Narrative Scenework with Jim Fishwick

What comes next?

This course offers a grounding in the principles, skills and techniques of narrative improvisation. We’ll explore how to build story platforms, find a protagonist, be changed, raise the stakes, and tie things together at the end. Starting from simple story exercises, you’ll leave being able to tell fantastical tales, play grounded dramas with emotional consequences, and have a deeper understanding of what makes stories tick (and what gets them stuck). 

Note: No narrative improv experience is required, but participants should have completed ITS Level 6 or have equivalent experience elsewhere. People with less experience can be accepted at the teacher’s discretion — please email info@improvtheatresydney.com.au to discuss. 

This class is eight weeks long and runs on Thursdays from 5 June to 31 July, with a week break 12 June. Class meets once a week for 2.5 hours, with an optional performance on Fri 1 Aug. 

Registration is $470 / $440 concession. Price includes a 7.8% non-refundable booking fee.

Full and partial scholarships are available — please email info@improvtheatresydney.com.au to discuss.

About Jim

Jim Fishwick (they/them) is an award-winning director, improviser, teacher and writer, who has been in demand as a freelance theatremaker and consultant around Australia and Aotearoa for over a decade.

They are the current artistic co-director of the New Zealand Improv Festival, and the general manager of Jetpack Theatre, who have been creating experiential, interactive, improvised and immersive theatre since 2015. Jim regularly performs with Maddie Parker and Emilia Higgs as The Joy Riders, devised the award-winning, internationally touring show The Saboteur, and writes questions for the BBC2 quiz show Only Connect.

Testimonials

“If you want a workshop that not only reinforces the improv teachings of the ITS levels but makes you understand improv from a completely different perspective, look no further than Jim’s Narrative Improv course. This course builds upon foundational improv techniques and shows you how to deploy them in scenes to create rich, emotional characters which naturally develop compelling improvised narrative.” – Former Student

“I loved this course!!! If you are loving improv and want to expand your storytelling horizons beyond short form and a fast gag, don’t miss this. You always feel you are in safe hands with Jim.” – Former Student

“Jim’s passion for improv and enthusiastic teaching style makes for a warm, safe environment to learn and fail and try again in. Their Narrative course offers a delightful perspective on improv and more tools for the improv toolbelt to enrich an improviser’s skills.” – Former Student

“Jim is a great teacher with a wealth of knowledge and insight. They are always warm, open and compassionately guiding. Any chance to learn from them is worth your time.” – Former Student