Our upcoming classes
Writers Room 1 – Sketch Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive sketch courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Writers Room 1 will introduce students to the basic concepts and tools of sketch writing and development, with a focus on writing for live and audio sketch comedy. From the kernel of an idea to the final cut, students will put theory into practice at every step as they develop their own sketches throughout the course.
Specific skills and topics covered:
Introduction to sketch comedy
Idea generation
Developing strong and clear comedic ideas
Pitching ideas and taking feedback
Heightening and exploring
Solo sketch and character development
Writing for audio sketch
Specificity
There is no previous writing or improv experience required to take this class.
This course will meet for 5 sessions for 2 hours per week.
Improv Acting Class - Advanced: The Harold
Improv Acting Class: The Harold - The Harold is a format that is performed all around the world - it weaves together multiple threads of characters and stories through two person scenes, group games and organic exploration of themes - all inspired by a single word.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 2:The Scene
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
The Scene focuses on the two person scene which is the backbone of Chicago style long form improvisation. The Scene will allow you to understand Big Fork Theatre's signature style of play while also complimenting and improving your own set of skills.
In this class you will learn how to create interesting and entertaining two person scenes from nothing, with a focus on relationships. The Scene will involve personal feedback and side coaching from your teacher to take your improvisation to the next level.
The Scene is the second class in Big Fork’s Improv Foundations program.
Specific skills and topics covered:
How to advance and explore a scene
Using relationships between characters to advance the scene
Characterisation and Point of View
Creating scenes from nothing
Basic long form improvisation techniques
Successful completion of Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals or a similar introductory class is required to participate, special consideration may be granted to participants with other improv experience - please contact our Directors at training@bigforktheatre.com if you believe this is you.
This course meets weekly for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of this class.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 4 Elective: Intro to Musical Improv
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
In this 6 week Intro to Musical Improv class we will introduce students to the basic concepts and tools needed to create songs and music in the moment.
There is nothing more joyful than creating a fully improvised song out of thin air. It can explore the emotional connections of your characters and drive the action of the scene forward, all while getting a catchy chorus stuck in your audience’s head for hours.
If you’ve ever wanted to stretch your improv muscles then Intro to Musical Improv is where you should start.
Specific skills and topics covered:
How to use lyrics as a storytelling tool
How to work with other improvisers and a musician to create improvised songs
Basic song structures, rhyming, rhythm and melody techniques
Creating songs from your character’s perspective
When to bring an improvised song into a long form
How to end an improvised song
How you can sing great even when your singing isn’t great
Beginner vocal warm ups
There is no previous musical experience required to take this class, whether you’ve never sung outside of the shower or you’ve toured all great Opera Houses of the world, this workshop is for you! However, successful completion of Big Fork Theatre's Foundations 3: Characters is required to take this class - you need to have a good grounding in improv. Special consideration may be made at the discretion of the teacher, if you don't fit this criteria but you feel that you have the required training and skill please contact our Training Director at training@bigforktheatre.com to discuss.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long.
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Come join us for a fun and interactive Discover Improv class, have some fun and meet new people!
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Come join us for a fun and interactive Discover Improv class, have some fun and meet new people!
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
MC Masterclass (workshop)
MC Masterclass
There’s an art to being a good host. Learn how to build trust, charm the crowd, and be hilarious at the same time. Across this workshop you will be equipped with the tools to approach the best ways to MC a variety of events from comedy nights to corporate functions. This class will be highly practical, giving you plenty of time in front of an audience to try your hand at crowdwork, introducing acts, thinking on your feet, uniting the crowd, and more.
Building a Solo Show From Scratch (workshop)
Building a Solo Show From Scratch
Where do we begin when it comes to creating a one-person-show that will captivate the crowd? Across this workshop, Marcel will demystify the experience of building a show and provide you with the tools to ensure the process is approachable and fun. Through a series of exercises, discussions, and activities, you will leave this workshop feeling inspired and ready to take on your next project.
Bench Characters (improv workshop)
Bench Characters
We often find ourselves coming back to character archetypes in improv: the wizard, the psychiatrist, the zany waiter, the Hollywood producer. Sure, they have different names but haven’t we met them before? These are our Bench Characters. This workshop aims to not only extend your repertoire of reliable foundational folks but also to fall in love with them as you give them new depth and dimensions. You’ll leave this workshop full of potential characters for your next show and feel comfortable knowing they’ll always be there for you.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv Fundamentals course, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
In Improv Fundamentals you will be encouraged to explore your creativity, build your confidence and have fun whilst developing the basic skills of improvisation. Big Fork Theatre's teachers have years of experience and are excited to help you start your improv journey.
Improv Fundamentals focuses on the basic tenets of scenic improvisation and is part of Big Fork's Improv Foundations program. Improv Foundations is a series of four workshop blocks designed to introduce students to Big Fork's style of long form improvisation. Once students have completed all Improv Foundations they are invited to participate in our Advanced Study program.
Specific skills and topics covered in Foundations 1 - Improv Fundamentals:
· "Yes, and"
· Listening
· Creating a character
· Supporting your scene partner and the performance
· Object /Environment work (mime)
· Introductory long-form improvisation techniques.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of the course. Once graduated, students are invited to join our regular improv jams and perform in our Jam Shows.
Foundations 4 Elective: Rom-Com Prov (Improvised Acting Workshop)
Learn how to improvise a full romantic comedy using classic tropes, strong characters, and iconic moments!
Those cheesy, feel-good romantic comedies we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) adore have the power to elevate a regular improv show into both a heart-melting and hilarious experience. By popular demand, this expanded course builds on the one‑day workshop previously sold out and taught in the Big Fork Comedy Festival, Melbourne’s Defrost Festival, and the Improv Theatre Sydney Comedy Festival (participants can join even if they did not do the workshop).
In this five-week course, we will practice how to beautifully craft an improvised rom-com using classic tropes, main and essential supporting characters, authentic emotional and physical connections, and soul-satisfying plots. We’ll also dive into iconic rom-com moments such as the ‘bump and catch’ and the ‘interrupted kiss’. If you love love, then this is “the one” that will give you the tools to create heartfelt romantic comedies that will make audiences swoon.
Please note that while this class involves physical touch, all activities will be adapted to respect each participant’s comfort level. Minimum improv level experience: Level 3 Characters (or equivalent). Please email training@bigforktheatre.com for any questions.
About your teacher: Janette McBride has had the unique experience of being in TV shows and films in the Philippines. She has been performing improv since 2015, and she directs and performs in one of Big Fork Theatre’s regular shows, Wer Ya From? Janette is currently studying her Master in Theatre and Performance, and she is particularly excited about character development and cultural diversity on stage.
This course meets for 5 sessions that are each 3 hours long.
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Come join us for a fun and interactive Discover Improv class, have some fun and meet new people!
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Come join us for a fun and interactive Discover Improv class, have some fun and meet new people!
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv Fundamentals course, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
In Improv Fundamentals you will be encouraged to explore your creativity, build your confidence and have fun whilst developing the basic skills of improvisation. Big Fork Theatre's teachers have years of experience and are excited to help you start your improv journey.
Improv Fundamentals focuses on the basic tenets of scenic improvisation and is part of Big Fork's Improv Foundations program. Improv Foundations is a series of four workshop blocks designed to introduce students to Big Fork's style of long form improvisation. Once students have completed all Improv Foundations they are invited to participate in our Advanced Study program.
Specific skills and topics covered in Foundations 1 - Improv Fundamentals:
· "Yes, and"
· Listening
· Creating a character
· Supporting your scene partner and the performance
· Object /Environment work (mime)
· Introductory long-form improvisation techniques.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of the course. Once graduated, students are invited to join our regular improv jams and perform in our Jam Shows.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv Fundamentals course, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
In Improv Fundamentals you will be encouraged to explore your creativity, build your confidence and have fun whilst developing the basic skills of improvisation. Big Fork Theatre's teachers have years of experience and are excited to help you start your improv journey.
Improv Fundamentals focuses on the basic tenets of scenic improvisation and is part of Big Fork's Improv Foundations program. Improv Foundations is a series of four workshop blocks designed to introduce students to Big Fork's style of long form improvisation. Once students have completed all Improv Foundations they are invited to participate in our Advanced Study program.
Specific skills and topics covered in Foundations 1 - Improv Fundamentals:
· "Yes, and"
· Listening
· Creating a character
· Supporting your scene partner and the performance
· Object /Environment work (mime)
· Introductory long-form improvisation techniques.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of the course. Once graduated, students are invited to join our regular improv jams and perform in our Jam Shows.
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Come join us for a fun and interactive Discover Improv class, have some fun and meet new people!
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Come join us for a fun and interactive Discover Improv class, have some fun and meet new people!
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 3:Characters
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
In Characters students will explore how to access fully fleshed out characters in an improv scene.
This class will teach techniques to unlock your way of playing characters and jump in and out of them with ease. Whether you want to play characters that are larger than life or a little more nuanced this class if for you.
Characters is the third class in Big Fork’s Improv Foundations program.
Specific skills and topics covered:
Character physicalisation
Character voices
Using status
Point of View
Intermediate long form techniques
Successful completion of Foundations 2: The Scene is required to participate in this class, special consideration may be granted to participants with other improv experience - please contact our Directors at training@bigforktheatre.com to discuss.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of this course.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv Fundamentals course, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
In Improv Fundamentals you will be encouraged to explore your creativity, build your confidence and have fun whilst developing the basic skills of improvisation. Big Fork Theatre's teachers have years of experience and are excited to help you start your improv journey.
Improv Fundamentals focuses on the basic tenets of scenic improvisation and is part of Big Fork's Improv Foundations program. Improv Foundations is a series of four workshop blocks designed to introduce students to Big Fork's style of long form improvisation. Once students have completed all Improv Foundations they are invited to participate in our Advanced Study program.
Specific skills and topics covered in Foundations 1 - Improv Fundamentals:
· "Yes, and"
· Listening
· Creating a character
· Supporting your scene partner and the performance
· Object /Environment work (mime)
· Introductory long-form improvisation techniques.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of the course. Once graduated, students are invited to join our regular improv jams and perform in our Jam Shows.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 4:Group Mind
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
In this 8 week Group Mind class you will explore how to improvise group scenes successfully for the stage.
This class will hone your ability to work as a group and create scenes with multiple performers, as well as how to incorporate them into long form improvisation.
Group Mind is the fourth class in Big Fork’s Improv Foundations program.
Specific skills and topics covered:
Developing group mind
Sharing focus in a group scene
Creating characters to support the group
Types of group scenes and games
Heightened listening
Intermediate long form techniques
Successful completion of Foundations 3: Characters is required to take this class. Exemption may be granted to improvisers with previous experience under certain circumstances, please contact the training director at training@bigforktheatre.com to discuss.
This course meets for 8 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of this course.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 2:The Scene
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
The Scene focuses on the two person scene which is the backbone of Chicago style long form improvisation. The Scene will allow you to understand Big Fork Theatre's signature style of play while also complimenting and improving your own set of skills.
In this class you will learn how to create interesting and entertaining two person scenes from nothing, with a focus on relationships. The Scene will involve personal feedback and side coaching from your teacher to take your improvisation to the next level.
The Scene is the second class in Big Fork’s Improv Foundations program.
Specific skills and topics covered:
How to advance and explore a scene
Using relationships between characters to advance the scene
Characterisation and Point of View
Creating scenes from nothing
Basic long form improvisation techniques
Successful completion of Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals or a similar introductory class is required to participate, special consideration may be granted to participants with other improv experience - please contact our Directors at training@bigforktheatre.com if you believe this is you.
This course meets weekly for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of this class.
Writers Room 2 – Pitch to Performance
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive sketch courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
This 8 week Writers Room 2 - Pitch to Performance course takes students out of the classroom and into a simulated writers room as they create a full-hour live sketch show from scratch over the course of the term. Students will work together every week to pitch, write, edit and stage the show, with guidance and direction from the teacher as Head Writer. The term culminates in a live performance of the final sketch show (note: Writers Room 2 students are not required to act in the show unless they would like to).
Specific skills and topics covered:
Pitching ideas and taking feedback
Collaborative sketch development
Writing for live performance
Editing and re-writing sketch
Production considerations and show development
Students are required to have either completed Writers Room 1 - Sketch Fundamentals or an equivalent course, or have a competent understanding and previous experience in writing sketch comedy (please submit two script examples of your work to training@bigforktheatre.com).
This course meets for 8 sessions that are each 2.5 hours long. The class also involves the final live show and a tech run for that show.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 5: Finding The Funny
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Capped at 12 participants, in this 8 week Finding the Funny class we explore how to take true stories and turn them into hilarious improvised scenes. This gives students experience in the Armando format which is the core of Big Fork Theatre's flagship show, Cool Story Bro.
Specific skills and topics covered:
Game of the Scene
Comedic premise based improvisation
Unpacking true stories to find a comedic premise
Advanced long form techniques
How to heighten and explore comedic premises
Successful completion of Big Fork Theatre's Improv Foundations 4: Group Mind required to take this class. Special consideration may be made if you don't fit this criteria but you feel that you have the required training and skill please contact the Directors at training@bigforktheatre.com to discuss.
This course meets for 8 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of this course.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv Fundamentals course, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
In Improv Fundamentals you will be encouraged to explore your creativity, build your confidence and have fun whilst developing the basic skills of improvisation. Big Fork Theatre's teachers have years of experience and are excited to help you start your improv journey.
Improv Fundamentals focuses on the basic tenets of scenic improvisation and is part of Big Fork's Improv Foundations program. Improv Foundations is a series of four workshop blocks designed to introduce students to Big Fork's style of long form improvisation. Once students have completed all Improv Foundations they are invited to participate in our Advanced Study program.
Specific skills and topics covered in Foundations 1 - Improv Fundamentals:
· "Yes, and"
· Listening
· Creating a character
· Supporting your scene partner and the performance
· Object /Environment work (mime)
· Introductory long-form improvisation techniques.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of the course. Once graduated, students are invited to join our regular improv jams and perform in our Jam Shows.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv Fundamentals course, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
In Improv Fundamentals you will be encouraged to explore your creativity, build your confidence and have fun whilst developing the basic skills of improvisation. Big Fork Theatre's teachers have years of experience and are excited to help you start your improv journey.
Improv Fundamentals focuses on the basic tenets of scenic improvisation and is part of Big Fork's Improv Foundations program. Improv Foundations is a series of four workshop blocks designed to introduce students to Big Fork's style of long form improvisation. Once students have completed all Improv Foundations they are invited to participate in our Advanced Study program.
Specific skills and topics covered in Foundations 1 - Improv Fundamentals:
· "Yes, and"
· Listening
· Creating a character
· Supporting your scene partner and the performance
· Object /Environment work (mime)
· Introductory long-form improvisation techniques.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of the course. Once graduated, students are invited to join our regular improv jams and perform in our Jam Shows.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv Fundamentals course, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
In Improv Fundamentals you will be encouraged to explore your creativity, build your confidence and have fun whilst developing the basic skills of improvisation. Big Fork Theatre's teachers have years of experience and are excited to help you start your improv journey.
Improv Fundamentals focuses on the basic tenets of scenic improvisation and is part of Big Fork's Improv Foundations program. Improv Foundations is a series of four workshop blocks designed to introduce students to Big Fork's style of long form improvisation. Once students have completed all Improv Foundations they are invited to participate in our Advanced Study program.
Specific skills and topics covered in Foundations 1 - Improv Fundamentals:
· "Yes, and"
· Listening
· Creating a character
· Supporting your scene partner and the performance
· Object /Environment work (mime)
· Introductory long-form improvisation techniques.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of the course. Once graduated, students are invited to join our regular improv jams and perform in our Jam Shows.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 3:Characters
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
In Characters students will explore how to access fully fleshed out characters in an improv scene.
This class will teach techniques to unlock your way of playing characters and jump in and out of them with ease. Whether you want to play characters that are larger than life or a little more nuanced this class if for you.
Characters is the third class in Big Fork’s Improv Foundations program.
Specific skills and topics covered:
Character physicalisation
Character voices
Using status
Point of View
Intermediate long form techniques
Successful completion of Foundations 2: The Scene is required to participate in this class, special consideration may be granted to participants with other improv experience - please contact our Directors at training@bigforktheatre.com to discuss.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of this course.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 2:The Scene
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
The Scene focuses on the two person scene which is the backbone of Chicago style long form improvisation. The Scene will allow you to understand Big Fork Theatre's signature style of play while also complimenting and improving your own set of skills.
In this class you will learn how to create interesting and entertaining two person scenes from nothing, with a focus on relationships. The Scene will involve personal feedback and side coaching from your teacher to take your improvisation to the next level.
The Scene is the second class in Big Fork’s Improv Foundations program.
Specific skills and topics covered:
How to advance and explore a scene
Using relationships between characters to advance the scene
Characterisation and Point of View
Creating scenes from nothing
Basic long form improvisation techniques
Successful completion of Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals or a similar introductory class is required to participate, special consideration may be granted to participants with other improv experience - please contact our Directors at training@bigforktheatre.com if you believe this is you.
This course meets weekly for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of this class.
Writers Room 1 – Sketch Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive sketch courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Writers Room 1 will introduce students to the basic concepts and tools of sketch writing and development, with a focus on writing for live and audio sketch comedy. From the kernel of an idea to the final cut, students will put theory into practice at every step as they develop their own sketches throughout the course.
Specific skills and topics covered:
Introduction to sketch comedy
Idea generation
Developing strong and clear comedic ideas
Pitching ideas and taking feedback
Heightening and exploring
Solo sketch and character development
Writing for audio sketch
Specificity
There is no previous writing or improv experience required to take this class.
This course will meet for 5 sessions for 2 hours per week.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv Fundamentals course, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
In Improv Fundamentals you will be encouraged to explore your creativity, build your confidence and have fun whilst developing the basic skills of improvisation. Big Fork Theatre's teachers have years of experience and are excited to help you start your improv journey.
Improv Fundamentals focuses on the basic tenets of scenic improvisation and is part of Big Fork's Improv Foundations program. Improv Foundations is a series of four workshop blocks designed to introduce students to Big Fork's style of long form improvisation. Once students have completed all Improv Foundations they are invited to participate in our Advanced Study program.
Specific skills and topics covered in Foundations 1 - Improv Fundamentals:
· "Yes, and"
· Listening
· Creating a character
· Supporting your scene partner and the performance
· Object /Environment work (mime)
· Introductory long-form improvisation techniques.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of the course. Once graduated, students are invited to join our regular improv jams and perform in our Jam Shows.
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 3:Characters
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv courses, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
In Characters students will explore how to access fully fleshed out characters in an improv scene.
This class will teach techniques to unlock your way of playing characters and jump in and out of them with ease. Whether you want to play characters that are larger than life or a little more nuanced this class if for you.
Characters is the third class in Big Fork’s Improv Foundations program.
Specific skills and topics covered:
Character physicalisation
Character voices
Using status
Point of View
Intermediate long form techniques
Successful completion of Foundations 2: The Scene is required to participate in this class, special consideration may be granted to participants with other improv experience - please contact our Directors at training@bigforktheatre.com to discuss.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of this course.
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Come join us for a fun and interactive Discover Improv class, have some fun and meet new people!
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Come join us for a fun and interactive Discover Improv class, have some fun and meet new people!
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Improv Acting Class - Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals
Dive into Big Fork Theatre's lively and inclusive Improv Fundamentals course, discover creativity, build confidence, and have fun!
Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
In Improv Fundamentals you will be encouraged to explore your creativity, build your confidence and have fun whilst developing the basic skills of improvisation. Big Fork Theatre's teachers have years of experience and are excited to help you start your improv journey.
Improv Fundamentals focuses on the basic tenets of scenic improvisation and is part of Big Fork's Improv Foundations program. Improv Foundations is a series of four workshop blocks designed to introduce students to Big Fork's style of long form improvisation. Once students have completed all Improv Foundations they are invited to participate in our Advanced Study program.
Specific skills and topics covered in Foundations 1 - Improv Fundamentals:
· "Yes, and"
· Listening
· Creating a character
· Supporting your scene partner and the performance
· Object /Environment work (mime)
· Introductory long-form improvisation techniques.
This course meets for 6 sessions that are each 3 hours long. There will be a graduation show at the end of the course. Once graduated, students are invited to join our regular improv jams and perform in our Jam Shows.
Discover Improv Comedy Workshop
Discover the joy of unscripted acting in this intro to improv comedy workshop!
This workshop is perfect for complete beginners! Through fun games and playful scene work, you’ll spark your creativity, sharpen your listening skills, and learn to collaborate with others. You’ll leave with new friends and plenty of laughs! This workshop is presented by Big Fork Theatre as part of the BrisAsia Festival 2026.
Workshop participants must be 18 years old and above.
About Your Facilitator
Janette McBride is a Filipina-Australian improviser, teacher, and director. She had the unique experience of being on TV and films in the Philippines and has been performing improv with Big Fork Theatre since 2015. Janette has trained under NIDA and is currently studying her Masters in Theatre and Performance. She is particularly excited about cultural diversity on stage and character development.
About Big Fork Theatre
Big Fork Theatre is a not-for-profit co-operative that is focused on building an inclusive comedy community and running Brisbane’s biggest and best improv training centre.
Dungeons & Dragons introduction for absolute beginners
Come learn the most popular roleplaying game in the world!
Wish you could have been a character in Middle-Earth or Westeros? Have you played fantasy games on the screen, and want more depth? Do you like to sit with friends and tell stories? Then learn to play Dungeons & Dragons!
This FREE* event is for absolute beginners. No prep, nothing to bring. No previous gaming experience needed No spotlight on you. Hundreds of beginners have first learned D&D at this event—join them!
Find this event at Big Fork Theatre, Lv 2, 252 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley.
Parking available at garages nearby but pricey—consider starting your adventure on the train instead, a 5-minute walk away.
*This event requires a paid ticket, but when you attend, you GET BACK AS CASH what you paid, making this free. At the end of the show, as you exit, we will give $5 cash to you. This is a deposit system to assure we fill the space.
For 15+ only -- it can get violent and profane, like Game of Thrones from a first-person perspective. We follow all health guidelines stringently. If symptomatic in any way, please do not attend -- we don't want to catch a cold, flu, or Covid. We actively include people of all kinds and promote a respectful attitude among all our players. We especially take pride in gender diversity—both in and out of character!
SPECIAL JAM - BREAK IT TO MAKE IT!
We are lucky to have Maurissa Afanador in Brisbane and available to deliver this 2 hour workshop before our shows start back on the 8th!
Break it to Make It
Most performance-level improvisers have a tool kit of approaches, choosing their instruments relative to the needs of each ensemble…if we are mindful. Mostly, however, we go on automatic and just do the thing that has worked for us time and again.
What if you were willing to break your patterns of comfort in order to bring your performance to the next level?
Maurissa will walk you through an organic improv method that demands mindfulness for its execution - though it requires absolutely nothing but your presence and your partner. You’ll seed a strong start, and build on this strong start with a writer’s efficiency without sacrificing your play and freedom as a player.
Recommended experience level: Group Mind OR a drive to level up.
Maurissa is the vendor-manager and lead improv instructor of The Arts at Google, theater program in Mountain View, CA.
SPECIAL JAM - BREAK IT TO MAKE IT!
We are lucky to have Maurissa Afanador in Brisbane and available to deliver this 2 hour workshop before our shows start back on the 8th!
Break it to Make It
Most performance-level improvisers have a tool kit of approaches, choosing their instruments relative to the needs of each ensemble…if we are mindful. Mostly, however, we go on automatic and just do the thing that has worked for us time and again.
What if you were willing to break your patterns of comfort in order to bring your performance to the next level?
Maurissa will walk you through an organic improv method that demands mindfulness for its execution - though it requires absolutely nothing but your presence and your partner. You’ll seed a strong start, and build on this strong start with a writer’s efficiency without sacrificing your play and freedom as a player.
Recommended experience level: Group Mind OR a drive to level up.
Maurissa is the vendor-manager and lead improv instructor of The Arts at Google, theater program in Mountain View, CA.
Foundations 3: Characters - Sundays - October 2025
Improv Acting Class: In Characters students will explore how to access fully fleshed out characters in an improv scene. Characters will teach techniques to unlock your way of playing characters and jump in and out of them with ease. Whether you want to play characters that are larger than life or a little more nuanced this class if for you.
Foundations 2: The Scene - Saturdays - October 2025
Improv Acting Class: The Scene focuses on the two person scene which is the backbone of Chicago style long form improvisation. The Scene will allow you to understand Big Fork Theatre's signature style of play while also complimenting and improving your own set of skills.
Writers Room 2: Pitch to Performance - Tuesdays - October 2025
This 8 week Writers Room 2 - Pitch to Performance course takes students out of the classroom and into a simulated writers room as they create a full-hour live sketch show from scratch over the course of the term. Students will work together every week to pitch, write, edit and stage the show, with guidance and direction from the teacher as Head Writer. The term culminates in a live performance of the final sketch show (note: Writers Room 2 students are not required to act in the show unless they would like to).
Advanced: Improvising a Musical - Mondays - October 2025
Improvising a Musical will have students performing a full length, fully improvised musical from a single suggestion with confidence.
Writers Room 1: Sketch Fundamentals - Wednesdays - August 2025
Writers Room 1 will introduce students to the basic concepts and tools of sketch writing and development, with a focus on writing for live and audio sketch comedy. From the kernel of an idea to the final cut, students will put theory into practice at every step as they develop their own sketches throughout the course.
Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals - Wednesdays - August 2025
Improv Acting Class: Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
Foundations 2: The Scene - Tuesdays - August 2025
Improv Acting Class: The Scene focuses on the two person scene which is the backbone of Chicago style long form improvisation. The Scene will allow you to understand Big Fork Theatre's signature style of play while also complimenting and improving your own set of skills.
Foundations 4: Group Mind - Mondays - August 2025
Group Mind will hone your ability to work as a group and create scenes with multiple performers, as well as how to incorporate them into long form improvisation.
Foundations 3: Characters - Mondays - August 2025
Improv Acting Class: In Characters students will explore how to access fully fleshed out characters in an improv scene. Characters will teach techniques to unlock your way of playing characters and jump in and out of them with ease. Whether you want to play characters that are larger than life or a little more nuanced this class if for you.
Foundations 5: Finding the Funny - Sundays - August 2025
Capped at 12 participants, in this 8 week Finding the Funny class we explore how to take true stories and turn them into hilarious improvised scenes. This gives students experience in the Armando format which is the core of Big Fork Theatre's flagship show, Cool Story Bro.
Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals - Saturdays - August 2025
Improv Acting Class: Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
Big Fork Comedy Festival - Workshops
Big Fork Theatre is celebrating 10 years with a comedy festival in July!
We are so excited to announce the inaugural Big Fork Comedy Festival - a new event in Brisbane’s cultural calendar, running from 18 to 26 July 2025. The Festival marks ten years since the theatre’s founding and features over 25 live shows, 24 workshops and extra events celebrating Brisbane’s fast-expanding independent comedy scene.
Whilst this is the first festival to bear the Big Fork Comedy Festival name, it builds on the success of the Brisbane Improv Festival, produced annually by Big Fork Theatre since 2021. The new festival expands its scope to include stand-up, sketch and live MCing – all that makes us laugh.
Check Out The Workshop Program and Book Your Spots!
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Dungeons & Dragons introduction for absolute beginners
FREE WORKSHOP ON DND
Come learn the most popular roleplaying game in the world!
Wish you could have been a character in Middle-Earth or Westeros? Have you played fantasy games on the screen, and want more depth? Do you like to sit with friends and tell stories? Then learn to play Dungeons & Dragons!
This event is for absolute beginners. No prep, nothing to bring. No previous gaming experience needed. Hundreds of beginners have first learned D&D at this event—join them!
Find this event at: Big Fork Theatre 252 St Paul's Terrace, Fortitude Valley.
Parking available at garages nearby but pricey—consider starting your adventure on the train instead, a 5-minute walk away.
If symptomatic in any way, please do not attend -- we don't want to catch a cold, flu, or Covid. We actively include people of all kinds and promote a respectful attitude among all our players. We especially take pride in gender diversity—both in and out of character!
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals - Wednesday - June 2025
Improv Acting Class: Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.
Discover Improv - free intro to improvisation class
Anyone can improvise! Ever wanted to try improv but you weren't sure if it was for you? This free 2 hour intro to improvisation course is designed for those who have never had any experience with improv.
Improv can help you become a better listener, improve your confidence in public speaking, kickstart your creativity and teach you how to work as part of a group. Most of all, a Discover Improv class with Big Fork Theatre is guaranteed to send you home laughing.
Our free Intro to Improv session will be taught by some of Big Fork Theatre's most talented improvisers. The session will give you a basic introduction to Big Fork's style of improvisation in a fun, low pressure environment, and attendees will leave with a discount code for our full, 6-week Improv Fundamentals course.
If you have any questions about the session please email us at training@bigforktheatre.com - we hope to see you there!
Find The Game Workshop W/Stacey Hallal
Learn improv from one of the best touring improv comedians!
We all hear about the “game of the scene” – but what does it really mean? How do we find it? Once we find it, what do we do with it? In this workshop, we will explore the concept of game, practice finding it and playing it until it can’t be played anymore, and then discover what to do when the game runs out of steam. Be ready to have fun in this workshop!
Stacey Hallal has toured extensively across North America and Europe to packed houses and amazed audiences. Stacey is in Brisbane for their show Ruby Rocket, Private Detective. Book you spot in this workshop now!
Beginner-ish Clown
Beginner-ish Clown
This one day workshop is perfect for those who have had a previous taste of clown and are interested in expanding their skills that little bit further. This is still a beginner friendly environment and the session will focus on further exploration of skills including, the flop, major/minor, freedom in failure and following impulse.
Minimum requirement is at least one full day of clowning training with any teacher. Please get in touch with any questions.
GA: $145
Big Fork or Returning Student: $115
Jeromaia Detto - Clown
Jeromaia Detto is an multi-award nominated Melbourne based comedian who has been performing across the globe for almost a decade. His style is simple, silly and extremely playful, creating delightfully whimsical moments for audiences young and old.
He specialises in improv and clown, having completed studies in Sydney, Chicago, Oslo and in Paris, with Philippe Gaulier.
Since 2017 Jeromaia has taught workshops across Australia and Europe as well as working with corporate and academic groups. His pedagogy is based on the Gaulier style focusing on honesty, freedom and play. Jeromaia connects with each student at their level, allowing them to be challenged and grow, in a safe and playful space!
IMPROV WORKSHOP: OBJECT WORK AND MIME
OBJECT WORK AND MIME
Across all forms of improv, clear and precise object work allows your audiences and scene partners to see the worlds you create. Being able to bring these worlds to life is an integral part of the improvisers toolbelt and this workshop will equip you with a range of tips and techniques to be more precise, playful and aware on stage - taking your object work to the next level.
Led by award-winning comedian and national improv champion Jeromaia Detto, this short course is open to all levels of improviser!
GA: $70
Big Fork or Returning student: $55
Jeromaia Detto
Jeromaia Detto is an multi-award nominated Melbourne based comedian who has been performing across the globe for almost a decade. His style is simple, silly and extremely playful, creating delightfully whimsical moments for audiences young and old.
He specialises in improv and clown, having completed studies in Sydney, Chicago, Oslo and in Paris, with Philippe Gaulier.
Since 2017 Jeromaia has taught workshops across Australia and Europe as well as working with corporate and academic groups. His pedagogy is based on the Gaulier style focusing on honesty, freedom and play. Jeromaia connects with each student at their level, allowing them to be challenged and grow, in a safe and playful space!
Foundations 1: Improv Fundamentals - Mondays - April 2025
Improv Acting Class: Anyone can improvise and Big Fork Theatre's Improv Fundamentals is the perfect place to start! This six-week course is designed to introduce participants to Big Fork Theatre's approach to improvised comedy. No previous acting or improv experience is required to participate.