Beyond Caricature – Depth in characters

The villain, the fool, the damsel in distress: these stock characters or character archetypes are everywhere, particularly in media. It is no wonder they creep into our improv.

Let us dive deeper into the types of characters that most often default to stereotype or one-dimensional portrayals and breathe new life into them. These characters have their time and place in the stories we tell, so let us serve them better too.

In this course for players with (some) experience, we will use character exercises as well as theoretical discussion around impressions, stereotypes and our own instincts to develop skills that can build better and more satisfying characters.

Character types that will be examined include:

• Children
• Villains / “Evil” characters
• “Dumb” characters / The Fool
• Geeks / Nerds
• Damsels (in distress)
• The Miser / A Scrooge

This course involves moderate movement and physicality so come prepared in appropriate clothing and with water. Bring a notebook and pen if you want to take notes.

Optional reading and/or viewing list will be sent ahead of time.

Nora McLeese is an international improv performer, teacher and producer based in Amsterdam. She started improvising in youth theatre sports leagues while living in the US and after a spell away from performing, she reconnected with improv in London in 2012 and hasn’t looked back since. Nora has trained at leading theatres in London, Chicago, Austin and Amsterdam. She co-founded Tag Out Theatre (currently on hiatus) and is the Chief of Show (artistic director) of easylaughs, one of Amsterdam’s foundational improv theatres. Her teaching style is a mix of theory and enthusiasm, with a healthy dose of metaphors.