What you'll learn

"In this workshop, we’ll explore how to work as a musician in improvised theatre.

• Underscoring — how to accompany dialogue and silent scenes, alternately reflecting and driving the emotion of the scene

• Accompanying singers — creating a solid base that singers can work with

• Initiating changes — identifying when and how to make changes during a song

• Starting songs — using sectional verses and rubato

• Playing together — improvising with other musicians

This workshop is aimed at musicians—bring your instrument (we have a piano). We can have fun with most instruments, some on their own and some alongside other instruments. If you’re unsure, get in touch. We’ll all be performing scenes and singing songs as much as we’re playing our instruments, so that we can explore both sides of the performing relationship.

If you’re not a musician but you’re interested in learning how accompaniment works, then you’re very welcome too."

About the teacher

Phil is an improviser from London, UK. He’s been improvising for several years, both on stage and behind the piano. He’s worked with several leading UK groups including Music Box, Hoopla, and The Maydays, and has performed several shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and at various international improvisation festivals. He has taught improv in London with Hoopla Impro and at schools and festivals across Europe. Currently, Phil works with Sprout Impro and Ad Libretto, both of whom perform regularly in London. He also performs solo in his improvised cabaret show “Phyllida Sings”.

“A powerhouse of musical improv” — Open Your Mouth And Sing

“Exciting and engaging” — Voice Magazine"