Comedy Improv for LGBTQIA+ People

Details

Fun, playful, and accessible comedy improvisation workshops for LGBTQIA+ people of all levels and abilities.

Join us to learn some of the core skills of improv, including listening, accepting offers, building on ideas, being present, taking risks, working together, and finding the fun in the unexpected.

These sessions are about connection, belongingness, and confidence, as much as comedy and most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to play and experiment, while being your full self.

Improv is a wonderful way to get out of our heads and into the moment. It is the ultimate in mindfulness presence.

Through games, laughter, movement, imagination, and connection with others, participants experience playfulness, self-expression, and a sense of belonging.

Nobody is required to perform or participate in a particular exercise if it doesn’t work for them. Exercises are introduced gradually and participants always have choices about how they participate.

Who these sessions are for:

LGBTQIA+ people looking for a relaxed, inclusive, and creative wellbeing space where they can participate in a way that feels safe and comfortable.
Both beginners and experienced improvisers, with no expectation that people have performed or done improv before.
People who might feel nervous about improv or being put on the spot.

People who find traditional group activities or performance spaces overwhelming.

Accessibility:

These sessions are trauma-informed, neurodivergent-inclusive, and designed to be accessible to different bodies, experiences, and access needs.

The venue is wheelchair accessible, with a quieter area for those who need to take breaks, and has wheelchair accessible, all-gender toilets.

We welcome knowing your access needs and will send you a short questionnaire prior to your first session, so we can ensure you feel comfortable and supported.

What to expect:

Each session follows a similar shape: a gentle warm-up, a few short games, one longer piece and a close.

We’ll explain what’s coming at the start, so there are no surprises.

People can watch a game or play it, and nobody has to take part in everything to enjoy the session.

Your facilitator, Ali, particularly enjoys using improv to build confidence, self-awareness, and collaboration. There is something freeing about being in a room where you can try something, see what happens, and know that the group and the facilitator will support you.

Full adaptations will be provided, including options around movement, noise, sensory stimulation, eye contact, and different ways of participating.

What to bring:

Please bring water or a refreshing alcohol-free beverage and wear comfortable clothing.

Introducing your Improv facilitator Ali Hendry (she/her):

Hi, I'm Ali and I've been using and teaching improvisation in creative, community, and business settings for over 20 years.

As a queer, post-menopausal woman working as a neurodivergent-aware practitioner, I understand the value of having spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can relax, connect, and play, without having to explain or justify their identities.

I have experience facilitating improv and drama workshops for LGBTQIA+ women in Brighton, as well as improv workshops for neurodivergent children. I also run a coach training school and prioritise providing accessible training for intersectional coaches.

My aim is for people to leave having laughed, connected with other LGBTQIA+ people, and maybe surprised themselves about what they are capable of!

Please consider adding a donation when selecting your ticket.

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery, we’re able to offer low-cost and free wellbeing support to LGBTQIA+ people who would otherwise be unable to access it. If you’re able to pay anything towards the cost of your class – please add a small donation at checkout.