Big Character Energy | Workshop | Bris Improv Fest 2026

Scary Strangers Presents: Big Character Energy

Presented by Scary Strangers aka Ru Halwala & Tom Stevenson, founders of Blue Mountains Improv (Blue Mountains) as part of the Brisbane Improv Festival 2026.

Big characters make shows memorable, invite our scene-partners to make stronger choices, and give audiences something exciting to connect with. They’re playful, surprising, emotionally bold, and one of the most enjoyable ways to stretch ourselves creatively onstage. In this workshop, you’ll explore simple, practical techniques for finding unique characters, accessing a wider emotional range, and making confident physical and vocal choices. We’ll focus on heightening character decisions, committing fully to the moment, and supporting the reality of the scene. Through fast-paced exercises and improvised scenes, you’ll build confidence, trust your instincts, and discover characters you didn’t know you had.

Workshop Length: 3 hours

Recommended experience level: Intermediate (1 - 3 years experience)

Meet Scary Strangers

Scary Strangers is the legendary lovechild of Australian comedy thirst traps Ru Halwala (she/her) and Tom Stevenson (he/him). Together, they have performed stand-up, improv, sketch and musical comedy across Australian and India in unpredictable shows that feel both joyful and unhinged.

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About the Brisbane Improv Festival

This year’s festival will be held on the 14th - 18th of July 2026 - that’s five nights of incredible improvised shows open to the public, and we will host 14 different workshops for improvisers to expand their skills. Previous Festivals had shows from around Australia and New Zealand. Find out more here.