Get out of your head and into your body! In this workshop, you’ll explore how physicality can unlock richer, more dynamic improv. Through guided movement exercises, you’ll break free from your default patterns and learn to make bold, intentional choices that bring your characters fully to life. You’ll practice aligning speech, tone, and body language so your characters feel grounded and believable. We’ll also dive into physical and emotional mirroring techniques that make “peas‑in‑a‑pod” scenes easy, playful, and fun. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical tools to create more engaging scenes, deepen your connection with scene partners, and expand the physical range of your improv.

Take this workshop if you want to strengthen your physical improv skills and learn how to use your body as a powerful storytelling tool. You’ll get hands‑on practice with:

  • Recognizing your own default movement patterns, and how to break free so you unlock more character possibilities

  • Expressing layered emotion, intention, and context using physicality

  • Communicating clearly to your scene partner and to the audience - without words!

  • Sinking into the group connection through physical and emotional mirroring

  • Being a good leader and a good follower when mirroring

  • Quickly and easily getting into hilarious peas-in-a-pod scenes

  • Being present in your body onstage instead of overthinking

This workshop is ideal for improvisers who want to expand their physical range, build more authentic characters, and make their scenes more dynamic.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Date: Saturday, Nov 14th, 2-5 pm at La Paz Hall, $25

Time: 2:00-5:00 pm

Location: La Paz Hall (formerly Jefferson Hall, 1525 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101)

Cost: $25

Prerequisites: Recommended for improvisors with at least 1 year of experience.

Class Sign Up: sbimprov.com/registration

Logistics:

  • Come ready to move your whole body and break a sweat! This will be a physically active workshop.

  • Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in, that allow others to see what your body is doing. Wear comfortable shoes that will stay on your feet securely.

  • Bring a water bottle and a light snack.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Melissa has over 20 years of experience in expressive movement, including theatre, acting, directing, solo dance, partner dance, and improvisational dance. Over the years, she has performed on many stages as both an actor and a dancer. With an eye for interesting stage pictures and a sense for engaging dynamics, she helps workshop participants increase their skills in storytelling, performing, and audience engagement.