Improvisation Intro/Refresher – Say Yes, Do Yes, Be Yes

Never done improv before? Haven’t done improv for awhile and feel the need to get back to it?

This 2 day intensive will (re)introduce you to the fundamentals through games, warm-ups, exercise challenges and the importance of play when exploring the art of improv. Come experience letting go of fear and anxiety while having more laughs than you’re used to. You will leave with the foundation for all communication, collaboration and creativity. For “wanna be” thespians, the average Joe/Jane and everyone else.

No previous experience necessary.

About LISA MERCHANT Lisa is a highly sought-after improvisation instructor/facilitator/performer. She has been studying, performing and teaching the art of improvisation for 35 years.

Currently a professor at Humber College in the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts – teaching Improvisation for the Comedy Program.

Lisa is faculty at SoCap Theatre in Toronto and a 29 year Senior Faculty member at The Second City Training Centre and corporate facilitator with The Second City Works division and privately.

She is a multiple nominee and winner of 4 Canadian Comedy Awards, 3 for Best Female Improvisor.

Lisa was a cast member of the Gemini nominated Joe Blow Show. Some television credits include: Murdoch Mysteries, Private Eyes, American Gods, Degrassi XV, Train 48…

Most recently she was invited to perform in the Artic Comedy Festival in Iqaluit, Nunavut. In addition to live performance around Toronto and across Canada, she has performed in David Shore’s Monkey Toast, the live improvised talk show, since its inception 19 year’s ago.

Some accolades: Platinum Winner of The Toronto Star Reader’s Choice Award – category of Best Theatre Instructor for 2019 and 2020 Awarded the 2019 Frank McAnulty Faculty Award With Marcel St. Pierre won the 2019 World’s Biggest Improv Tournament surviving 126 teams

“…a week of unbridled improv – at which she’s peerless.” NOW Magazine

“Taking improv with Lisa Merchant was a game changer for me. It not only helped me be a better communicator, it made me a better person. I learned fundamental ideas that I still apply to this day. Over ten years after taking that original class, I invited Lisa to come and speak to the 2012 Canadian Olympic team to give them a competitive advantage. Such is the value of what she has to teach.” Mark Tewksbury, Olympic Champion and 2012 Canadian Olympic Team Chef de mission

“How does improv lead to insights into effective communication, greater creativity, and conflict resolution? Through the inspired teaching of Lisa Merchant. Thank you, Lisa, for contributing your wisdom to classes over the years.” Leslie H. Macleod, B.A., LL.B., LL.M. (ADR), Principal of Leslie H. Macleod & Associates, Specialists in Conflict Resolution.

Book here.