Biography
Patti Stiles is an actor, improviser, director, instructor and playwright whose been working professionally in theatre since 1983. She served her theatre apprenticeship at the world-renowned Loose Moose Theatre and was trained by Keith Johnstone. Her understanding of Johnstone’s work and philosophy, combined with her own discoveries and her wealth of experience on the world impro stage, has made her a “must-have” teacher for performers and companies wishing to create spontaneous theatre with fine skill, strong narrative, heart and elegant style. Patti has worked in North and South America, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, UAE and the Oceania region for numerous improvisation companies, festivals, theatre schools and in the corporate arena. Patti is co-Artistic Director of Impro Melbourne (Melbourne Australia), the Artistic Director of Die Nasty AU (Melbourne Australia), and a member of the ITI Artistic Committee. She has been interviewed for numerous podcasts and University papers. Added to her list of credits are three nominations for an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award, plus she holds the unofficial record for being the first female to improvise for 53 hours in a row in the famous “Die Nasty soap a thon”. The Canadian press has given her the titles “Impro Doyen” and “Queen of Improvisation”.
More information: pattistiles.com
Patti’s Workshops
Do Scenes Get Notes
An outside perspective provides a different point of view on your work to help you reflect and learn. This workshop focuses on constructive honest feedback relevant to the scene and skill level of the student. Notes will focus on skill and narrative technique, stage craft and needs of individual players. The aim is to shine a light on areas to work on.
Love is a four letter word - workshop to show
Improvisors have no hesitation playing critical, cynical, argumentative but ask them to be sincere, empathic or intimate and they run for the hills. This is an exploration and celebration of love in all its many glorious forms.
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Please read the following Contact, Intimacy and Content guide to help you decide if this workshop is a good choice for you.
Although this provides information and an understanding around levels of Contact, Intimacy and Content, it does not commit anyone to any action.
It does not replace an individual’s consent and no student or performer is expected to play a scene where they, personally, feel unsafe.
Physical contact: medium contact and no contact stage fighting. Think behaviour in social settings with friends, family, and relationship behaviours with partners or dating. Examples of but not limited to: Touching arms, arms around shoulders, hugs, holding hands, gentle touching of face or hair (if agreed to) dancing with one another, kiss on the cheek or lips (if agreed to).
Content: Mild, moderate, or strong in impact. Think soap operas, TV dramas, romantic comedies.
Topics: All topics may be explored as relevant to the scene, and comfortable for the improvisors. This might include strong emotions, points of view and more explicit language and content focused on flirtation and sexual relationships.
Joy of Johnstone
A workshop focused on Keith Johnstone’s improvisation techniques. Keith Johnstone was unconventional. His observations and philosophy redefined approaches to theatrical improvisation. Bring your curiosity, playfulness, and mischief as we dive into classic Keith Johnstone exercises and unleash spontaneity, embrace the obvious and be present in the moment.
Attitudes, Objectives and Fast food Stanislavsky.
Enrich your characters and play dynamic scenes by using the improvisation / acting exercises of attitudes, objectives and Fast food Stanislavsky.
Mechanics of Scene work
Essential skills such as developing Platform, understanding the circle of possibilities, the story promises we make, plus spotting whose scene it is and how to advance the story will be explored.
Testimonials
"Patti Stiles is a superlative improviser and a caring and wonderfully attentive teacher. Her work inpires students and fellow performers alike.”
Dan O’Connor Producing Artistic Director Impro Theatre LA
“She’s a national treasure.”
David Razowski
"Patti Stiles improvisational experience and knowledge is a goldmine! A generous spirit who is attentive and responsive in any environment. If you want to learn what improv is about...watch Patti.”
Randy Dixon Artistic Director Unexpected Productions (Seattle USA)
“Patti Stiles is a legendary teacher and performer in the world of improvised theatre. Onstage her work always sparkles with life and truth, while in the workshop setting she is thought-provoking and inspirational. The day she left Canada was a sad day for improv companies coast to coast.”
