The Next Big Thing – a 3-hour improv workshop on bold new choices

Taught by: Karl Echaluse (he/him) – Philippines
Level: All Levels
Date & Time: Sunday, May 23 · 10:00–13:00
Location: Fringe Club, Central, Hong Kong

📝 Workshop Description:
Feeling stuck in familiar improv patterns? Always reaching for the same characters, the same moves, or the same jokes? It happens to everyone — and that’s exactly what The Next Big Thing is here to shake up.

In this workshop, Karl Echaluse will guide you through fresh ways to unlock your creative instincts and challenge your defaults. You’ll learn to embrace “the obvious and the non-obvious,” draw inspiration from your scene partners, and find unexpected brilliance by truly using everything on stage — even your so-called mistakes.

Through playful experimentation and bold discovery, you’ll leave with tools to keep your scenes alive, surprising, and uniquely yours. The “next big thing” isn’t somewhere out there — it’s the next brave choice you make.

• 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:
Karl Echaluse is an improviser, director, and producer from Manila, Philippines. He has performed and studied improv across multiple countries, collaborating with ensembles such as OAAHM, MEMEprov, Housekeeping Improv, and SPIT Manila.

In 2021, Karl co-directed ImprovisAsian, one of the world’s largest online improv festivals, and in 2023, he co-produced the Manila Improv Festival, Asia’s biggest improv gathering featuring 30 countries and over 300 performers.

When he’s not on stage, Karl is a single father to three cats and spends his time gaming, making music, and occasionally pondering the meaning of life.

• If purchased as part of a bundle, classes are $450 HKD each and include 2 shows – [buy a bundle ]
• 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