SPONTANEOUS IMPROVISATION

Acting Workshop

This 2 hour improvisation workshop is a practical, hands-on session in spontaneous theatre-making. Through guided games, ensemble exercises, and collaborative scene work, participants explore the fundamentals of improvisation: listening, accepting offers, building with a partner, and trusting your instincts.

This event is free and open to all. No prior theatre experience is required. You may participate actively or simply observe and join in when you feel ready.

What This Is

This is a free improvisation and acting workshop facilitated by Kaivalya Plays as part of Bloomsday Week at Triveni Kala Sangam.

It is designed as a welcoming, low-pressure space for spontaneous play. No scripts, no preparation, and no theatre experience required.

You are welcome to:

• Participate actively

• Observe and join later

• Simply watch and enjoy

There is absolutely no pressure to perform.

What You Will Work On

• WHERE: Establishing environments through physical interaction with objects and space. How do we show the audience where we are without telling them?

• WHO: Building characters through relationship, status, and behaviour. How do we communicate who we are through action?

• VERBAL AGILITY: Listening, the "Yes, and" technique, and making statements instead of questions. How do we build scenes through generous communication?

• THE WHOLE BODY: Physicality, emotion, and showing rather than telling. How does the body express what words cannot?

• CONNECTIONS: Engaging with your partner, the audience, the space, and most importantly, yourself

What to Expect

• A welcoming group warm-up and agreements at the start

• Guided improv games that build ensemble trust and responsiveness

• Spontaneous scene work in pairs and small groups

• Exercises in physical storytelling, character, and spatial awareness

• A supportive environment where participation is always by choice

Improvisation can feel vulnerable at first, and that is completely normal. You are never required to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement

• A bottle of water for the duration of the session

• An open mind and a willingness to play

Please aim to arrive by 8:45 AM so we can begin as close to 9:00 AM as possible.

Timing

The workshop is scheduled from 9:00 AM to approximately 11:00 AM.

The session will run for 2 hours, allowing for a slightly relaxed start as participants gather. If you'd like to receive updates about future improv jams and performances, please join our Whatsapp community here:

https://bit.ly/kpcommunity

Workshop Facilitator Varoon P. Anand Artistic Director, Kaivalya Plays Foundation. Varoon's artistic training is grounded in spontaneous improvisation at the intersection of short-form and long-form improvisational theatre, devising, and applied improvisation. He has facilitated improv workshops across India, including at schools, universities, corporate settings, the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, and in public parks.

About Kaivalya Plays

Kaivalya Plays is a New Delhi-based performing arts organisation led by Varoon P. Anand (Artistic Director) and Gaurav Singh Nijjer (General Manager). Since 2012, the organisation has built transcultural collaborations across India and internationally. Our work spans devised and multilingual theatre, improvisation, education, and community-based arts initiatives, with a strong focus on accessibility and creative confidence.

Part of James Joyce Immersive

This workshop is part of James Joyce Immersive, a year-long cultural programme produced by Kaivalya Plays Foundation in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland in India. The programme reimagines James Joyce's Dubliners for contemporary Indian audiences through immersive performances, workshops, and cultural engagement. Presented alongside JOYCEWALE: Retrospective Photo Essay by Mayank Austen Soofi at the Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam.

We look forward to seeing you!