Improv Workshops FAQs
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What IS improv?
Improv is conversation.
Yes, it’s a form of theatre, often comedic, during which unscripted scenes develop from simple suggestions from the audience.
Learning improvising skills changes how we interact with the world.
We learn to listen.
We learn to be in the moment.
We learn to trust in ourselves in our ability to engage and interact with others.
We learn confidence in creating conversations by making offers and responding to offers given to us.
We learn to let things go. The product isn’t always Shakespeare and that’s okay.
Improv is magical conversations that develop from thin air.
And the best part? Improv skills are taught through easy-to-learn exercises in spontaneity.
Whether you’re a performer or you want to sharpen your conversational skills for personal, social or professional interactions, improv will change your game.
We promise.
We’re so confident of our classes, that if you try one and don’t like it, we’ll refund your money.
Our workshops and shows are ideal for ages 18-95. (In fact, the older you are, the more you can draw on from your journey so far.)
What ISN’T improv?
Some people may think learning improv is scary or could be embarrassing.
It’s NOT. It shouldn’t be.
Linda Kash always says “learning improv is more rollercoaster-adrenaline-fun kind of scary and not being-pushed-off-a-cliff kind of scary.”
In teaching, we foster a learning environment where students support each other; it’s important to us that everyone feels a sense of belonging and safety. We’re proud to be growing a trusted community of improvisers with a tight rapport both in-class, on-stage and outside of improv.
In performance, we keep things clean and always try to lead with positive choices. klusterfork’s improv shows aim high. Our improv does not go for shock value; you’ll not get bawdy, crude jokes or any content that could offend or alienate any individuals or groups.
In fact, we’d estimate that 98% of our content is family friendly and squeaky clean. (But sometimes, s**t happens.) 🤪
Why improv? Here’s a Because or two…
…to try something different
…to experience learning something in a safe and supportive environment
…to be less awkward in social and professional events
…to improve conversation, presentation and communication skills
…to strengthen your acting chops
…to bring out your inner clown
…to train your brain to be in the moment
…to bring more play and laughter back into your life
…to meet incredible, funny and brave people just like you
…to take on a new skill in which the first rule of learning is to support and protect
…to be part of a tight-knit community filled with kind, creative, brave people
How big are classes?
We keep classes small (usually no more than 16 people) so everyone gets equal time listening, watching and playing.
How does a newbie prepare for improv?
The same way as improvisers of all skill levels: just show up, bring your best self and be in the moment. Even the pros get nervous, so use it as fuel to energize you! We work hard to make everyone feel comfortable and with students mostly playing games in pairs of two, there’s plenty of time for you to watch and listen and learn. The number one rule of improv is “I got your back”. All good improvisers protect their scene mates. After all, we’re here to have fun.
Who are the Instructors?
We have unique access to an incredible pool of pedigreed talent with Canadian and international performance and teaching experience. From Second City alumni and grads of Canada’s renowned National Theatre School, many of our Instructors are highly decorated with top honours in comedy, acting and improv from the Canadian Comedy Awards and ACTRA Screen Awards. They are supportive, encouraging and often hilarious. And they have as much fun as the students do.
Visit our Instructors and Performers and About Us pages to learn more about the folks behind klusterfork entertainment and past live shows.
What else do I need to know?
Visit our Instructors, Performers and About pages to learn more about the folks behind klusterfork entertainment and past live shows.
Where and when are classes?
Improv workshop sessions are two hour classes that run eight weeks and are held at St. James United Church, 221 Romaine Street, Peterborough K9J 2C3. We usually run two Fall Sessions (September/October and November/December), a Winter Session (Jan/Feb) and two Spring Sessions (March/April and May/June). Summer sessions are determined based on demand. Sign up for our newsletter (at bottom of page) to get early announcements about upcoming workshops and shows.
klusterfork supports and encourages diversity. Bring your best self and you’re already a perfect fit.
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DAVE PEARCE is a 3-time winner of the Canadian Comedy Award as part of Slap Happy Improv, with whom he performed across North America (and a couple stops in Europe). He’s padded out his traveling improv resume aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines as part of The Second City @ Sea. As a writer, Dave’s credits include George Stromboulopoulos Tonight (CBC), and Opie’s Home (TVO), Ollie The Boy Who Became What He Ate (CBC) and The Irrelevant Show (CBC Radio).
AVERY SALTZMAN is the Co-Artistic Director of Toronto’s Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company, the largest not-for-profit professional theatre company in Canada that devotes itself to telling the Jewish story. As a performer for over 40 years, Avery has graced stages on Broadway and in London’s West End, in countless regional theatres across the US, and most theatres across Canada.
LINDA KASH is a familiar face to Canadians as the Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese angel and has an extensive career of credits in television and film including Seinfeld, Everybody Loves Raymond, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show and the Fargo series opposite Ewan McGregor. She runs the Peterborough Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA), founded in 2007 with her late husband Paul O’Sullivan, teaching improv and acting skills to children, teens & adults.
ANTHONY Q. FARRELL has served as showrunner for THE PARKER ANDERSONS, AMELIA PARKER, and the BAFTA-winning CBBC series SECRET LIFE OF BOYS, which he also created. Currently Anthony is the Showrunner and Executive Producer of the sci-fi primetime comedy OVERLORD & THE UNDERWOODS. In the past, he has written for NBC’s THE OFFICE, Canada’s international hit LITTLE MOSQUE ON THE PRAIRIE, and Nickelodeon’s THE THUNDERMANS. He is in active development on several other shows that he hopes to share in the near future. He lives in Toronto with his amazing family.
After an enjoyable yet not so successful music career in the 1900s, IAN BURNS now plays for fun and shares his experience with those wishing to discover and develop their playing relationship with the guitar. His background in classical, folk, jazz, and blues brings a unique perspective to learning the instrument.
