WIT Training

WIT provides improvision training and opportunities for performance at every level, including beginner, regular troupe training, special workshops and more.

Beginners

Think you can be WITty? Learn to improvise scenes and tell stories in a supportive and fun group environment at one of our improvisation courses at the Wellington Community Education Centre (WCEC) (Wellington High School). These courses are recommended for absolute beginners, theatre practioners wishing to learn more about improv and those who are wishing to brush up their skills. Each course is completed with a performance for family and friends. After completing these courses, you should feel confident enough to join the weekly Tuesday training sessions with the established troupe, training for regular public performances.  

To book yourself into Wellington Community Education Centre courses, please call the WCEC directly on 385-8919 or email cec@whs.school.nz or, visit their website

Course Name:  Improvised Comedy
Course Code:  6675
Date:   11 February - 1 April, Thursdays, 6.00-8.00 (8 weeks)
Cost:  $165
Room: Gallery

Course Name:  Improvised Comedy - The Next Step 
Course Code:  6677
Date:   6 May - 24 June, Thursdays, 6.00-8.00 (8 weeks)
Cost:  $165
Room: Gallery

 

Tuesday nights

Regular Tuesday-night training is held for WIT-sters who have undertaken the beginner's courses at the Community Education Centre (see above) or have had some previous training or experience elsewhere that would make integration easy. Evenings are currently hosted at Capital-E from 7pm - 9pm, in exchange for your enthusiasm and a small $6 charge to cover costs.

Sessions are structured, and are usually directed by any one of a number of WIT's experienced trainers. Training is for the whole membership and integrates intermediate and experienced players. The focus may be preparation for shows made up of players of mixed levels (such as Micetro), or may be on a particular skill set, such as physical improv.  New members to the group are always welcome, so be brave and come along to play. If you're curious, but unsure as to whether it's right for you, email us info@wit.org.nz

Workshops

As well as the regular Tuesday night sessions, special workshops are run at least once or twice a year.  Past WIT workshops have been lead by Rebecca De Unamuno, Greg Cooper of the ConArtists, Greg Ellis of the Improvisors, and  Patti Stiles . 

Experienced

WIT's philosophy is cooperative with a focus on providing pathways for all players. For those players with considerable experience of improvisation, we encourage the development of skills in all areas related to improvisation (including MC-ing, directing, training and producing). To develop the broad range of skills, experienced WITs have the opportunity to train and assist at the CEC courses and at WIT's Tuesday sessions, to train and perform as an MC at Friends and Family shows, and produce or direct WIT shows.

WIT also supports the production of shows that demand higher levels of player experience. The Creative Directors select players for advanced shows, such as Gorilla, based on an assessment of the player's readiness, the mix of players required for the show and the limited places available. Additional training for such shows is provided. Experienced players are encouraged to initiate their own shows and train for them, with WIT providing institutional support and creative direction where required. Improv Divas and Lovepossibly are examples of shows that have been spearheaded by WIT members with WIT support. Training is usually cooperative in nature, with training supplemented by WIT's Creative Directors if required.

If you’d like more information about improv training with WIT, email  info@wit.org.nz