If you’ve ever watched a live improv comedy show or even the hit TV show ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway,’ you have probably thought, “How do they think on their feet that quickly?! I could never do that!”
Well, award-winning Canadian improviser Diana Frances is coming to Puerto Vallarta to teach you that you CAN, in fact, do that!
Diana will be teaching a 2-day improv workshop that culminates in a student showcase at Art Vallarta Theatre.
You may remember Diana from the cheeky 50s housewife comedy show LEAVE IT TO CLEAVAGE, which had audiences rolling in the aisles at Incanto and Art Vallarta Theatre.
In December of 2024, Diana and her improv partner Karen Parker taught a one-day workshop at Art Vallarta, and I had the pleasure of watching them teach a group of 10 students the basics of improv.
I realized it wasn’t about being funny but was precisely what the whole world needs to learn now: how to listen intently and with purpose. And to speak the same way – with intention. Getting it to come out of your mouth faster is just practice!
Learning the basics of improv comedy is not just for those who aspire to be professional comedians or actors. The principles at the core of improv can be used in all walks of life, whether you’re an actor, singer, teacher, CEO, or retiree. In this weekend workshop, you will learn:
- How to ‘YES AND’ ideas (and why that’s better than NO or YES BUT)
- How to be a more active and engaged listener
- How to be in the moment
- How to step out of your comfort zone
- How to support and engage your scene partner
- How to take someone’s idea and build on it to create a story
- How to create characters on the spot
- How to justify any idea thrown at you and make it make sense
- How to tackle performance anxiety
- How to play a variety of basic improv games
The student showcase will give students an opportunity to put the skills they just learned on display in front of a live audience of their friends, family, and community members. The students will be guided and directed by Diana, who will ensure everyone shines and has a fabulous experience.
In a time where joy, laughter, and working together are needed more than ever, this weekend workshop and student showcase is the perfect way to help build a much-needed improv comedy community in Puerto Vallarta!
So, if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to improvise… or if you’ve been meaning to brush up on your stage experience… or if reading this fills your belly with nervous butterflies because you WANT to, but you’re worried about looking silly – this is the time to take the leap and trust that Diana is the perfect professional to teach you that ‘mistakes are gifts!’
Workshop Dates: Saturday, March 22nd and Sunday, March 23rd from 12 – 5pm
Cost: 850 pesos
To register: email: leaveittocleavage@gmail.com
Art Vallarta Theater, Pilitas 213, Zona Romantica
Student Showcase: Sunday, March 23rd at 7pm
Cost: 350 pesos
Tix: www.artvallarta.com/cleavage
Art Vallarta Theater, Pilitas 213, Zona Romantica
