Schools
Improv for all ages!
We’re passionate about nurturing the next generation of performers. We believe that improv is a powerful tool to help students of all ages boost their confidence, encourage creative thinking, and work collaboratively.
Our teachers regularly work in and with schools to support drama teachers in finding innovative ways to approaching devising projects, creating characters, analysing texts, and more.
Our work in improv, sketch writing, mime, movement and comedy performance can connect to many aspects of the K–12 syllabus, as well as supporting general learning.
Below are some of our existing syllabus-connected workshops. We’re also happy to discuss creating something new and bespoke to support you and your students — please get in touch using the form below.
Workshops
Our workshops are developed with K–12 Syllabus in mind and incorporate the HSC curriculum.
STAGE 4 AND 5 DRAMA
Intro to improvisation
In our intro to improvisation, we establish the concept of ‘yes, and’: how to affirm and extend other students’ ideas. We establish the building blocks for playbuilding through group-devised processes and teach students how to collaborate spontaneously.
Playbuilding
Through improvisation, we get students to collaboratively use characters and themes to playbuild, focussing on how to best extend off one another’s ideas and support each other for the common narrative.
Exploring Form and Genre
In our intermediate and senior improvisation workshops, we explore the ways improvisation can be used to structure dramatic work in collaboration with others. Students will leave this workshop with material they can use for their Year 12 Group Performance and Individual Performance.
STAGE 6 DRAMA
Year 12 HSC Group Performance and Individual Project
Quit staring at the brainstorm page and get on your feet! ITS GP and IP workshops get you active and give you the tools to flesh out ideas, and communicate better in a collaborative environment. Create a cohesive narrative through exploring different forms and learn how to script your ideas.
At ITS, our thing is improvisation. If there is something specific that you require, ask us — we can improvise! We tailor classes, performances, or workshops to suit your needs. We also have specialised workshops in Clowning, Sketch, Shakespeare and Intro to Acting.
Improv Theatre Sydney also understands the importance of improv beyond theatre programs — we believe strongly that improv facilitates more creative environments, quicker thinking people and better learners. There is academic evidence to support us. So if you’re in the humanities or IT department and looking for a new way to engage your students, we also have a way to help you.
SYLLABUS DETAILS
4.1.1 identifies and explores the elements of drama to develop belief and clarity in character, role, situation and action.
4.1.2 improvises and playbuilds through group-devised processes
4.1.3 devises and enacts drama using scripted and unscripted material
4.1.4 explores a range of ways to structure dramatic work in collaboration with others.
4.2.1 uses performance skills to communicate dramatic meaning
4.2.3 explores and uses aspects of dramatic forms, performance styles, theatrical conventions and technologies to create dramatic meaning.
4.3.1 Identifies and describes elements of drama, dramatic forms, performance styles, techniques and conventions in drama.
4.3.2 Recognises the function of drama and theatre in reflecting social and cultural aspects of human experience
4.3.3 describes the contribution of individuals and groups in drama using relevant drama terminology.
5.1.1 manipulates the elements of drama to create belief, clarity and tension in character, role, situation and action
5.1.2 contributes, selects, develops and structures ideas in improvisation and playbuilding
5.1.3 devises, interprets and enacts drama using scripted and unscripted material or text
5.1.4 explores, structures and refines ideas using dramatic forms, performance styles, dramatic techniques, theatrical conventions and technologies.
5.2.1 applies acting and performance techniques expressively and collaboratively to communicate dramatic meaning
5.2.3 employs a variety of dramatic forms, performance styles, dramatic techniques, theatrical conventions and technologies to create dramatic meaning.
5.3.1 responds to, reflects on and evaluates elements of drama, dramatic forms, performance styles, dramatic techniques and theatrical conventions
5.3.3 analyses and evaluates the contribution of individuals and groups to processes and performances in drama using relevant drama concepts and terminology.
P1.1 develops acting skills in order to adopt and sustain a variety of characters and roles
P1.2 explores ideas and situations, expressing them imaginatively in dramatic form
P1.3 demonstrates performance skills appropriate to a variety of styles and media
P1.5 understands, demonstrates and records the process of developing and refining ideas and scripts through to performance
P1.6 demonstrates directorial and acting skills to communicate meaning through dramatic action
P1.7 understands the collaborative nature of drama and theatre and demonstrates the self-discipline needed in the process of collaboration
P1.8 recognises the value of individual contributions to the artistic effectiveness of the whole
P2.1 understands the dynamics of actor-audience relationship
P2.3 demonstrates directorial and acting skills to communicate meaning through dramatic action
P2.4 performs effectively in a variety of styles using a range of appropriate performance techniques, theatrical and design elements and performance spaces
P2.5 understands and demonstrates the commitment, collaboration and energy required for a production
P2.6 appreciates the variety of styles, structures and techniques that can be used in making and shaping a performance
P3.1 critically appraises and evaluates, both orally and in writing, personal performances and the performances of others
H1.1 uses acting skills to adopt and sustain a variety of characters and roles
H1.2 uses performance skills to interpret and perform scripted and other material
H1.3 uses knowledge and experience of dramatic and theatrical forms, styles and theories to inform and enhance individual and group devised works
H1.4 collaborates effectively to produce a group-devised performance
H1.5 demonstrates directorial skills
H1.6 records refined group performance work in appropriate form
H1.8 recognises the value of the contribution of each individual to the artistic effectiveness of productions
H1.9 values innovation and originality in group and individual work
H2.1 demonstrates effective performance skills
H2.2 uses dramatic and theatrical elements effectively to engage an audience
H2.3 demonstrates directorial skills for theatre and other media
H2.4 appreciates the dynamics of drama as a performing art
H2.5 appreciates the high level of energy and commitment necessary to develop and present a performance
H3.3 demonstrates understanding of the actor-audience relationship in various dramatic and theatrical styles and movements
H3.5 appreciates the role of the audience in various dramatic and theatrical styles and movements
Enquire
From 2-hour workshops, 2-day seminars to 6-month continued programs, ITS can design a module to cater to your program’s specific needs. Contact us below to let us know how we can best support you and your students.