Characters are the heart of improvisation. Engaging characters draw the audience into a scene and make them want to watch more. A character can also be a powerful way of connecting with other performers and finding your inspiration. And yet, as improvisors, we often end up playing ourselves on stage.

In this six week course, you will begin to explore how to transform your body and voice on the stage, and challenge your physical and vocal habits. You will practice creating powerful, memorable characters perfect for both fun, comedic shows and more dramatic work. Themes and skills to be explored include:

• Exploring your Physicality & Voice

• Expert High and Low Status

• Motivations & Objectives

• Emotions & Mantras

DATE: Saturdays 2nd August to 6 September 2025 (6 weeks)

TIME: 10:00am - 1:00pm

LOCATION: The Exchange, 81 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059

All participants will be invited to demonstrate their skills at a graduation show at the end of the workshop.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

Our classes are primarily aimed at adults. If you are under 18, let us know and we will discuss if you can attend the class.

CLASS PRE-REQUISITE

It is pre-requisite that you have completed our Beginners Learn to Improvise course. Contact us if you would like to attend and do not meet the pre-requisites.

Your Teacher - Carla Haynes

Carla’s approach to teaching is warm, encouraging, and supportive. She likes to create a very fun, stress-free, and non-judgemental environment in her classroom. It’s a space where the stakes are low, and you can try new things safely, knowing that whatever happens is okay. Carla’s psych background (she has a bachelor of psychology with first class honours from Griffith University) informs her approach to teaching and thinking about improv. She understands that it takes great courage to get yourself to an improv class, and she loves to see students start to relax, have fun, and become more comfortable as the weeks go on. Carla believes that improv is for everyone, and that improv can teach us so much, including how to play again, get in touch with our creative side, share control with others, be present in the moment, pay attention and really listen to others, trust and honour our instincts, and bravely give things a go without knowing what the outcome will be. Carla’s hope is that she will gently guide her students towards the realisation that they are creative, interesting people who are, and always have been, enough. Exactly as they are.

Carla has been performing with Improv Queensland for many years now and has performed as a cast member in shows around Australia and overseas. She has previously held the titles of Brisbane’s Iron Improvisor and Theatresports Grand Champion. She has featured in some of Improv Queensland’s biggest shows including Heartfelt High at the Brisbane Comedy Festival and Murder at the Bowlo for the Anywhere Festival. Carla is also a working actor, and has appeared in numerous television commercials, including advertising campaigns for Compare the Market, Suncorp, Domino’s, Geeks 2U, Youfoodz, and Lendlease, among others.