The International Würzburger Improtheaterfestival 2020

About the Festival

This year the Würzburger Improtheaterfestival will take place from October 21st to October 25th. The Corona crisis, however, has presented us with a number of challenges that we must tackle now. Unfortunately, we are therefore not able to tell you yet what this year's festival will look like in detail. But we are calculating, phoning and organizing diligently to be able to tell you more soon and to stir up the anticipation!
The world needs art and entertainment. We are doing our best to do our part.

Würzburger Improtheaterfestival 2020

Programme & Tickets

Opening-Gala: Maestro™ // Wed, Oct. 21st, 8:30 P.M. // Posthalle // GER

Große Eröffnungs-Gala: Maestro™

Spektakulärer Wettkampf zum Festivalauftakt // In German

Datum: Mittwoch, 21. Oktober 2020
Uhrzeit: 20.30 Uhr // Einlass: 19.30 Uhr
Veranstaltungsort: Posthalle

Please note: This show lasts about 120 minutes and has an intermission.

Foto: Sonkoy Mamani Bath

Es ist der Gladiatorenkampf des improvisierten Theaters: Wer am Ende triumphierend im Scheinwerferlicht steht, entscheidet niemand anderes als das Publikum. Keine Sorge, verwundet wird dabei niemand. Doch der Einsatz ist hoch: Nur ein*e Schauspieler*in kann das heiß begehrte Preisgeld in Höhe von fünf Euro für sich beanspruchen – und den Titel „Maestro“! Auch dieses Jahr eröffnen wir das Würzburger Improtheaterfestival mit diesem Show-Klassiker und bitten die Crème de la Crème unserer Festivalgäste auf die Bühne. Erstmals dient die Würzburger Posthalle als Arena für den historischen Wettstreit. Mögen die Spiele beginnen!

Musik von Michael Bibo


Preise:
Vorverkauf 15,50 Euro / ermäßigt 11,50 Euro zzgl. VVK-Gebühr
Abendkasse 18,00 Euro / ermäßigt 14,00 Euro

Gorilla™ // Thu, Oct. 22nd, 8:00 P.M. // Keller Z87 // GER

Gorilla™

Der knallharte Kampf um die beste Regie // In German

Datum: Donnerstag, 22. Oktober 2020
Uhrzeit: 20.00 Uhr // Einlass: 19.15 Uhr
Veranstaltungsort: Keller Z87

Bitte beachten: Diese Show dauert ca. 60 Minuten und hat keine Pause.

Foto: Tilman Dominka

Glanz und Glorie der Improregisseur*innen liegen beim Gorilla-Theater™ in der Hand des Publikums. Bereits 1992 im legendären Loose Moose Theatre Calgary uraufgeführt ist Gorilla™ eines der bekanntesten Formate der Improwelt. Wir bringen es für euch nach Würzburg!
Wer kennt das nicht: Ein freier Abend, der Wunsch nach guter Unterhaltung und dann die Qual der Wahl – Actionkomödie, Liebesdrama, eine künstlerisch wertvolle Solo-Performance oder ein musikalisches Potpourri der Fröhlichkeit? Warum nicht alles in einer Show? Beim Gorilla™ übernehmen die Ensemble-Mitglieder abwechselnd Regie über die Szenen des Abends und präsentieren leidenschaftlich ihre Visionen. Das Publikum entscheidet mit dem Ruf nach Banane (oh yeah!) oder Bestrafung (oh no!), welche*r Regisseur*in dem Sieg näher kommt... und wer damit am Ende den ortsansässigen Gorilla mit nach Hause nehmen darf!

Präsentiert von Steve Jarand, Musik von Michael Bibo

Preise:
Vorverkauf 12,50 Euro / ermäßigt 9,50 Euro zzgl. VVK-Gebühr
Abendkasse 15,50 Euro / ermäßigt 12,00 Euro

Gorilla™ // Thu, Oct. 22nd, 10:00 P.M. // Keller Z87 // EN

Gorilla™

The great directors' tournament // In English

Date: Thursday, October 22nd 2020
Time: 10 PM // Open House: 9.30 PM
Location: Keller Z87

Please note: This show lasts about 60 minutes and has no intermission.

Foto: Tilman Dominka

In Gorilla Theatre™, glamour and glory of the impro directors lie in the hands of the audience. Already premiered in 1992 at the legendary Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary, Gorilla™ is one of the most famous formats in the world of impro. We are delighted to bring it to Würzburg!
You know the feeling: You've got a free evening, the desire for good entertainment but then comes the agony of choice - action comedy, romantic drama, an artistically important solo performance or a dazzling musical potpourri? Why not have it all in one show? In Gorilla™ a team of actors take turns directing the whole ensemble and each of them passionately presents their vision. The audience decides with a call for banana (oh yeah!) or forfeit (oh no!), which director gets closer to victory... and who will be allowed to take the local gorilla home in the end!

Brought to Würzburg by Steve Jarand, music by Michael Bibo

Prices:
in advance: €12.50 (discount €9.50) including advance booking fee
box office: €15.50 (discount €12.00)

Couples // Fr, Oct. 23rd, 8:00 P.M. // theater ensemble // EN

Couples

A show about the pitfalls and wonders of love // In English

Date: Friday, October 23rd 2020
Time: 8.00 PM // Open House: 7.15 PM
Location: theater ensemble

Please note: This show lasts about 60 minutes and has no intermission.

Foto: Volker Althaus

A couple of people, armchairs and lots of relationship drama: In this show format, Nele Kießling meddles with the love life of her ensemble members and sends them into couples' therapy. These couples couldn't be more different: They speak their own language, they all try to build bridges, while getting stuck in feelings, misunderstandings and the pitfalls of everyday life. This show will make you feel it all: The pain, the gain, the wonders of love.

Music by Jan Höcker

Prices:
in advance: €12.50 (discount €9.50) including advance booking fee
box office: €15.50 (discount €12.00)

BRABBEL // Fr, Oct. 23rd, 8:00 P.M. // Neunerplatz // GER

BRABBEL

Intensives Lauschen im Sturm der Worte // In German

Datum: Freitag, 23. Oktober 2020
Uhrzeit: 20.00 Uhr // Einlass: 19.15 Uhr
Veranstaltungsort: Theater am Neunerplatz

Bitte beachten: Diese Show dauert ca. 60 Minuten und hat keine Pause.

Foto: Nico Manger

Aus einem Durcheinander von Informationsströmen den roten Faden herausfischen, nach der relevantesten Information filtern, den inspiriertesten Influencer heraushören: Das ist eine moderne Kunst, die ein intensives Lauschen erfordert. Deep Listening im Sturm der Worte und der
permanenten Bullshitisierung. Woher kommt der nächste Trend? Was will und muss gehört werden? BRABBEL ist ein Impro-Format, das in einer eleganten Choreographie aus einer Flut von Gebrabbel wertvolle Momente destilliert, kristallisiert und zum Glänzen bringt. Make it precious! Was dann als bewegende Monologe und mitreißende Szenen auf die Bühne kommt, überzeugt durch hohe Inspiration und persönliche oder gesellschaftliche Relevanz.

Regie von Gunter Lösel, Musik von Ebbi Grözinger

Preise:
Vorverkauf 12,50 Euro / ermäßigt 9,50 Euro zzgl. VVK-Gebühr
Abendkasse 15,50 Euro / ermäßigt 12,00 Euro

Würzburg, Deine Songs! // Fr, Oct. 23rd, 8:30 P.M. // Posthalle // GER

Würzburg, Deine Songs!

Ein musikalisches Feuerwerk für die Perle am Main // In German

Datum: Freitag, 23. Oktober 2020
Uhrzeit: 20.30 Uhr // Einlass: 19.30 Uhr
Veranstaltungsort: Posthalle

Please note: This show lasts about 120 minutes and has an intermission.

Foto: Nico Manger

Sie haben die letzten Monate mit Proben verbracht. Sie haben täglich geübt, im stillen Kämmerlein geträllert, die Familie am Telefon besungen, stündlich neu improvisiert und sie wollen nur eins: Auf die Bühne!
Im Gepäck haben sie die schönsten Melodien des Augenblicks, die offensten Herzen für Texte der Extraklasse, die ergreifendsten Akkorde für ein Publikum, das ihnen zu Füßen liegt. Denn das entscheidet an diesem Abend über die neue und einzige Hymne der Stadt. Neue Hymne? Ja, wer Oberbürgermeister*innen und Stadtrat wählt, entscheidet selbstverständlich auch alle paar Jahre neu über ein aktuelles Lied für Würzburg. Modern, zeitgemäß, poppig, melancholisch, volkstümlich, einzeln vorgetragen oder im Duett - an diesem Abend zeigen die talentiertesten Stimmen aus dem ganzen Land, ob sie das Zeug haben, mit ihren Songs Stadtgeschichte zu singen!

Regie von Michael Bibo

Band: Michael Bibo, Marek Herz, Olga Zaitseva-Herz und Felix Mannherz



Preise:
Vorverkauf 15,50 Euro / ermäßigt 11,50 Euro zzgl. VVK-Gebühr
Abendkasse 18,00 Euro / ermäßigt 14,00 Euro

Couples // Fr, Oct. 23rd, 10:00 P.M. // theater ensemble // EN

Couples

A show about the pitfalls and wonders of love // In English

Date: Friday, October 23rd 2020
Time: 10.00 PM // Open House: 9.30 PM
Location: theater ensemble

Please note: This show lasts about 60 minutes and has no intermission.

Foto: Volker Althaus

A couple of people, armchairs and lots of relationship drama: In this show format, Nele Kießling meddles with the love life of her ensemble members and sends them into couples' therapy. These couples couldn't be more different: They speak their own language, they all try to build bridges, while getting stuck in feelings, misunderstandings and the pitfalls of everyday life. This show will make you feel it all: The pain, the gain, the wonders of love.

Music by Jan Höcker

Prices:
in advance: €12.50 (discount €9.50) including advance booking fee
box office: €15.50 (discount €12.00)

BRABBEL // Fr, Oct. 23rd, 10:00 P.M. // Neunerplatz // GER

BRABBEL

Intensives Lauschen im Sturm der Worte // In German

Datum: Freitag, 23. Oktober 2020
Uhrzeit: 22.00 Uhr // Einlass: 21.30 Uhr
Veranstaltungsort: Theater am Neunerplatz

Bitte beachten: Diese Show dauert ca. 60 Minuten und hat keine Pause.

Foto: Nico Manger

Aus einem Durcheinander von Informationsströmen den roten Faden herausfischen, nach der relevantesten Information filtern, den inspiriertesten Influencer heraushören: Das ist eine moderne Kunst, die ein intensives Lauschen erfordert. Deep Listening im Sturm der Worte und der
permanenten Bullshitisierung. Woher kommt der nächste Trend? Was will und muss gehört werden? BRABBEL ist ein Impro-Format, das in einer eleganten Choreographie aus einer Flut von Gebrabbel wertvolle Momente destilliert, kristallisiert und zum Glänzen bringt. Make it precious! Was dann als bewegende Monologe und mitreißende Szenen auf die Bühne kommt, überzeugt durch hohe Inspiration und persönliche oder gesellschaftliche Relevanz.

Regie von Gunter Lösel, Musik von Ebbi Grözinger

Preise:
Vorverkauf 12,50 Euro / ermäßigt 9,50 Euro zzgl. VVK-Gebühr
Abendkasse 15,50 Euro / ermäßigt 12,00 Euro

Festival-Special: Alles auf Anfang // Sa, Oct. 24th, 8:00 P.M. // Posthalle // GER

Festival-Special: Alles auf Anfang

Theater, das sich neu erfindet // In German

Datum: Samstag, 24. Oktober 2020
Uhrzeit: 20.00 Uhr // Einlass: 19.00 Uhr
Veranstaltungsort: Posthalle

Bitte beachten: Diese Show dauert ca. 60 Minuten und hat keine Pause.

Foto: Marija Kanizaj

Auf einer leeren Bühne begegnen sich sechs Schauspieler*innen. Routiniers, die fest und sicher in ihren Impro-Leben standen, bis ihre vertraute Bühnenwelt durch ein Virus aus den Fugen geriet. Nichts war und ist seither wie gewohnt. Paradoxerweise brachte ihnen dieser Umstand ihre Kunstform so nah wie schon lange nicht mehr. Sie gingen zurück zum Start, mussten üben, was sie sonst lehrten: Das Unerwartete erwarten, den gegenwärtigen Moment entdecken, ehrlich auf das Kommende reagieren, sich mutig mit dem Rücken voran in die Zukunft bewegen. Kurz gesagt: Wahrhaftiges Improvisieren - beruflich und privat - war die große Herausforderung der letzten Monate. Jetzt begegnen sich sechs Improspieler*innen endlich wieder auf einer realen, leeren und vertrauten Bühne. Sie kommen zurück in eine Zukunft, die so anders ist, als sie es noch vor wenigen Monaten vermutet hätten - und spielen miteinander. Worüber und in welcher Form kann nur die Zukunft zeigen.

Idee und Regie von Beatrix Brunschko, präsentiert vom internationalen Festival-Ensemble

Preise:
Vorverkauf 15,50 Euro / ermäßigt 11,50 Euro zzgl. VVK-Gebühr
Abendkasse 18,00 Euro / ermäßigt 14,00 Euro

Dreamcatcher // Sa, Oct 24th, 8:00 P.M. // Neunerplatz // GER

Dreamcatcher

Warum träumen wir? Improtheater auf der Suche // In German

Datum: Samstag, 24. Oktober 2020
Uhrzeit: 20.00 Uhr // Einlass: 19.15 Uhr
Veranstaltungsort: Theater am Neunerplatz

Bitte beachten: Diese Show dauert ca. 60 Minuten und hat keine Pause.

Foto: Franziska Rappl

Wir alle träumen. Jede Nacht. Aber an nur wenige Träume erinnern wir uns. Vielleicht bleiben uns die im Gedächtnis, die besonders eindrücklich waren. Oder die immer und immer wiederkommen. Wir fragen uns: Was hat diese Träume inspiriert? Wozu inspirieren sie wiederum mich? Und warum träume ich überhaupt? Lasst uns an diesem Abend die Bühne bereiten für die Geschichten und Bilder in uns. Lasst uns die Gefühle, den Schrecken und die Freude teilen. Lasst uns die Augen öffnen – und träumen!

Präsentiert von Der Fuchs aus Frankfurt am Main, Musik von Kai Müller

Preise:
Vorverkauf 12,50 Euro / ermäßigt 9,50 Euro zzgl. VVK-Gebühr
Abendkasse 15,50 Euro / ermäßigt 12,00 Euro

Dreamcatcher // Sa, Oct 24th, 10:00 P.M. // Neunerplatz // EN

Dreamcatcher

Why do we dream? Improvised theatre looking for answers // In English

Date: Saturday, October 24th 2020
Time: 10.00 PM // Open House: 9.30 PM
Location: Theater am Neunerplatz

Please note: This show lasts about 60 minutes and has no intermission.

Foto: Franziska Rappl

We all dream. Each and every night. But there are few dreams we remember. Perhaps the ones that do stick are the most vivid ones. Or those that keep coming back. We wonder: What has inspired these dreams? What do they inspire in me? And why do I dream at all? Tonight, let's prepare the stage for the stories and images within us. Let us share the feelings of horror and joy that our nightly visions bring. Let us open our eyes - and dream!

Presented by Der Fuchs from Frankfurt am Main, music by Kai Müller

Prices:
in advance: €12.50 (discount €9.50) including advance booking fee
box office: €15.50 (discount €12.00)

Würzburger Improtheaterfestival 2020

Workshops

There are uncertainties at the moment, but we are optimistic that the festival can take place. We have completely revised our original plan and adapted the festival to the circumstances. See also the FAQs for more information.

This year we have six workshops that you can register for, given by the following instructors: Michael Bibo, Sten Rudstrøm, Regina Fabian, Nele Kießling, Gunter Lösel and Beatrix Brunschko. They all last 12 hours starting on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Please make sure that you match the experience level required for each workshop.

We also offer two show case classes of three hours on Friday, Oct. 23rd in the morning. Each one trains a specific show format and leads into a public performance. They are taught by Nele Kießling / Gunter Lösel. If you'd like to learn a new format and get to play it in front of an audience right away, this might be for you. Please make sure that you match the experience level required for the show case classes as well.

The workshops are already fully booked!

We are overwhelmed how fast it went! But you can still register for the waiting list. Should a workshop spot open up again, we will contact you! It's likely that this will happen this year.

Info

The workshops last 12 hours each and take place at the same time from Friday, 2pm until Sunday, 1.30 pm. The participation fee is 260 Euro regular or 220 Euro reduced. The reduced fee is not necessarily aimed at students. We know that for many people, despite working full-time, money can sometimes run short. Please decide for yourself if you are able to pay the full price or if you need a discount. We trust that the discount will benefit those who really need it. 

#1 Michael Bibo: All You Can Sing (German) (FULLY BOOKED!)

„All You Can Sing“ - Basics, Genres, Musik-Games

Instructor: Michael Bibo from Wiesbaden
Level: Level-less
The workshop will be taught in German

Entdecke dein musikalisches Potential und sei überrascht von den Hits, die in dir schlummern und nur darauf warten, geweckt zu werden! Im Verlauf dieses Workshops trainieren wir auf spielerische Weise Basics wie Rhythmus, Stimmbildung, Melodie-Findung und Background-Gesang. Außerdem werden zahlreiche Musikgenres und ihre charakteristische Umsetzung auf der Improbühne im Mittelpunkt stehen. Darüber hinaus bekommen die Spieler*innen viele Tools an die Hand, wie sie zu jeder Zeit ihre Spielpartner*innen musikalisch unterstützen können, sei es durch Background-Gesang, Klang- oder Rhythmuscollagen.

Der Workshop richtet sich an Improspieler*innen und Musiker*innen der unterschiedlichsten Erfahrungsstufen. Sowohl Anfänger*innen als auch Fortgeschrittene können auf ihre Weise zu dem passenden Song und Soundtrack der Szene beitragen und gemeinsam das „Superstar-Feeling“ erleben.

Michael Bibo ist einer der bekanntesten Impromusiker und -trainer der deutschen Improszene, spielt und unterrichtet bei zahlreichen Improgruppen im Rhein-Main-Gebiet und darüber hinaus auf vielen Improfestivals (Improhotel Mallorca, Improfestival Mainz, Knallgäu Festival Kempten, Improvember München u.v.a.). Er arbeitete mehrere Jahre als Musikberater, Sound Designer und Music Editor für das ZDF, 3sat und den Kinderkanal. Während seines Musikstudiums an der Musikhochschule Mainz gründete er 2004 seine eigene Musikproduktionsfirma. Unter dem Label Skygate Music komponiert und produziert er Songs und Musiken für viele Fernsehsender, Radiostationen und Musikverlage im In- und Ausland.

#2 Regina Fabian: Rauchen – Saufen – Grübeln – Charaktere wie im Krimi (German) (FULLY BOOKED!)

Rauchen – Saufen – Grübeln - Charaktere wie im Krimi

Instructor: Regina Fabian from Berlin
Level: Intermediate
The workshop will be taught in German

Sie rauchen, saufen, verzagen und sind oft einsam. Die komplexen Figuren in den Krimis aus Norwegen, Schweden und Dänemark leben öfter in schwierigen sozialen Verhältnissen und versinken gerne mal in Melancholie.

In diesem Workshop wollen wir diese Figuren, deren Ambivalenz und ihren Alltag als Sprungbrett nutzen, um atmosphärisch dichte Szenen mit interessanten Charakteren zu improvisieren. Uns beschäftigt dabei, wie wir dies facettenreich und glaubwürdig darstellen können und wie wir es schaffen trotz melancholischer Charaktere spielfreudig zu improvisieren.

Regina Fabian ist Gründungsmitglied des Improvisationstheaters „Die Gorillas“ aus Berlin. Sie ist Schauspielerin (Lecoq, Paris), Trainerin, Theaterpädagogin (UdK Berlin), Systemische Therapeutin (SG) und Coach. Sie ist außerdem Dozentin im Fachbereich Theaterpädagogik und in der Ausbildung für Psychotherapeut*innen. Seit 1997 beschäftigt sie sich mit Improvisationstheater: auf der Bühne, bei ihrer Seminar- und Trainingstätigkeit sowie im Coaching und in der Therapie. Durch ihre Ausbildung zur systemischen Therapeutin entdeckte sie das Potential in der Verbindung von Übungen aus dem Improtheater und Methoden der systemischen Arbeit. Diese Kombination setzt sie in ihrer Arbeit in verschiedenen Bereichen ein. Mehr zu Regina findet ihr unter www.die-gorillas.de und www.reginafabian.de.

#3 Sten Rudstrøm: Ta(l)king your head off! (English) (FULLY BOOKED!)

Ta(l)king your head off!

Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Sten Rudstrøm from Berlin
The workshop will be taught in English

This workshop is a journey into the colorful, explosive, experiental world of speech.

Text is more than information. Words are more than mental constructs. Language is an actual body experience. Each letter, each word, the sensations in our mouths, tongues, teeth and breath can be the driving force of our improvisations. Our body sensations don’t hesitate, they don't contemplate what should or needs to be said, they lead us. Giving attention to your body experience will change every „I don’t know“ into endless imagery.

In this workshop, Sten Rudstrøm guides the participants to connect their language, voices and bodies. You will no longer be limited by what you think you should say. You will allow yourself to be led by the experiencing of language.

Please note: This is not your classical improv workshop but one that is based in Action Theater™. Be prepared to expand your horizon.

Sten Rudstrøm, Artistic Director of NOW! Festival in Berlin has been working in the field of improvisation for the last 30 years. He teaches and performs internationally, founded the improvisation group EAT and is a member of Streugut. In 1986, he met Ruth Zaporah/Action Theater™, and is a Certified Senior Teacher. With Satu Palokangas, he has developed The Core of Expression, a somatics and improvisation embodiment training that currently tours internationally. His workshops are inspiring, exciting and challenging.

Shawn Kinley says about Sten's work: „For more than 30 years as an improviser, I am always looking for the state of ease and flow with my mind, body and heart. Too often those elements are out of sync on stage, leading to performance that is more work than play. Sten's workshop is filled with eye opening insights and exercises that create full being fluidity. If you have the chance to participate in one of his workshops - do it.“

#4 Nele Kießling: Kopf und Kragen (German) (FULLY BOOKED!)

Kopf und Kragen

Instructor: Nele Kießling from Göttingen
Level: Advanced
The workshop will be taught in German

Hast du Lust mal wieder Kopf und Kragen zu riskieren? Dann ist dieser Workshop ganz nach deinem Geschmack. Hier wirst du aus deiner Komfortzone gelockt und zurück ins Abenteuer geschmissen - ohne Helm, aber mit einem breiten und mutigen Lächeln.

Im ersten Teil des Workshops trainieren wir Techniken als gemeinsame Basis, um diese im zweiten Teil für individuelle Challenges anzuwenden. Hier wirst du als Einzelperson voll im Fokus stehen. Eine individuell auf dich abgestimmte Übung mit viel szenischem Sidecoaching und Support der ganzen Gruppe wird dir die Chance geben, neue Seiten deiner Spielkraft zu entdecken und zu stärken. Wo ist noch Spielraum nach oben? Auch im Begleiten der anderen Challenges geht es dir an Kopf und Kragen: Was kann ich tun, damit mein Gegenüber eine bestmögliche Spielerfahrung machen kann?

Dieser Workshop bietet dir individuelles Coaching in kleiner Gruppe mit einem hohem Anteil an Spielpraxis, Feedback, Lernschmerz und Inspiration.

Nele Kießling ist Schauspielerin für Improvisationstheater, Event-Moderatorin und Diplom Kulturwissenschaftlerin. Als Lehrbeauftragte an der Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst, sowie der Universität Hildesheim unterrichtete sie Improvisation, Auftrittskompetenz und Selbstpräsentation. Nele war auf zahlreichen Festivals unterwegs und hält sich stets wach für neue Methoden und Ästhetiken der Improvisation. Die Göttingerin ist Ensemblemitglied bei 'Die Stereotypen', 'Kießling&Kaffka' und dem internationalen Projekt 'Mary Shelley‘s Mothers'. Die Prinzipien der Improvisation fordern sie maximal heraus und machen sie maximal glücklich. Mehr zu Nele unter www.nelekiessling.de.

#5 Gunter Lösel: Letting the room speak (English) (FULLY BOOKED!)

Letting the room speak

Level: Advanced
Instructor: Gunter Lösel from Karlsruhe/Zurich
The workshop will be taught in English

Our use of stage space tells a story. It could be a dramatic tale, treacherous and thrilling. So why when front of an audience do we so often end up neutralizing the play area? We don't realize how skilled we are at protecting ourselves by hiding our own fears and desires and how much the blandness leaks into the air around us. Everything personal, including relationships, turns impersonal. The tendency towards the middle makes our play mediocre but the courage to choose the extreme makes it risky and inspiring. In Impro we want the space to be expressive and expansive, to be creatively charged with a voice of it's own.

In this workshop, participants learn to energize the stage space, to create complex maps of feelings and relationships and, most importantly, to work against the reflex to nullify and neutralize. Gunter offers techniques of systematic positioning including exercises of his own invention. And last but not least, the different real rooms in which we perform will be fully explored, including their uses and transformation potential. Until the room - clearly and confidently - speaks.

Gunter Lösel is an improvisor, impro teacher and a theatre scientist and has been performing for more than 20 years. From 2007-2017 he was was artistic director of  'Improtheater Bremen', a permanent venue for improvised long forms. Today he's touring with his duo 'Stupid Lovers' and works on pushing improvisation as an art form forward. He has published five books on the subject of improvisation and theatre and holds a doctorate in theatre studies. For more info on Gunter, visit: www.gunterloesel.theater

#6 Beatrix Brunschko: What does the future hold? (English) (FULLY BOOKED!)

What does the future hold?

Level: Professional
Instructor: Beatrix Brunschko from Graz/Austria
The workshop will be taught in English

When we’ll meet in our workshop space by the end of October, nothing will be as it used to. We’ll look back at months, in which we fell backwards from the familiar into the unknown. Months, during which we were far apart from each other and had to connect through our little zoom squares to solve the question of how to shape the digital playground together. We became pioneers and needed to completely re-discover the once so well-known art of improvisation. The often used phrase of 'failure being an option‘ was now the guideline for every day.

I am writing this text in May 2020. Nobody knows what the future will hold. Which experiences will we have gathered and take back into the real world, once it opens up again? Which of the tools we developed during this bodiless time will find their way onto the analogue stage? When we’ll meet in October in a workshop space in Würzburg, nothing will be as it used to. But it’s the moment to explore what will remain from the time that was one big nonstop improvisation - a time when we needed to be close to each other from far away.

See you in October!

Beatrix Brunschko has been a member of the ensemble “Theater im Bahnhof” in Graz since 1990. She still works there as a director and actress and has been the artistic director of improvised theatre since 2000. Since 2002 she has been teaching acting, improvisation, ensemble work as well as role and scene studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. Since 2004 she has been an ensemble member of the international improv collective "The Orcas Island Project". When she is not in Austria, Beatrix travels Europe and the world to perform and teach.

Info

The Show Case Classes last 3 hours each and take place on Friday morning. They lead in a joint performance of the format at the festival. Participation costs 40 euros.

#1 Gunter Lösel: BRABBEL (German) (FULLY BOOKED!)

Show Case Workshop 1: BRABBEL

Instructor and director: Gunter Lösel from Karlsruhe/Zürich
Level: Intermediate or Advanced
Show and workshop take place in German.

Aus einem Durcheinander von Informationsströmen den roten Faden herausfischen, die relevantesten Information filtern, den inspiriertesten Influencer heraushören, das ist eine moderne Kunst, die ein intensives Lauschen erfordert: Deep Listening im Sturm der Worte und der permanenten Bullshitisierung. Woher kommt der nächste Trend? Was will und muss gehört werden? Was ist Spam, was ist Rauschen, und wie isolieren wir das eigentliche Signal? BRABBEL ist ein Format für Improspielende, das in einer eleganten Choreographie aus einer Flut von Gebrabbel wertvolle Momente destilliert, kristallisiert und zum Glänzen bringt. Make it precious! Was dann als bewegende Monologe und mitreißende Szenen auf die Bühne kommt, überzeugt durch hohe Inspiration und persönliche oder gesellschaftliche Relevanz.

#2 Nele Kießling: Couples (English) (FULLY BOOKED!)

Show Case Workshop 2: Couples

Level: Advanced
Workshop teacher and director: Nele Kießling from Göttingen/Germany
Show and workshop take place in English.

A couple of people, armchairs and lots of relationship drama: In this show format, Nele Kießling meddles with the love life of her ensemble members and sends them all into couples' therapy. These couples couldn't be more different. They all speak their own language, they all try to build bridges, while getting stuck in feelings, misunderstandings and the pitfalls of everyday life. This show will make you feel it all: the pain, the gain, the wonders of love.


Presented at: Momenta Impro Theater Festival International 2018, Fliegende Funken Bremen 2018, Impronover Hannover 2019, MOMENT International Improv Festival Vienna 2019.

Experience Level

The level system helps us building homogeneous workshop groups to ensure that everybody gets the most out of their workshop experience.

Level-less

Whether I have impro experience or not doesn't matter since I'm interested in the workshops that work on skills that span all levels.

Intermediate

I rehearse with an ensemble on a regular basis, and have experience performing improvisation on the stage.

Advanced

I perform regularly on stage and I rehearse on a regular basis with a fixed ensemble. I have been involved in introducing performance formats to the place where I primarily improvise, either by developing these or by introducing these from elsewhere. I’ve introduced others into improvisation, either through beginner training or mentoring newer players in an ensemble.

Professional

I perform regularly on stage and I rehearse on a regular basis with a fixed ensemble. I have developed formats and presented these formats in cities outside of the one I’m based in. I have a professional approach to my improvisational work. I’ve developed others in improvisation, by offering advanced training on multiple occasions, or by coaching ensembles.

Würzburger Improtheaterfestival 2020

Festival-Guide

If you would like to take part in the festival, you will find various information and all kinds of interesting facts in the festival guide. We will add to the guide during the year. If there is still an open question, just contact us.

Schedule

Directions for arrival

Parking

Code of Conduct

We have developed a short code of conduct to ensure that everybody feels safe and happy and can get the most out of their experience at the Würzburger Improtheaterfestival. Reading through this code will give you an idea of our festival philosophy and values.

It reflects the three main groups of the improv community represented at the festival.

The following elements will help create a safe environment to ensure good work and a valuable experience for everyone.

Being safe
By respecting the personal space of other students (i.e. avoiding rough contact or grabbing unless prepared or instructed), by not putting your own body at risk and treating props, chairs, and furniture with care, everyone feels safe and can focus on the work.

Avoiding gratuitously bringing challenging and offensive content into the class
We believe that a workshop can be a place to test the limits and delve into challenging content. However we also believe that responsibility lies with each participant to ensure that when they do introduce such content, it benefits the work and is mindful of other participants’ sense of comfort and safety, rather than introducing it purely for their own enjoyment. Students who repeatedly introduce unwelcome content after it has been addressed may be excluded from the workshop.

Taking responsibility
If performing or watching a scene is making you uncomfortable, or you feel there may be an issue for other participants, please feel empowered to address these concerns. Overall responsibility for safety and comfort lies with the workshop leader, but if you speak your mind when in doubt you help ensure that everyone is having a good time and can focus on the work.

The following elements ensure that you, yourself, and everybody involved will get the most out of your performance.

Telling us what you need
If you tell us what you need, we can help your show be great. Do you want to try unconventional or risky things that we would need to discuss with the theatre up-front? Do you crave an unusual backdrop for your show? You realise you could do with an extra player? If we know in advance, we can help when possible, or let you know when something can't be done. That way you can focus entirely on your show once it is time to hop on stage.

Considering what you want to put on stage
We see ourselves as a platform that encourages artists to explore what is possible and test the limits. We believe an improvised show can include challenging or even offensive content. We do believe, however, that it lies within the responsibility of the performer to ensure that this kind of content serves a purpose, a greater objective and will not be used to provoke or be edgy for its own sake.

Respecting each other
We strongly believe in an environment of courtesy and consideration. This applies to everyone, from fellow performers to volunteers and theatre staff who help make the shows and the festival itself possible. It especially applies to our audiences. If you decide to directly involve them in your show, please make sure to make them feel physically and emotionally safe, so they can have an experience they can cherish.

The following elements will help create a safe environment to ensure good work. Different workshops may involve interpreting these differently, and, despite these principles being important and solid, you can always talk to us about anything you would want to approach a little differently.

Making a safe physical environment
By ensuring that the personal space of students is respected (i.e. by stepping in if students employ rough contact, grabbing, hang out of windows etc.) and by respecting students' personal space yourself, everyone feels taken care of and can focus on the work.

Making a safe emotional/personal environment
We believe that our participants get the most from the festival when they feel safe emotionally. This means considering their best interests and behaving appropriately towards them in and out of the classroom.

In the workshop it also means stepping in when distressing content is introduced, such as denigration of people based on identity or sexual violence. We understand that such themes can be part of the workshop concept, and so responsibility lies with the workshop leader to decide when such content serves a rewarding purpose that will benefit the participants - and when it crosses the line and makes participants feel unsafe and unwelcome.

Participants who repeatedly cross that line can be asked to sit out of practicing a component of the workshop, or to cool off outside of the classroom for a period. If you are concerned their further involvement could make the workshop an unsafe environment, please escalate the issue to the organisation team.

Recognising concerns
Sometimes participants will notice issues before you do, or raise things that are personally problematic for them. By recognising these concerns and maintaining an open space for participants, the workshop will work as well as it can for everyone.

Our festival is opposed to harassment of any form. If you are unhappy about someone's behaviour - towards you or anyone else - or have any complaints or concerns, please tell us about it. The festival representatives are Carina and Jonathan, and you can also speak to any other member of the festival team or if necessary a volunteer, who will bring the issue to us as soon as possible.

FAQ

Workshop application

How does the registration work?

From June 16th onwards you can register for this year's festival using the registration form. You can enter up to three workshop priorities. If your Prio 1 is already fully booked, you will automatically be moved to your second choice, etc. We will confirm your workshop by mail. Only then you will be asked to pay for your workshop place. When your festival fee has been transferred, your workshop spot is firmly booked.

Will I receive a confirmation after registration for a workshop?

The website confirms your registration. Within the next few days after registration you will receive an email from us confirming which of your workshop wishes we were able to fulfill and a request for payment. Please be patient – we'll make sure the info gets to you. If you haven't heard from us within one weeks, please drop us a quick note.

I have transferred the festival fee but haven't received a confirmation yet. Do I lose my spot?

No, you haven’t. The banks don't all work at the same speed and we process the cash receipts in one go. That's why it can take a couple of days before you get the final confirmation. If we discover that we haven't received your festival fee, we will check with you before we give your spot to someone else.

I didn't get a workshop spot. Is there a waiting list?

Yes, there is one. As soon as someone gives up their spot, we will give the spot to the next person on the waiting list.

What do I do, if I want to change the duration of my stay at the Youth Hostel?

Send an email to info@improtheaterfestival.de and we will contact the Youth Hostel.

What happens if I have to cancel my participation?

Until July 31st you can cancel your workshop spot and we will transfer your festival fee (minus an administrative fee of 30 Euros) back to your bank account right away. If you cancel your spot after July 31st, we will first have to find someone from the waiting list to fill your spot. If we are successful in finding someone, we will transfer the fee back to your bank account minus the administrative fee of 30 Euros.

(At) the festival

Do I get my money back, if the festival is cancelled because of Corona?

Yes, in this case you will get your workshop fee back completely. We also recommend getting travel insurrance, so your train and flight cost will be reimbursed.

Where can I find the festival schedule?

You can find the schedule above under "Festival-Guide" or directly here.

When do most participants arrive?

Many participants are arriving early to attend our traditional opening gala, where the workshop leaders perform together on stage. This year, the gala will take place on Wednesday, October 21st already. We'd be delighted to see you there. Of course you can also arrive on Thursday or Friday for the workshops.

What happens at the Check-in and do I need to go there?

At the check-in you'll get a warm welcome, snacks and your invoice for the workshop. All hostel guests will also receive the necessary information about accommodation. If there are any outstanding questions or finances, we can clarify them at check-in. The check-in helps us to get an overview of who has already arrived. This is especially important this year. We therefore ask you come by briefly, even if you are already familiar with our Festival.

What happens if I arrive late and miss the Check-In?

No problem! We will leave your name and your room number at the reception of the Youth Hostel.

Which meals are included in the festival fee?

The festival package includes the following:

  • Friday: Lunch (Only for the participants of the show case classes)
  • Friday: Dinner
  • Saturday: Lunch and Dinner
  • Sunday: Snacks

Drinks during meals are included.

For those staying at the hostel, breakfast is also included.

Are bed linen and towels available at the youth hostel?

The youth hostel provides bed linen, you only need to bring your own towel.

Are tickets for the shows included in the festival package?

No. Since there are several shows in the evenings, they are run separately via our ticket system. As a workshop participant you can buy tickets at a reduced price. We'll send you a quick note when the advance sale starts. Please buy tickets for the shows of your choice early. Especially this year the number of seats will be limited.

Is it possible to help out with the festival?

Yes! We are very happy for your support! Just send an email and we will get back to you.

Würzburger Improtheaterfestival 2020

Team

Lena Försch

(artistic) director

Luisa Winkler

artistic director

Kati Schweitzer

artistic director

Jonathan Sudermann

tech and logistics, quality management

Carina Odenbreit

participant management & finance

Hendrick Ziegler

finance

Elina Martin

ticketing

Kathrin Jungmann

improv office

Julius Braun

media & participant management

Carolin Buchmann

social media & guest management

Cornelia Vogt

tech and logistics

Johanna Ziegler

helper coordination

Würzburger Improtheaterfestival 2020

Support

We would like to thank all our partners, sponsors and venues for their support and the long time cooperation.

We also want to say thank you to our patron, the Mayor of Würzburg, Christian Schuchardt!

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