The Yes-And-Tidote: a 3-hour improv workshop on honesty, resistance & truth

Taught by: Balasree (Bala) Viswanathan (she/her) – India
Level: All levels
Date & Time: Friday, May 22 · 14:30–17:30
Location: Fringe Club, Central, Hong Kong

Do you ever want to play scenes that are completely “No-But” — and still create deep, meaningful, realistic connections on stage?

In this workshop, Bala Viswanathan invites you to take off the “Yes-And” training wheels and explore what happens when disagreement, resistance, or friction become tools for richer play. You’ll discover how honesty, contrast, and grounded emotional choices can heighten relationships and reveal comedy that comes from truth, not just cooperation.

Learn to hold your own point of view without shutting down your partner, and create scenes that feel alive, surprising, and deeply human.

• 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!

Balasree (Bala) Viswanathan is an improviser, director, and teacher based in Bengaluru, India, and founder of Improv Lore.
Her teaching and performing practice is informed by her training in traditional Indian arts, mythology, and meditation — blending expressive movement, emotional clarity, and mindful connection. Bala has taught and performed across the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, bringing a perspective that combines high-energy play with grounded self-awareness.
She encourages students to challenge themselves, trust their instincts, and discover their unique voices on stage.

• 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