August 24, 2009

IMPROV WORKSHOPS OCT 09  

The 2009 New Zealand Improv Festival is a showcase of improvisation companies from around New Zealand, with the best in spontaneous theatre coming to Wellington for the second year in a row to demonstrate the range and diversity of improvisation. The NZIF is dedicated to increasing the reputation of improvisation as a viable form of theatre and developing improvisers of all ages.

This year we are pleased to offer some exciting workshops alongside our showcase:

IMPROVISORS SKILL WORKSHOP**

Want to hone your skills with Patti Stiles?
Get in quick to register for this one day event!**
Read Patti’s bio here <http://nzif.wit.org.nz/workshops-1/pattistiles>
Cost: $50 ($40 WIT Members/ NZIF09 Players)
When: Oct 10, from 10a.m to  4p.m
Where: Toi Poneke Arts Centre <http://nzif.wit.org.nz/workshops-1/toiponekelocation> , 61 Abel Smith Street

**improv experience required. Please email derek@wit.org.nz <mailto:derek@wit.org.nz> if you have questions about this!
Register Now!

IMPROV FOR BEGINNERS

You want to learn to be fast on your feet?
Want to learn more about Theatresports and how to play?
Enjoy watching shows like ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?‘

With this workshop you can increase your ability to think quickly while learning to play with new and exciting people.  This full day improv intensive will cover the basics and some advanced techniques, focusing on enjoyment and improving story telling skills.  It will also in learning how to fail heroically while still maintaining a positive attitude!  
Cost: $50
When: Oct 11, from 10a.m to 4p.m
Where: Toi Poneke Arts Centre <http://nzif.wit.org.nz/workshops-1/toiponekelocation> , 61 Abel Smith Street
Register Now!

IMPROV FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

You want to learn to be fast on your feet?
Want to learn more about TheatreSports and how to play?
Enjoy watching shows like ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?‘

With this workshop you can increase your ability to think quickly while learning to play with new and exciting people.  This full day improv intensive will cover the basics and some advanced techniques, focusing on enjoyment and improving story telling skills. It will also in learning how to fail heroically while still maintaining a positive attitude!  

Cost: $45
When: Oct 8, from 10a.m to 4p.m
Where: Toi Poneke Arts Centre <http://nzif.wit.org.nz/workshops-1/toiponekelocation> , 61 Abel Smith Street
Register Now!

IMPROV FOR TEACHERS

International improv teacher Patti Stiles is coming to Wellington! With over 20 years of international experience – having studied under Keith Johnstone (creator of TheatreSports and author of ‘Impro For Storytellers‘) – Patti is in demand from Canada to Australia, London to Berlin as an inspirational instructor and in this full day intensive you will discover new ways to teach improv to your students and inspire them to greater heights.

Read Patti’s bio here <http://nzif.wit.org.nz/workshops-1/pattistiles>

Cost: $130
When: Oct 9, from 10 a.m to 4 p.m
Where: Toi Poneke Arts Centre <http://nzif.wit.org.nz/workshops-1/toiponekelocation> , 61 Abel Smith Street
Register Now!

For More Information: derek@wit.org.nz

Patti Stiles’ Bio
<http://nzif.wit.org.nz/workshops-1/pattistiles/patti.jpg?attredirects=0>
PATTI STILES’ personal motto says it all: "To Inspire!"

Informed by a deep, intelligent and perceptive understanding of improvisation, Patti leads and teaches from the heart. In demand worldwide as an improvisation performer and teacher, she ignites a spark of enthusiasm and joy in students, fellow performers and audiences wherever she appears.

Patti is an actor, improviser, director, instructor and playwright who has been working professionally in theatre since 1983. She served her theatre apprenticeship at the world renowned Loose Moose Theatre with Keith Johnstone. It is her knowledge, technique and application of her improvisational skills, which makes Patti a unique and dynamic instructor. Her interpretation and extension of Johnstone’s work and philosophy, combined with her wealth of experience on the world improv stage, has made her a "must have" teacher for performers and companies wishing to create spontaneous theatre with fine skill, strong narrative and style.

As an improvisation performer and teacher, Patti has worked in Canada, the USA, England, Holland, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, France, New Zealand, Thailand and Australia for numerous improvisation companies as well as The Central School of Speech and Drama (UK), The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (UK), The Actors Centre (UK), Citadel Theatre (CA), Theatre Calgary (CA), and the National Theatre (AU) to name a few.

Patti is the Artistic Director of Impro Melbourne (AU) and past Artistic Director of Dream Kitchen Theatre (Toronto Ontario Canada), and Rapid Fire Theatre (Edmonton Alberta Canada). She is a core member of the improvisational company Die Nasty that has received two nominations from the Canadian Comedy Awards. She is the first woman to have completed all 53 consecutive hours of the famous Die Nasty Soap a Thon – not once, but six times! Patti has also been interviewed for two improvisation books, Something Like A Drug and The Improv Handbook, which includes a dedicated to her.

What people say about Patti

"Patti Stiles improvisational experience and knowledge is a goldmine! A generous spirit who is attentive and responsive in any environment. If you want to learn what improv is about…watch Patti."
– Randy Dixon, Artistic Director Unexpected Productions, Seattle USA

"Patti Stiles is a superlative improviser and a caring and wonderfully attentive teacher. Her work inspires students and fellow performers alike."
– Dan O’Connor, Executive Director And President Impro Theatre, Los Angeles USA

"Patti Stiles is a legendary teacher and performer in the world of improvised theatre. Onstage her work always sparkles with life and truth, while in the workshop setting she is thought provoking and inspirational. The day she left Canada was a sad day for improv companies coast to coast.
– Kevin Gillese, Artistic Director of Rapid Fire Theatre, Edmonton Canada

"Patti’s teaching is both reassuring and challenging, empowering and enlightening."
– Spontaneity Shop UK