The Therapist Couch - Workshop to show (Masterclass): Tuesday 21 April 2026
The Therapist Couch - Workshop to show (Masterclass): Tuesday 21 April 2026
CHRIS Wells
Tuesday 21 April 2026 from 10 AM to 5 PM (including 1 hour break)
đź“Ť Covert Theatre, 51 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021
Level: Intermediate+
Step into the world of The Therapist’s Couch, an improv format where each block of scenes begins with a “therapy session.” A character sits with their therapist to talk about an issue (suggested by the audience), and their words unlock a cascade of interconnected scenes. What follows is a blend of comedy and drama — grounded, human, and surprising.
This workshop explores psychological concepts such as family dynamics, shadow work, the subconscious, attachment styles, and defense mechanisms — not as therapy for participants, but as storytelling tools. Improvisers will learn how to weave these principles into scene work that feels truthful, imaginative, and emotionally rich.
By the end of this six-hour intensive, participants will:
Practice creating characters with real human drives and flaws.
Discover how psychological frameworks can fuel authentic relationships on stage.
Develop the ensemble skills to perform The Therapist’s Couch format, balancing pathos and play for a dramedy-style show.
Important Note: This workshop is not therapy. It is a creative study of psychological ideas used as a springboard for improvised theatre. Players will leave with fresh tools to deepen their scene work, not personal counseling.
Who it’s for:
Improvisers who want to expand beyond quick gags and learn to create psychologically rich, character-driven scenes. This workshop is ideal for players interested in exploring the overlap between improv and psychology, and in building characters with authentic human traits.
