Theatresports inventor to appear downunder!

Theatresports inventor to appear on stage downunder for the first time!

The inventor of Theatresports Keith Johnstone is coming to Wellington next week. Johnstone is being brought to Wellington by the Wellington Improvisation Troupe (WIT) to deliver a one week masterclass for local and national improvisers and will appear on stage in New Zealand for the first time.

Johnstone is the world's leading authority on improvisation, great chunks of which he invented including TheatresportsTM, Gorilla Theatre TM and MaestroTM over the past forty years. His ground-breaking work in the theatre has led to popularity of improv around the globe and shows such as 'Whose Line is it Anyway?'. "Keith is the reason WIT exists" explains WIT's Co-Creative Director Ryan Hartigan. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our improv group as well as theatre practitioners and the community in New Zealand as a whole".

Keith will direct New Zealand improvisers in his first and only show in New Zealand - The Secret Origin of Improv on 27 June at the Illott Theatre. "This show will present improv the way it is supposed to be" says Hartigan."Keith originally invented improv in the 1960s to get people coming to the theatre in the same way people went to pro-wrestling - to laugh, to scream, and to be totally entertained". Scenes and stories will be made up on the spot under Keith's guiding hand.

The show will be the culmination of a full time masterclass involving twenty improvisers and actors from around the country, including members of WIT, Christchurch's Court Jesters and Wellington's other improv group, The Improvisers. "Keith has a revolutionary effect on those he teaches" explains WIT's other Co-Creative Director Julian Wilson, who was trained by Johnstone in Canada. "He is our superhero! He literally turns ordinary people into brilliant, generous improvisers".

Keith will also be delivering training for the New Zealand Drama School and WIT's youth group Joe Improv during his time in New Zealand. Contact WIT on mailto:info@wit.org.nz info@wit.org.nz or view our website on www.wit.org.nz http://www.wit.org.nz/ for further information about the masterclass or show 'Secret Origin of Improv' (7pm, 27 June Ilott. Tickets $18 (full) /$12 (group of 6/concession) $10 (child) through Ticketek). More publicity below.

Is it a bird! Is it a plane! No, it's...

The Secret Origin of Improv Sunday 27 June 7pm, Illott Theatre

WIT presents one action hero-packed night of super improv comedy, directed by international legend Keith Johnstone. Watch! - as the inventor of Theatresports turns kiwi comics into genius! Gasp! - as he swoops down and makes stories out of thin air! Laugh! - 'til you cry!

Songs, scenes & sketches will be made up on the spot for one night only. Don't miss this chance to see Keith Johnstone appear on stage for the first time down under.

Booking information

Book early, or take your chances on the door! Groups of six get a super discount.

When: 7pm, Sunday 27 June.

Where: Ilott Theatre, Wellington Town Hall.

Bookings: http://Ticketek.co.nz Ticketek (4) 384 3840, or door sales on the night. Booking fee may apply.

How much: $18 (Full)/ $12 (Group of 6/Concession)/ $10 (Child).

How long: This is an 80 minute show.

Website: Visit http://wit.org.nz wit.org.nz to read more about Wellington Improvisation Troupe, including upcoming shows and details of courses to learn improvisation.

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