Greetings from JP!
Summer is here! Don't forget to take care and stay hydrated. If you're staying indoors, why not check out our recommendations down below?
MONTHLY FEATURE
Last month, we shared the story of Jessy, a JP member and a longtime improv aficionado, on how she got into improv. This month, Jessi shared her experience at the Auckland Improv Festival (AIF). AIF is an improv festival first produced by the Covert Theatre in 2021, powered by The Yes And Trust charity. The festival offers various programs by and for improvisers from around the world. (https://www.aucklandimprovfestival.com)
Summer is here! Don't forget to take care and stay hydrated. If you're staying indoors, why not check out our recommendations down below?
MONTHLY FEATURE
Last month, we shared the story of Jessy, a JP member and a longtime improv aficionado, on how she got into improv. This month, Jessi shared her experience at the Auckland Improv Festival (AIF). AIF is an improv festival first produced by the Covert Theatre in 2021, powered by The Yes And Trust charity. The festival offers various programs by and for improvisers from around the world. (https://www.aucklandimprovfestival.com)

1. What was the Auckland Improv Festival like? Any highlights or takeaways?
The AIF was great, again. I already participated last year and each time it was a marvellous experience. The festival team invited fantastic coaches, teaching a broad variety of workshops: This year, it was Patti Stiles from Canada/Australia, Felipe Ortiz from Colombia, Jill Bernard and Joe Bill from the US. The New Zealand improv community is funny, kind and always embraces everyone with open arms. The choice of shows is always very diverse and inspiring. All in all, it was a wonderful experience I would not want to miss.
Highlights OR takeaways? Hell, yeah. Not “any”. LOTS! Telling you about all of them would certainly lead to bursting the interview. So, I try to follow the rule of three (although this limit already feels excruciating):
2. What are some tips you'd like to share for newcomers to improv?
The AIF was great, again. I already participated last year and each time it was a marvellous experience. The festival team invited fantastic coaches, teaching a broad variety of workshops: This year, it was Patti Stiles from Canada/Australia, Felipe Ortiz from Colombia, Jill Bernard and Joe Bill from the US. The New Zealand improv community is funny, kind and always embraces everyone with open arms. The choice of shows is always very diverse and inspiring. All in all, it was a wonderful experience I would not want to miss.
Highlights OR takeaways? Hell, yeah. Not “any”. LOTS! Telling you about all of them would certainly lead to bursting the interview. So, I try to follow the rule of three (although this limit already feels excruciating):
- From Felipe Ortiz – the Master of Physicality – we learned the show concept of “Soundpainting”, a multidisciplinary approach, based on a special sign language, combining improv, dancing, music, painting, and more in a magical performance collage on stage. The audience was blown away by our show – and so were we. What a concept – what an experience!
- Patti Stiles – to me, she is the Light – gave us a mind-blowing introduction to Dual Timelines, a concept that comes with a lot of different possibilities, intertwining past and present, different universes, different perspectives, different lives and lifetimes. A concept so compelling yet complex that intrigues and challenges my mind and curiosity of the unknown to a yet unimagined extent. The train of dual thought has just left the station…
- The genius simplicity and cheerful improv approach of Jill Bernard – she is the impersonation of Joy – has taught or reminded us of the actual infallibility in improv. There is no failure, only new ideas or interpretations of the game or scene you are doing. With playful exercises for any level and her ever so warm-hearted and funny way of teaching, she did not only boost our joy of playing and connecting with one another but also showed us how to get out of our heads to really be fully in the moment.
2. What are some tips you'd like to share for newcomers to improv?
- 'Get out of your head. “Your brain is an asshole.” (Jill Bernard)
- Be in the moment.
- Everything is inspiration. Your feeling, your position on stage, the lights, a sound from the audience, the posture or facial expression of your scene partner. Anything.
- Focus on your scene partner. Receive, release, respond, react. (Patti Stiles)
- Breathe. Pausing is powerful.
- Most important: HAVE FUN!
We hope this segment has shed light on improv and stoked your interest. Improv is not only fun but also useful for live performers, who have to deal with unexpected mishaps and incidents. Give it a try!