LGBTQ+ Improv Drop-in
Saturday, 02 May 2026 at 14:00
Doors open: 13:45 Venue closes: 16:30
Will Gawend
This is a fun and friendly workshop led by LGBTQ+ instructors for LGBTQ+ people, open to all levels. You can be completely new to improv or looking to brush up on your basics and practise improv in a different context. Sessions will focus on fun, representing your own identity(ies) in improv, and connecting with other improvisers.
Whilst we aim to be an LGBTQ+ friendly venue and believe that improv is an empowering art form for everyone, we recognise that for many reasons - not least wanting to avoid stereotypes and prejudice - some people may not feel confident or even safe to be open about their LGBTQ+ identity in classes or when improvising.
LGBTQ+ improvisers may worry about (or even have experienced) being judged, misunderstood, or stereotyped for their identity, or they may be put off by heteronormative bias (the expectation that heterosexual desire and relationships and binary gender are the default) in improvised scenes.
These workshops aim to build community and increase visibility, and make space for LGBTQ+ stories and experiences in improv. This workshop will create a space where people can practise bringing their lived experience into their improvisation, within a supportive community.
The Bristol Improv Theatre uses the term LGBTQ+ as an umbrella term for sexuality and gender identities outside of heterosexuality and the gender binary. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. The "+" is there to encompass other sexualities and gender identities, for example, asexual, pansexual, intersex or non-binary.
You will not be expected to disclose how you identify as LGBTQ+ when you join the class - unless you want to!
Why are we running these workshops?
Whilst we aim to be an LGBTQ+ friendly venue and believe that improv is an empowering art form for everyone, we recognise that for many reasons - not least wanting to avoid stereotypes and prejudice - some people may not feel confident or even safe to be open about their LGBTQ+ identity in classes or when improvising.
LGBTQ+ improvisers may worry about (or even have experienced) being judged, misunderstood, or stereotyped for their identity, or they may be put off by heteronormative bias (the expectation that heterosexual desire and relationships and binary gender are the default) in improvised scenes.
These workshops aim to build community and increase visibility, and make space for LGBTQ+ stories and experiences in improv. This workshop will create a space where people can practise bringing their lived experience into their improvisation, within a supportive community.
A note on the term “LGBTQ+”:
The Bristol Improv Theatre uses the term LGBTQ+ as an umbrella term for sexuality and gender identities outside of heterosexuality and the gender binary. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. The "+" is there to encompass other sexualities and gender identities, for example, asexual, pansexual, intersex or non-binary.
You will not be expected to disclose how you identify as LGBTQ+ when you join the class - unless you want to!
