Student Showcase Background

Info & Bookings

Starter 1: Introduction to Long Form Improv - Term 4 2026 - Saturday

Our popular introductory course, appropriate for all newcomers to The Improv Conspiracy Theatre – by the end of 8 sessions you'll be ready to perform our signature blend of improv for your friends and family

This level is designed to introduce you to The Improv Conspiracy's approach to long form improvised comedy. No prior acting or improv experience is required.

Each class session starts with some fun warm-up exercises designed to help you to get a bit silly and to bond with your classmates.

After the warm-up you'll move onto some enjoyable exercises designed to help you learn some of the basic skills we use when doing improvised scenes on stage.

After the exercises there will be time for you to perform open-ended scenes. This is where the real magic happens! You'll be asked to call on that day's lesson, plus anything you've worked on during the prior weeks.

By the end of the 8 weeks you'll be capable of creating and sustaining interesting and entertaining 3-minute scenes that are completely improvised. Your class will then put on a 30-minute long improvised show for your friends and family.

Specific Skills and Topics Covered:

- An introduction to the core tenets of improvisation: agreement, listening, commitment & support

- Truth in comedy: how to use truthful storytelling as a way to generate interesting ideas for comedic scenes

- You are enough: the power of playing characters similar to yourself in a comedic scene. What would you say in real life? It's probably the right thing to say here!

- How to create and play an intelligent character with a stong point of view (POV)

- How to flesh out your characters with rich history and philosophy

And more!

  • Workshop Session #1
    Saturday, July 4, 2026
    10:30am–1:30pm
Instructor(s)
Venue(s)
Course Fees

$625 Full / $575 Concession & Full-Time Student

Plus online booking fee of $5

Prices include GST

Course Prerequisites
This course has no prerequisites
You are eligible for this course
Bookings

Important dates, venues & times

Course calendar

Workshop Sessions
July 2026
August 2026
  • Workshop Session #1
    Saturday, July 4, 2026
    10:30am–1:30pm
  • Workshop Session #2
    Saturday, July 11, 2026
    10:30am–1:30pm
  • Workshop Session #3
    Saturday, July 18, 2026
    10:30am–1:30pm
  • Workshop Session #4
    Saturday, July 25, 2026
    10:30am–1:30pm
  • Workshop Session #5
    Saturday, August 1, 2026
    10:30am–1:30pm
  • Workshop Session #6
    Saturday, August 8, 2026
    10:30am–1:30pm
  • Workshop Session #7
    Saturday, August 15, 2026
    10:30am–1:30pm
  • Workshop Session #8
    Saturday, August 22, 2026
    10:30am–1:30pm

Meet your teacher

Instructor Profile

Richard Mealey

As an actor, comedian, writer, and director, Richard has over 20 years experience performing and working in both stage and screen. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Richard has also studied at Howard Fine Studios and The Improv Conspiracy, where he has been a house performer since 2023. He has also produced several improv and theatrical shows, including his original play "Elephant Rope" at Melbourne Fringe 2025 and his solo sketch comedy show "DisUnited States" at the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Our community watering hole

Enjoy some good times downstairs at Theory Bar

Fancy a beverage after your next show or class session? Our ground floor bar is open Wednesday–Sunday.

Community members and ticket-holders get access to our fantastic Happy Hour menu all night long

Please note: drinks can not be transferred between venues in the building

Theory Bar