun with Wing It Impro. Even though everyone attending had different levels of experience with improvisation, it was a really great environment for learning and experimenting. Mark is very knowledgeable on all things impro and his passion for it is quite infectious. I would definitely recommend this course for anyone with an interest in improvisation and building their confidence through performance." (Kate Mulvihill)
"Mark is great at explaining things, he works you out and what makes you tick" (Sonia Sidje)