Improvising in a Second Language – a 3-hour workshop on fearless play

🎭 Workshop: “Improvising in a Second Language”
Taught by: Hellena Jang (she/her) – Korea
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Date & Time: Friday, May 22 · 14:30–17:30
Location: Fringe Club, Central, Hong Kong

📝 Workshop Description:
With improv spreading worldwide, more performers are stepping onto stage in a language that isn’t their own — and that can feel intimidating at first. Hellena Jang knows this challenge well: she began improvising with limited English and now performs for international audiences to standing ovations.

In this empowering workshop, you’ll learn how to leap past language barriers and tap into universal communication — through emotion, body, rhythm, and intent. Using playful exercises and thoughtful direction, Hellena will help you find freedom from “perfect words” and focus instead on presence, clarity, and connection.

Discover that great improv isn’t about speaking flawlessly — it’s about being understood, seen, and felt.

• Arrive early – please plan to arrive 10 minutes before class so we can start and end on time.
• Wear comfortable, movement-friendly clothes that cover you fully (you’ll be moving around the space).
• Bring a reusable water bottle – hydration is creativity!

👩🏻‍🏫 About the Teacher:
Hellena Jang is a pioneering improviser, teacher, and performer based in Seoul, South Korea. She began her improv journey in 2011 with Seoul City Improv before boldly leaving her day job to pursue improv full-time. Since then, she has trained with leading international institutions — including iO, The Second City, Huge Theater, The Annoyance, ComedySportz, and The Pack Theater — and founded Korea’s first improv school in 2014.

Hellena also leads Imfrog, one of Korea’s premier improv ensembles, known for their emotionally charged, culturally rooted performances that have wowed audiences across Asia, including a standing ovation at the 2018 Singapore Improv Festival. Her teaching blends precision, heart, and playfulness — with a signature K-Drama flair that brings scenes to life.

• If purchased as part of a bundle, classes are $450 HKD each and include 2 shows – [buy a bundle here]
• Earlybird (until one month before class): $500 HKD
• Regular (until class date): $550 HKD
• On the door (if available): $600 HKD

All levels (0+ years experience):
New to improv or have been doing this a lifetime! These classes are taught by experts and are tailored to be open to anyone.

Intermediate/Advanced (2+ years experience):
Comfortable on stage or experienced performer. Understand supportive play, story structure, and basic mime or character work. Familiar with both shortform and longform formats. Ready to push your craft further.

🌟 About the Yes And Festival – May 21–24, Hong Kong

Four days of learning, performing, and connecting — the Yes And Festival brings together improvisers from across Asia (and beyond!) for a long weekend of creative exploration and joyful discovery.

Whether you’re seasoned or brand new, you’ll find workshops that challenge you, shows that inspire you, and a community that welcomes you.
Dive into sessions led by world-class teachers, catch late-night jams, and make friends who love saying “yes” as much as you do.

The festival takes place in the heart of Central Hong Kong, featuring multiple shows and workshops every day across some of the city’s most exciting venues.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Yes And Hong Kong International Improv Festival