Improv Embassy Theatre Company

Do you ever find yourself standing still in a scene, unsure of when or how to move? Or maybe you forget to connect with the audience? What if you could make your physicality a key part of the story?

Improv isn’t just about words — your body tells a story, too. 

From the tilt of your head to how you move through space, physicality is a tool for storytelling and creating more dynamic, engaging scenes for the audience.

Improv in Motion is an intermediate level four-week mini-course designed for improvisers looking to bring more purpose and intentionality to their movement. Led by expert facilitators from ballet, contemporary dance, mask work, and theatre staging, each session introduces new tools to expand your improv toolkit and make clearer, more intentional physical choices on stage. No formal dance training is required!

Get ready to move and have lots of FUN! 😃

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Intermediate or advanced improvisers with at least a 101-level class or some stage experience who want to explore new tools for physical storytelling. No dance experience needed.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Week 1: Body

📅 Saturday, March 29 | ⏰ 3:00 – 6:00 PM | 📍 ODD Studio B, 2nd Floor, Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave.

👤 Facilitator: Lisa Brooks

Ballet brings precision and purpose to movement. This session is based on ballet foundations, without being a strict ballet class. You’ll explore structured movement, spatial awareness, and musicality to make your physical choices more intentional. Through guided exercises, you’ll learn to use your body with clarity and control to tell stronger stories on stage.

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Week 2: Presence

📅 Saturday, April 5 | ⏰ 3:00 – 6:00 PM | 📍 Room 1202, 1st Floor, LabO, 10 Daly Ave

👤 Facilitator: Jocelyn Todd

Your presence on stage is shaped by how you move through space. This session explores organic movement, spatial awareness, and physical collaboration to help you express yourself with more clarity and confidence. Through contemporary dance-inspired exercises, you’ll expand your creative range and learn to move with greater intention while sharing the stage.

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Week 3: Expression

📅 Saturday, April 12 | ⏰ 3:00 – 6:00 PM | 📍 ODD Studio B, 2nd Floor, Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave

👤 Facilitator: Mike Kosowan

What happens when you take away words and facial expressions? This session dives into mask work, mime, and physical theatre to help you express emotion and character using only your body. You’ll develop clearer, more expressive movement and discover new ways to engage your audience through physical storytelling.

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🚨 *****No class on Easter weekend*****

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Week 4: Stage Picture

📅 Saturday, April 26 | ⏰ 3:00 – 6:00 PM | 📍 Room 1202, 1st Floor, LabO, 10 Daly Ave

👤 Facilitator: Patrice-Ann Forbes

Improv isn’t just about what is being heard — it’s also about what the audience sees. This session explores stage composition, spatial awareness, and working with props to create dynamic stage pictures. You will gain experience taking direction from scripted scenes, learning to shape compelling visuals and how to interact with objects and scenery, then take these new skills and apply them to your own improv repertoire.

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WHAT TO WEAR

Since this course focuses on movement, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows ease of motion — specifically no jeans. 

Footwear: 

• Please wear non-marking indoor shoes, clean socks, or go barefoot  
• Outdoor shoes are not permitted
• Avoid any objects or footwear that could mark, scratch, or damage the floor  

FOOD & BEVERAGES

Only water is permitted inside the studios to protect the floor. No food or other drinks.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Improv Embassy is committed to providing a kind space for everyone. Please read our Code of Conduct before registering.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Two seats @ 50% off have been reserved for those who require financial assistance. To apply please email us at info.improvembassy@gmail.com.

CLASSROOM ACCESSIBILITY

• 10 Daly Ave. (Ottawa Art Gallery) – automatic doors and elevator
• 67 Nicholas St. – ramp and door actuator (open during Arts Court hours)
• 2 Daly Ave. (Level 0) – ramp and intercom for assisted entry

More info: artscourt.ca/visitor-info-en