Theatre / bristol improv theatre
Bristol Improv Theatre’s ‘rollercoaster ride’ of a year
“Like many businesses and arts organisations, it has all been a rollercoaster ride,” says Imogen Palmer, theatre school manager at Bristol Improv Theatre.
The Clifton theatre adapted quickly to the first lockdown in March 2020, and were able to rapidly pivot yet again with the announcement of a second lockdown, and then of the tier three restrictions in Bristol.
“We are really grateful to our community of supporters who have stuck with us throughout: watching the 45+ online shows we delivered March to September and those who came to the in-person, physically distanced classes we ran in September and October.”
is needed now More than ever
It has been a year of learning and changing the way improvised theatre is consumed and taught.
Imogen says that although it felt “felt touch and go early on”, the “mind-blowing resourcefulness and innovation from the team” has helped the St Paul’s Road theatre to continue surviving, and ultimately thriving, despite the challenges 2020 has brought.
Caitlin Campbell, artistic director of the theatre. Photo: Wilbee Films
“The theatre space has been transformed internally to make Covid-secure performances and classes and our artists have devised brand new shows adapting to the limitations of the time,” says Imogen, who is also the artistic director of the Delight Collective.
“We’ve learnt that improv can be taught & practiced in Covid-secure conditions: our students have loved having the chance to play and connect at a two metre distance over the summer.
“Finding new ways to be creative has certainly been a coping strategy for me personally, and although I can’t speak for the staff team, every single member has blown me away at different points with the ‘outside the box’ thinking and decision making we’ve had to do.”
The Bristol Improv Theatre shut its physical doors on March 17, 2020, following Government advice. But, determined that the show must go on, staff at the theatre began streaming on Twitch as soon as they could.
And as Bristol enters Tier Three, the theatre continues to adapt.
The theatre was able to hold some in-person sessions over the summer. Photo: Wilbee Films
The team have been designing courses for improv students that “flourish in the online format”. Imogen has recently led a Being a Difficult Women course for women and is about to launch Let’s Dismantle the Patriarchy, a similar course for men.
“Attendees are really responding to being able to discuss and explore these often prickly themes in a supported online environment, from the comfort of home,” she says.
“It’s proven to be a flexible and accessible way for people to connect & learn, especially if they have caring responsibilities or disabilities.”
With a £70,000 grant from the Art Council England Cultural Recovery Fund, which Imogen says feels “like massive recognition for the team of staff and artists who have all been working tirelessly for the past seven years to make the Bristol Improv Theatre the hub it is today”, the theatre has been able to safeguard its future and plan even more shows and courses to be led via Zoom.
Zoom Games for All! and Musical Improv for all!, will be accessible sessions for people brand new to improv, and speciality classes will include Dungeons & Dragons & Improv.
The theatre space in Clifton was adapted to be coronavirus-safe while it could be open. Photo: Photo: Wilbee Films
UK improv “legend” and Funny Women finalist Katy Schutte will also be running an interactive and immersive online Ghost Watch experience on Wednesday, December 16: participants get to play characters and get involved as they investigate the hauntings of participant’s homes.
The Bristol Improv Theatre will also be running a winter season of online classes via Zoom from the December 9-29.
“We would love to thank everyone who has supported us so far,” says Imogen. “It’s been a touch and go year and we couldn’t have done it without you.
“We can’t predict how 2021 will play out, but we are ready to continue adapting and innovating to offer classes in whatever way they are allowed.”
Main photo: Wilbee Films
Read more: Inside the Bristol Improv Theatre
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