The Improvisation School

The Newsletter

Recent writing

Student articles from lessons learned in The Improvisation School

TIPS AND TRICKS PUSH-BACK – PLEASE! PUSH-BACK – PLEASE! I have to be honest and tell you that I’ve had a difficult time writing this post. It’s not that there’s anything controversial or in any Read more…

a woman standing next to a suitcase near a body of water

Games / Exercises

I’M NOT LEAVING

I’M NOT LEAVING! The Game This game is more of a tool to incorporate into a scene rather than a structural game. And it’s fun to play. Have you heard of the phrase “Torment The Read more…

Shawn Spotlight Travel True Stories

Around the World in 80 ways! – NEPAL

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 WAYS A WORLD OF IMPROVISATION POKHARA, NEPAL Insights and introspection from Bhupendra Dhakal An inspired Nepalese improviser Bhupendra Dhakal Improviser AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 WAYS Pokhara, Nepal Improvisation at Read more…

Performing Technical Tricks and Tips

INSTANTLY, A BETTER IMPROVISER

INSTANTLY, A BETTER IMPROVISER Simple tactics to improve your performance SIMPLE STUFF Improvisers constantly forget the reality of stage craft. Caught up in our world of make-believe, it’s easy to ignore audience sight lines. (If Read more…

Editorial

CROSSING THE LINE!

CROSSING THE LINE! A LITTLE THOUGHT-SHOWER SEX, POLITICS, CULTURAL APPROPRIATION, GENDER, AGEISM, RACE, HISTORY, ME TOO, BLACK LIVES MATTER, RELIGION, 2SLGTBQIA+, CANCEL CULTURE, WOKE, INCLUSIVENENSS, MICRO AGRESSION, TRIGGER WARNING, etc, etc. This isn’t an argument for Read more…

boy in white and yellow stripe shirt sitting on white and red striped textile during daytime

Guest Teaching Theory

ARROWS and SHOTGUNS

ARROWS & SHOTGUNS approaches to creating workshops What makes a great workshop? How do improvisers create memorable, inspired classes which leave long lasting impacts on students? Here are some tips and a couple of case Read more…

Impro education
Online and Off

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What Is the School?

A school /Research centre and more

Located in Calgary, Canada The Improvisation School is a centre for intensive exploration and study of improvisation. The primary focus is the 3 month course where students live, eat and breathe improvisation and related topics.

The school also offers improvisation workshops suited to the needs of businesses, schools and other organizations.

The Improvisation School is a research centre, exploring, developing and advancing improvisation related ideas.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE:

What is Improvisation?

Short answer: adaptability, awareness, spontaneity, communication, risk-taking, play, flexibility … much more

Medium answer: Any answer limits the breadth and possibilities of what Improvisation is. (really...)

Improvisation is the teacher responding to the student's question, the scientist exploring ideas, the brain surgeon adapting to the unexpected emergency, the performer making up the story with no script, the clerk interacting with the customer. It is all that we do. Anything scripted bends to improvisation if we are to be successful...

Longer answer: CLICK here. history, definition and DEATH of Improvisation...

The Instructor

Shawn Kinley

After teaching and performing in over 50 countries for almost 40 years, Shawn offers ongoing exploration, practice, and development in a wide range of skills. From decades of experience, he brings insights into Improvisarion, Mime, Mask (making and performing), Narrative, and show creation.

The school periodically brings in guest teachers and offers a program to train teachers.

Scholarship Possibility

Opportunities, Scholarships, etc

A philosophy of the school is to make this work accessible. Contact us for scholarship options (specifically South American and African students)

PLUS sign up for the newsletter which will share valuable tips, tricks and skills for your development.

Coming Soon: Student blogs hi-lighting some of the lessons they are learning.

Previous Students say...

Vid Sodnik

SLOVENIA

I mention the name Shawn Kinley a lot when I'm teaching at different festivals around the world. His work has influenced my focus in improvisation the most. Every time I get the opportunity to work with him I learn so much more. I can honestly say he is the best teacher and mentor I ever had.

Pepa Duarte Soldevilla

PERU

Shawn is an amazing teacher, he will help you grow with such an honest and playful attitude and method. I was challenged and encouraged. I think that´s when my career as an actress and as an improviser finally and fully came together. I can´t tell you how many drama teachers I´ve had -did my master´s at RADA last year-
Shawn is still Top 5.

Terje Brevik

NORWAY

Shawn is one of those rare teachers who manage not only to teach the basic principles of improv but also connects them to everything we do in life, in a fun and safe way! If I had to trademark it I'd call it Zenprov! Shawn's probably one of the most experienced teachers in the world, together with his love for the art and humanity I can't recommend him enough.

Some organizations we've worked with

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THE IMPROVISATION SCHOOL