Sunday 19 June 2016

Youth Improv Comedy (Bristol, UK)

It has been a long discussion, which is still ongoing, about the best way to bring improv comedy to the youth of today. That could well be you. Due to the nature of our work, any idea is welcomed. We can deliver our sessions in schools, youth centres, and obviously directly to young people via a community workshop setting. Over the time passed and in our past, we have enabled many young people to get to grips with improvisation. There is plenty more to be done, and specifically in Bristol.

Now is the opportunity to discover spontaneity, communication, inter-personal skills. Find your funny together, as we develop the comedic minds of you, the young people involved, and create magic from nothing.

"[The] improv workshop made for an inspiring and refreshing change from the school routine. It was brilliant for building up students' confidence and willingness to take risks, not to mention being great fun." (Dr. Thomas, Head of English, 2014, Bath)

"Playing on freedom and destruction was very beneficial." (Anonymous, 2015, France [Teen Impro Festival])

"Improv has helped me throughout school by helping me use my imagination. Especially in English, it has helped me to start writing in more creative ways and now becoming more complex." (Luke, 2011, Cardiff)

"It was really good, can we do it again?" (Daniel, 2014, Bath)

"Nathan was really funny." (Charlotte, 2014, Bath)

"It was a fun and inspirational activity." (Zac, 2014, Bath)

"I wouldn't hesitate to do it again." (Bryan, 2014, Bath)

"How fantastic to give our students this opportunity to try something completely new and to watch even the shy students throw themselves into the activities with great gusto and enthusiasm. As an improv enthusiast myself, I can well imagine the effect more improv workshops would have on our students in terms of building up creative and personal confidence and learning to collaborate with others." (Ms. Martin, School Librarian, 2014, Bath)

We advocate improvisation for everyone. Whether the interest is in comedy, acting or something highly unrelated, these will bring people together to offer useful skills in all areas of life. The group will explore spontaneity and how you can apply these skills to create comedy on the spot. Our discoveries will search how we use fun to enhance performance. It could be said to be obvious that this would be engaging to see and definitely energizing for the performers. Playfulness gets people to play well together: collaboration is a ever-growing need in society. Therefore, we cover basic elements of improvisation such as listening, agreement and adding, commitment and support and various others. Improv comedy is an open art form, we seek freedom and honesty in our comedy!

Book onto the three day improv comedy intensive for young people. 27th - 29th July, 10 AM - 5 PM, Bristol. 
BACs payment only. (currently)

Saturday 18 June 2016

Jeffrey Sweet in London: Improvisation for Script-building Masterclass

If you are not currently booked onto the course, then do so quickly. Jeffrey Sweet is to lead his masterclass on 'Improvisation for Script-building' in London, UK, on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July, 11am - 5pm.

The scripts for more and more plays, films and TV shows are being developed out of improvisation (Curb Your Enthusiasm and Mike Leighs films are vivid examples). Jeffrey Sweet is coming to run an intense workshop on how to get started. Book today: http://jeffreysweet.bpt.me 

Here is a interview with Jeff from years ago: http://www.nytheatre-wire.com/gf09022t.htm

Photo from Zimbio

Friday 27 May 2016

Vine: Hippo Impressions in Paris, France - Hippocrite (Bath Spa Live / Bath Fringe) #6

The BEST hippo impressions roll in from France. Here is a vine of the next one.

The best hippo impression is either coming or we have it, maybe you have a great hippo in you!? Feel free to email us your photos or videos, or post them with the tags #hippocrite #bathfringe.

#vine
https://vine.co/v/iEFU0qFK31l

Tickets at: www.bathspalive.com

Thursday 26 May 2016

Instagram: Hippo Impressions in Paris, France - Hippocrite (Bath Spa Live / Bath Fringe) #6

BEST Hippo Impressions!

Latest parisiens playing... Here is one of them on our instagram.

You can play too. Post and tag them as #hippocrite #bathfringe or email them to us: spontheatreco at gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFuQHa7D4Tw/
#insatgram


Vine: Hippo Impressions in Paris, France - Hippocrite (Bath Spa Live / Bath Fringe) #5

Parisiens in France are playing our Best hippo impressions game, so we have some great versions. The link to the latest one is below.

Maybe you have a great hippo in you too!? Feel free to email us your photos or videos, or post them with the tags #hippocrite #bathfringe.

#vine

https://vine.co/v/iEF2PvYpDhM


Tickets at: www.bathspalive.com

Instagram: Hippo Impressions in Paris, France - Hippocrite (Bath Spa Live / Bath Fringe) #5

You can play BEST hippo impressions too. Post and tag them as #hippocrite #bathfringe or email them to us: spontheatreco at gmail.com

In France, there are some beautiful parisiens sharing their hippos. Here is one of them as an instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFuPgfLj4R5/

#instagram


Wednesday 25 May 2016

Vine: Hippo Impressions in Paris, France - Hippocrite (Bath Spa Live / Bath Fringe) #4

Give us your BEST hippo impressions. The game is being played by the parisiens in France at the moment...

Do you want to play and have a greatest hippo impression shown online!? Feel free to email us your photos or videos, or post them with the tags #hippocrite #bathfringe.

Here is another of the great ones. https://vine.co/v/iEFEKvXBhWa



Instagram: Hippo Impressions in Paris, France - Hippocrite (Bath Spa Live / Bath Fringe) #4

Wonderful parisiens are playing this game of their BEST hippo impressions. Here is one of them as an instagram post.

You can play too. Post and tag them as #hippocrite #bathfringe or email them to us: spontheatreco at gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFuPFAOD4Qh/

#instagram



Jeffrey Sweet on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky podcast


Amazon states about the author:
Aside from writing scripts (plays, musicals, TV stuff, the odd screenplay), I write about writing, teach writing, run workshops in improvisation, occasionally direct, and sometimes perform. It is my great pleasure to serve on the Council of the Dramatists Guild, to have a long record of working in various Chicago theatres, to be a member of Ensemble Studio Theatre and to be an alum of New Dramatists. I live in New York, but frequently travel to participate in productions of my stuff or to teach guest workshops at universities and professional schools.

Sweet is owed a lot when it comes to why American improv comedy is what it is now. For example, Napier got into it because of Jeff's book, and Mick has given a lot of time to Second City since and, obviously, Annoyance theatre. Jeffrey Sweet book's, Something Wonderful Right Away, means a lot to the world of improvisational comedy and theatre, I believe. So let us hear him discuss it with people. Here is a direct link to the podcast on ADD Comedy with Dave Razowsky. 

http://ec.libsyn.com/p/f/f/f/fff53b4439a6b402/JSweet.mp3?d13a76d516d9dec20c3d276ce028ed5089ab1ce3dae902ea1d06ce843ed0c154b515&c_id=6403333


Jeffrey Sweet will be in London 23rd - 24th July teaching his Masterclass on Improvisation for Script-building. It is at the RAG Factory, Heneage Street London

Booking is only through BACs payment, unless otherwise arranged. Limited places, so book quickly. Email to get the payment details: spontheatreco at gmail.com

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Vine: Hippo Impressions in Paris, France - Hippocrite (Bath Spa Live / Bath Fringe) #3

On the game that is being played, currently by the parisiens in France, we have great versions.

The best hippo impression is either coming or we have it, maybe you have a great hippo in you!? Feel free to email us your photos or videos, or post them with the tags #hippocrite #bathfringe.


#vine


Instagram: Hippo Impressions in Paris, France - Hippocrite (Bath Spa Live / Bath Fringe) #3

These beautiful parisiens shared their time to play this game of their BEST hippo impressions. Here is one of them as an instagram post.

You can play too. Post and tag them as #hippocrite #bathfringe or email them to us: spontheatreco at gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFuOl8_D4fF/



Monday 23 May 2016

Instagram - French Hippo #2

What is a photo worth? A lot, when they are looking like hippos, as best as they can...

this is a superb hippo impression...

This is the art that is the french! Here is the photo of another of the greatest hippo impressions.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFhjnRlj4X4/

If you would like to send in or link us to a hippo impression of yours, then please do so! Go to contact and we shall be willing and amused to share it with our readers and followers. hashtag your impressions too #hippocrite #bathfringe


Hippocrite at Bath Fringe / Bath Spa Live at Burdall's Yard 
Wednesday 8th June, 6pm and Thursday 9th June, 8pm

Instagram - French Hippo #1

People say that a photo speaks louder than words...

Or, a picture is worth a thousand words...

So we present the art that is the french! Here is the photo of one of the greatest hippo impressions.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFhjt9WD4YF

If you would like to send in or link us to a hippo impression of yours, then please do so! Go to contact and we shall be willing and amused to share it with our readers and followers. hashtag your impressions too #hippocrite #bathfringe


Hippocrite at Bath Fringe / Bath Spa Live at Burdall's Yard 
Wednesday 8th June, 6pm and Thursday 9th June, 8pm

Jeffrey Sweet on the Magnet Theater Podcast

Wikipedia states from its collaborators:
Jeffrey Sweet (born May 3, 1950) is an American writer, journalist, songwriter and theatre historian... Sweet has been a playwright, screenwriter, lyricist, critic, journalist, teacher, theatre historian, and sometime songwriter and director. He is a resident member of Chicago's Victory Gardens Theater, where thirteen of his plays—including Flyovers,The Action Against Sol Schumann, The Value of Names, Berlin '45, With and Without, Court-Martial at Fort Devens, and Bluff have been produced. 

His long-standing involvement in improvisational comedy lead to his book, Something Wonderful Right Away, and therefore his discussions with people in the art forms. These are open for everyone to hear. Here is one that Jeff did with Magnet Theater.
https://soundcloud.com/magnettheaterpodcast/37-jeffrey-sweet

Jeffrey Sweet will be in London 23rd - 24th July teaaching his Masterclass on Improvisation for Script-building. It is at the RAG Factory, Heneage Street London

Booking is only through BACs payment, unless otherwise arranged. Limited places, so book quickly. Email to get the payment details: spontheatreco at gmail.com

Sunday 22 May 2016

French hippo impressions - vine #2

In France people love hippo this much... maybe. Or, due to asking them to be filmed doing this, they agreed to do their best hippo impression. It is now here for all to see on vine, being shared with you. It is a link to click, but it maybe good to see and fun... see a hippo vine.

https://vine.co/v/i0jZla91OQd

See the website for tickets: www.bathspalive.com


Hippocrite at Bath Fringe / Bath Spa Live at Burdall's Yard 
Wednesday 8th June, 6pm and Thursday 9th June, 8pm

EVENTS: Hippocrite at Bath Fringe / Bath Spa Live


A fun and dynamic exploration of the contradictory nature of people

Spontaneous Theatre Company presents its devised production Hippocrite, a folly about a two-headed hippopotamus and the discoveries it makes. This singing, dancing, lugubrious animal delivers many moments of mirth through interaction and playing with the audience.

Hippocrite takes us through the contrary world of existence with bouts of reality and silliness - and plenty of laughs. The production revels with the audience in the twin pleasures of synchronicity and contradictions.

Hippo is a two-headed hippopotamus that converses and argues with itself. This singing, dancing, lugubrious animal delivers many moments of mirth through interaction and playing with the audience.

Suitable for children of all ages this show takes  us on a rollercoaster ride through a hippopotamus world that is just like our own. 

Nathan Keates is an actor who specialises in immersive theatre and has a background in clown and physical theatre. Lindsey Garwood is a performer and storyteller in improvised theatre, with a background in traditional theatre.


"…great sense of comedic timing and a flair for portraying many different characters…” - Tallinn International Improv Festival, Nicole, Estonia 


Running Time: 45 minutes

Wednesday 8 June - 6pm & Thursday 9 June - 8pm 
Tickets:  £7 Full Price, £5 Concessions, £3 BSU Students 
Burdall's Yard, 7a Anglo Terrace, Bath, BA1 5NH

Tickets: www.bathspalive.com

French Hippo Impressions - Vine #1

In France no one sees you hippo... maybe. Or, after filming a vine of some french people doing their best hippo impression, it went on vine and now is being shared with you. Admittedly it is a link to click, but it maybe worth seeing the fun from this person... see a hippo vine.

https://vine.co/v/i0jZa0gh2e9

See the website for tickets: www.bathspalive.com


Hippocrite at Bath Fringe / Bath Spa Live at Burdall's Yard 
Wednesday 8th June, 6pm and Thursday 9th June, 8pm

Saturday 14 May 2016

Let the silliness begin! Hippos on vine 3

Admittedly these are merely a series of links on a post, but a click is worth the while when we get to see something that may make us laugh... see a hippo vine.

https://vine.co/v/i26vMFVtMjt

See the website for tickets: www.bathspalive.com

Friday 13 May 2016

Vine Clip 3: Jeffrey Sweet: You Only Shoot the Ones You Love

Jeffrey Sweet will be performing his theatre production is a solo show by and with Jeffrey Sweet about entering the world of improv via Paul Sills and Del Close and how what was supposed to be a side trip turned into a life.

Vine clip

http://vine.co/v/i2OA6XhXUBK

Jeff is also running his Masterclass in Improvisation for Script-building on the weekend of 23rd and 24th July, 11am - 5pm in London.

Rag Factory, Heneage Street, London Nr Aldgate East tube.
Email to book: spontheatreco at gmail.com

Let the silliness begin! Hippos on vine 2

Although these are a series of links on a blog post, but the click is worthwhile when its possible to see something that may make us laugh... see a hippo vine.

https://vine.co/v/i26ni9ZL3le

 Check the website to buy tickets: www.bathspalive.com

Thursday 12 May 2016

Instagram poser 2: Jeffrey Sweet in London (Performance, Masterclass and Evening Classes)

Here is our Instagram poser, Jeffrey Sweet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFGV2naj4VU


Jeffrey Sweet is in London teaching his Masterclass, amongst other activities, on Improvisation for Script-building. Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th July, 11am - 5pm at Rag Factory.

Do book now to not miss out! Email spontheatreco at gmail.com

Vine Clip 2: Jeffrey Sweet's You Only Shoot the Ones You Love

Jeffrey Sweet will be performing his theatre production is a solo show by and with Jeffrey Sweet about entering the world of improv via Paul Sills and Del Close and how what was supposed to be a side trip turned into a life.

Vine clip

http://vine.co/v/iQ225Y3Xbph 

Jeff is also running his Masterclass in Improvisation for Script-building on the weekend of 23rd and 24th July, 11am - 5pm in London.

Rag Factory, Heneage Street, London Nr Aldgate East tube.
Email to book: spontheatreco at gmail.com

Let the silliness begin! Hippos on vine 1

Admittedly these are merely a series of links on a post, but a click is worth the while when we get to see something that may make us laugh... see a hippo vine.

https://vine.co/v/i2653tUJqli


Visit: www.bathspalive.com for tickets

Wednesday 11 May 2016

Instagram poser: Jeffrey Sweet in London (Performance, Masterclass and Evening Classes)

Here is our Instagram poser, Jeffrey Sweet.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFBoFtFj4QB/

Jeffrey Sweet is in London teaching his Masterclass, amongst other activities, on Improvisation for Script-building. Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th July, 11am - 5pm at Rag Factory.

Do book now to not miss out! Email spontheatreco at gmail.com

Vine Clip: Jeffrey Sweet: You Only Shoot the Ones You Love

Jeffrey Sweet will be performing his theatre production is a solo show by and with Jeffrey Sweet about entering the world of improv via Paul Sills and Del Close and how what was supposed to be a side trip turned into a life.

Vine clip

http://vine.co/v/iQ20tJmMbFz

Jeff is also running his Masterclass in Improvisation for Script-building on the weekend of 23rd and 24th July, 11am - 5pm in London.

Rag Factory, Heneage Street, London Nr Aldgate East tube.
Email to book: spontheatreco at gmail.com

Thursday 5 May 2016

Intro to Pinterest

We are on Pinterest now!


But how to we use it? Check us out.

https://uk.pinterest.com/spontaneousthea/

What should we add to our account?


Thank you!


EVENTS: Masterclass: Jeffrey Sweet: Improvisation for Script-building

The scripts for more and more plays, films and TV shows are being developed out of improvisation (Curb Your Enthusiasm and Mike Leigh’s films are vivid examples). Jeffrey Sweet is coming to run an intense workshop on how to get started.

Sweet is himself a playwright and TV writer based in the States. He is perhaps best-known in improv circles for writing Something Wonderful Right Away, a book about the early history of improvisation that inspired the creation of Chicago’s famous improv companies, i/O (the home of Charna Halpern and Del Close where Amy Poehler got her start) and the Annoyance (founded by Mick Napier, where the creators of Transparent worked out). For the past several summers, he has gathered together high-profile writer-improvisers including Dan Castellaneta (Homer on The Simpsons), Jonathan Stark (writer-producer of The World According to Jim), and Bill and Cheri Steinkellner (writer-producers of Cheers) to work together for intense retreats to develop new projects. One, Catherine Butterfield’s It Has to Be You, opened off-Broadway, and Deb Lacusta’s Old Man in a Big Car won the 2015 Renegade NOW prize.

Some of Sweet’s own work started improvisationally, including a play called With and Without, which played New York and Chicago (Variety called it “solid, craftsmanlike playwriting at its finest”) and was recorded as a special by LA Law stars Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker.

Sweet will offer techniques for setting up initial premises to be improvised that will guarantee scenes with stakes and tension. Then he will show how to work with transcripts to finish polished drafts that retain the vitality of improvisation while targeting what to cut and enhance.

This is not a workshop for improv purists but for people who want to direct their chops to building finished projects that can be put into production.




Booking is only via BACs payment, so just email spontheatreco at gmail .com to receive the details and get your place today!
Or Brown Paper Tickets: http://jeffreysweet.bpt.me 

Sign up to the mailing list: http://spontaneoustheatre.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=dc484935039b5910b1f2e13ad&id=5dddd72f4c

Date: Saturday 23rd July - Sunday 24th July, 11am - 5pm

Venue: RAG factory, Heneage Street, London 
Near Liverpool Street tube and Whitechapel

EVENTS: Spontaneous Youth in Bristol (Improv Comedy)

This summer, young people of Bristol can take up improv comedy. Be just like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler or Will Ferrell... or even Brits such as Eddie Izzard, Paul Merton and Sarah Pascoe. In this three day group, Spontaneous Theatre Company run their Youth group to offer new participants a chance to discover their inner-comedian, or outer-actor. From Wednesday 27th July at 10am, these young people will meet and collaborate on their comedy to be able to create for a live audience, spontaneously. 



Booking is only via BACs payments, so just email for these details to get your place now: spontheatreco at gmail .com
Sign up to the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bUJmen

This summer, young people of Bristol can take up improv comedy. Be just like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler or Will Ferrell... or even Brits such as Eddie Izzard, Paul Merton and Sarah Pascoe. In this three day group, Spontaneous Theatre Company run their Youth group to offer new participants a chance to discover their inner-comedian, or outer-actor. From Wednesday 27th July at 10am, these young people will meet and collaborate on their comedy to be able to create for a live audience, spontaneously. 

Spontaneous Youth are an improv comedy youth group that is run by the theatre company that helps the young people of today, potentially that is you, be more spontaneous, leading you to greater aptitude in many areas of life; increasing social, emotional intelligence and building self-worth and opinion to be able to access the height of your comedic self. This three-day course, from 27th - 29th July 10am until 5pm, will be just like the training of Steve Carrell, Kristen Wiig and Stephen Colbert. Also, Brits such as Luisa Omielan, Rob Brydon and Phil Jupitus experiences too.

Hippocrite in Rehearsal



Spontaneous Theatre Company presents its devised production Hippocrite, a folly about a two-headed hippopotamus and the discoveries it makes. This singing, dancing, lugubrious animal delivers many moments of mirth through interaction and playing with the audience.


Date:Wed 08 Jun 2016 6:00 pm
£3.00 - £7.00
Date:Thu 09 Jun 2016 8:00 pm
£3.00 - £7.00
Burdall's Yard, 7a Anglo Terrace, Bath BA1 5NH