Intro to Musical Improv | A PopRox Improv Course

Name: Intro to Musical Improv | A PopRox Improv Course
Start: 2025-09-10T08:30:00+12:00
End: 2025-09-10T10:30:00+12:00
Location: Toi Poneke Arts Centre

Schedule

Wed Sep 10 2025 at 08:30 am to 10:30 am

UTC+12:00

Location

Toi Poneke Arts Centre | Wellington, WG

Musical improv can be absolute magic. Whether it's a whole musical show, or single song that bursts out of an emotional scene, music adds so much to our improv.
This course for improvisers will give an introduction to musical improv. We'll cover basic song structures, how to get into a song from a scene, how to support a song through chorus work, and why and when we use music to add to our improv.
Participants should be confident in scene-work and have at least 2 years improv experience. This course will not teach you how to approach scenes and characters, so you should have a solid foundation which you can add to with this new toolbox of musical skills.
The course includes 6 workshops which will run 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Wednesdays from August 6th to September 10th. As it is an intro course, we do not anticipate a showcase for this course.
ABOUT THE TEACHERS
LIA KELLY is a theatre-maker and teacher based in Pōneke. She is an established director, actor, improviser and musician and has been a part of productions across the city over the last 10 years. She directed One Night Band which won 'Most Original Production' at the Wellington Theatre Awards 2023, and performs regularly as both a player and musician for POPROX.
ISAAC THOMAS has been an improviser and improv musician for a decade in Pōneke and Whakatū/Nelson. He's played with Body in Space, Playshop, Poprox and been musical director for musical improv powerhouse The Pāua Ballads. He has worked with almost every major improv company around the city accompanying them through improvised piano, guitar and vocals.
THE STANDY-BY LIST
PopRox firmly believes that improv is for everyone, especially when it comes to sharing skills and knowledge. So we're offering "the stand-by list" for all our workshops in 2025. We'll giveaway any spots remaining a few days before the first workshop of the course, on a first-come-first-serve basis. No need to provide a reason, no questions asked. If the entry fee is a barrier for you to come along, then simply email [email protected] and we'll pop you on the SBL. Everyone on the list will be notified whether there was a place available for them 3 days before the first workshop.