Improv Kingston has been operating in Kingston, Ontario since 2011. Throughout these years we have been teaching improv to people of all ages and backgrounds and bringing events to life for organizations who have hired us.
Improv Kingston has proven that improv is incredibly versatile. We began to use it in all kinds of unique ways, as a way to build a team, a social support for those who need it, a confidence booster, a communication enhancer and much more.
Why take an improv class?
Improvisational theatre or improv is the world’s oldest art form, older than novels, older than paintings even. We can be reasonably certain it started back in cro-magnon times when the first people stood up to act out the story which had happened to them earlier in the day.
It is an art form that I fell in love with. I love how one never masters it and even the masters become rusty quickly when they stop playing.
Improv is collaborative story telling and I believe anyone can do it.
The thing is, doing improv is good for you. It is good for your mental health and your physical health as well. I have seen the results first hand over and over again. I have seen confidence increase radically in people in mere weeks. I have seen social anxiety lessen and communication barriers destroyed.
Reasons to take an improv class are many and include:
Sharpened acting skills
Increased self confidence
More effective communication skills
Improvements in public speaking
Boost in self awareness
People who do improv are happier and more comfortable with who they are.
I hope you get the chance to experience the fun! – Dan Walmsely
Our Teacher
Our teacher, Dan Walmsely, is a veteran of the Toronto improv scene. Dan has studied at The Second City and Theatresports/Bad Dog Theatre. He has continued these studies of the art form and embraces Keith Johnstone’s approach to improvisational theatre.
Dan has several adult learning and facilitation accreditations and utilizes improv techniques frequently in the courses he designs. He is a popular speaker and has been hired to host large conferences across Ontario.
Dan has many acting and writing credits as well. He has performed across Ontario and has appeared on stage and in film and television. He has written for live theatre and television. Dan has been hired by professional actors, best selling authors, acting troupes and public speakers to increase the quality of their performances.
Dan has produced many improv shows in Kingston since 2011 and the quality of these performances speak for themselves. As one person put it, ‘I have paid a lot more to see improv not half this good’.