What we’re about
Welcome to Chiang Mai Improv!
Come and explore your funny side, push boundaries and have a lot of fun!
Learn the basics, and quickly become comfortable performing and learning how some of the more advanced games work - particularly on how to use the games to maximise laughs!
Open to beginners and experts.
Key learnings:
- Say “yes and!”
- Add new information.
- Don’t block.
- Actively listen
- Be authentic to the scene (react to your partner, don’t be just in your head)
- Avoid asking questions- unless you’re also adding information.
- Play in the present and use the moment.
- Establish the relationship first.
- Every good scene is made from the ‘platform’ which consists of the relationship, what you’re doing and where you are.
- Be specific and provide colourful details.
- For serious and emotional scenes, focus on characters and relationships.
- For humorous scenes, take choices to the nth degree or focus on actions/objects.
- Workshops are great to try new things in a safe space (and allow yourself to fail)
- Movement helps you think and create, if you get stuck.
- Don't talk about fighting the dragon, actually fight the dragon.
- Don't add too many new things, develop what you already have.
- Try not to laugh, put that energy into your acting instead.
- The audience are geniuses who see everything so make it all count
- The whole scene can usually be about what happens first
About the host (Sam):
I've taught 100's of improvisers, and organise + host improv and stand-up comedy shows.
I've trained for many years in London, learning from many great groups (Shootfromthehip, C3, hoopla, the nursery, school of laughter) and many great improvisers from around the world. I was Deputy Director of the School Of Laughter (probably the best title I'll ever have).
I teach individuals, kids, employees and to charities - often to help with anxiety and other mental health conditions (eg for the MIND charity)
I also worked for NASA, am a failed Astronaut and have a couple of startups: www.samnaef.com