Platforms & Initiations – a 3-hour workshop on strong openings

Taught by: Matt Folliott (he/him) – Canada / USA
Level: All levels
Date & Time: Saturday, May 23 · 10:00–13:00
Location: Fringe Underground, Central, Hong Kong

What if every scene you started felt like a gift instead of a guessing game? If you start your scene with strong, clear offers, then you’re setting yourself up for success, period. This workshop is designed to banish the "blank stage" anxiety by exploring the diverse toolkit of initiations at your disposal. We will dive deep into the various ways to platform your scene so you can get past the setup and straight to the fun.

Through targeted drills and scene work, you’ll learn how to create clear, playful, and interesting foundations that give your partner everything they need to succeed. We’ll practice physical, emotional, and verbal starts that establish "who, where, and what" instantly, allowing you to take a huge step back from initiating your scenes with a generic “hey.”

• 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!

Matt Folliott is a comedian, actor, and writer from Toronto, Canada, now based in Los Angeles — where he’s happy to never shovel snow again.

A former cast member of The Second City National Touring Company and Canadian Comedy Award–winning sketch group The Sketchersons, Matt was twice nominated for Best Male Improviser by Toronto’s NOW Magazine. His improv troupe K$M earned a nomination for Best Improv Troupe at the Canadian Comedy Awards.

Matt has performed and taught across the world — from Beijing to Manila, Singapore to Seattle — at international festivals including Hong Kong Improv Festival, Improvaganza (Edmonton), Mprov (Montreal), and Vancouver International Improv Festival.

You might also recognize his voice or face from Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, PBS Kids, and more, with appearances in Workin’ Moms, Baroness Von Sketch Show, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Agent Binky, Bakugan, and PJ Masks.

Find more at .

• Earlybird (while supplies last): $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