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18-26 April 2020

Welcome to the Auckland Improv Festival 2024 Recap and 2025 Preview!

 

As the curtains close on an unforgettable week of laughter, creativity, and boundless imagination at the Auckland Improv Festival 2024, we're already gearing up for an even bigger and better experience in 2025!

2024 AIF Gallery (click to zoom)

From April 12th to April 19th, the Covert Theatre was transformed into a vibrant hub of spontaneous storytelling, where performers from across the globe came together to celebrate the art of improvisation.

Each night was a whirlwind of hilarity, as talented improvisers took to the stage to craft scenes, characters, and narratives on the spot, leaving audiences in stitches and craving more.

But the Auckland Improv Festival isn't just about the shows—it's also a time for learning, growth, and connection. Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to sharpen their skills and expand their horizons through a series of dynamic workshops led by our 2024 guest instructors. From mastering the art of character creation to honing the nuances of scene work, there was something for improvisers of all levels to sink their teeth into.

As we bid farewell to another incredible festival, we can't help but look ahead with excitement to what the Auckland Improv Festival 2025 has in store. Mark your calendars for April 12th to April 19th, because we'll be back at the Covert Theatre for another week of unforgettable performances, enlightening workshops, and endless laughter.

Whether you're a seasoned improviser or a curious newcomer, the Auckland Improv Festival welcomes you with open arms. Join us next year as we come together to celebrate the boundless creativity and joy that improvisation brings to our lives.

Stay tuned for updates, announcements, and ticket information! See you at the festival!

2024 Guest Instructors

International Instructors

JOE
Bill

Joe Bill is widely regarded as one of the best teachers of Improvisation in America today.

He is one of the founding members of Annoyance Theater Chicago, was the Director of Corporate Training at iO Chicago for 15 years, and a Teacher & Guest Artist in Residence at The Second City Conservatory & Training Center for another 15 years. Joe first practiced improvisation in 1977 and studied and worked with Del Close from 1985 through the mid 90’s.

JILL
Bernard

Jill Bernard (she/her) has been performing with ComedySportz-Twin Cities since 1993, and is a founding member of HUGE Theater in Minneapolis. Her one-woman improv piece, Drum Machine, has been featured in over forty improv festivals. She has taught and performed improv in Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and in over forty of the United States; and also on an episode of MTV “Made.” 

FELIPE
Ortiz

Felipe Ortiz is a founding memeber of La Gata Circo and Picnic Impro in Bogotá, Colombia. Besides studying Clown and Buffon in Paris, he has also started working in improvisation and acrobatics early on. In his artistic work, he combines elements from these influences: Movement, Physicality, Storytelling and Clowning make for his unique style.

 

PATTI
Stiles

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.

JASON
Geary

Jason has been improvising for 30 years. He has studied with some of the most influential Improvisation teachers in the world, including Randy Dixon and Keith Johnstone. Jason was a founding member of Impro Melbourne and after 17 years with the company became the Artistic Director for three years before departing to pursue his goal of teaching and performing improv around the world. He has been a guest Director and Artist In Residence at theatres in Stockholm, Milan and Portland, Oregon where he directed seasons with those companies and produced new improvised works.

 

Aotearoa / New Zealand Instructors

CLARE
Kelso

Clare Kelso is a professional theatre practitioner and a senior figure in improv in New Zealand. For over thirty years she has been a tutor, actor, artistic director and producer of improv. Her students speak for her when asked what they learned in her workshops:

"No fear when I'm on stage and confidence with taking a role and portraying it successfully."
"How to create characters and story-lines and think on my feet."
"To engage with the story and ask myself who am I, where am I, what is my relationship?"

WADE
Jackson

Wade Jackson has been living and breathing improv for over 30 years. He has won international awards and is regarded as a master teacher. Wade’s deep understanding of the principles of improvisation allow him to positively impact any improv group; whether it’s short form, long form or a narrative style of improv. 

With post graduate qualifications in both Drama and Health Science Wade combines his unique background in the healing, performing and martial arts to create a learning experience quite like no other.

 
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