At first glance, it’s weird that a tyre company got so into reviewing restaurants. But actually there’s a kind of twisted logic behind the Michelin star system.
One star means that you should go to the restaurant if you happen to be in their city. Two stars mean that you should go to that restaurant if you happen to be in their country. And three stars mean you should travel internationally to enjoy the wonders of their menu.
You see, it’s actually all about the travel (and presumably running down your tyres so you have to buy more).
So with that in mind, what improv teachers do I think should have three Michelin stars? Which practitioners would I travel internationally to work with?
I’m glad you asked!!!
Quick addendum: I’m not going to mention ALL the teachers I’d travel internationally to take a workshop with. This is a selection - there are many others. Also, this is just my list - based on 25 years of taking improv classes - it is by no means exhaustive. Ok. Disclaimer done. Onwards!
What Laura & Gael are doing with Flock Theatre in Amsterdam is absolutely stunning. They are building an improv community that is particularly interested in improv as a theatrical art form. They are both extremely skilled teachers but they are also very different from each other in a spectacularly complimentary way. Gael will research, test and drill down into a subject like no other improviser alive. And Laura has an intuitive sense of what makes a scene, a format, a show work. She is also one of my absolute favourite improv directors. I would cross borders to work with both of them without hesitation.
Feña really thinks about improv. It’s evident in every class he teaches and show he directs. I get the impression his brain is buzzing with improv twenty four hours a day. In the course of talking with him, reading his books, watching his shows - I’ve formed the highest opinion of his improv instincts. His classes are densely-packed with info but delivered with a deceptively light touch. Beautiful!
Global Impro | clases de impro
Lisa is a powerhouse performer. Easily, EASILY, in my top five people to see on stage anywhere in the world. She has such incredible presence, a top-notch facility with language and she disappears into her characters completely. In the classroom, she appears so comfortable and at ease with herself. It’s just wonderful to hang out with her and gather the pearls of wisdom that she shares so joyfully. She doesn’t travel much, and teaches at Stamford, so if you ever see her name on a festival billing, you are in luck - book your ticket immediately.
Tai has built an incredible following here in London. In recent years he has focussed even more strongly on inclusivity and teaching in a way that doesn’t alienate participants from minority backgrounds. I love how open and honest Tai is - he is able to thread the needle of having potentially hard conversations in a way that leaves everyone feeling inspired and empowered. I’ve really valued Tai’s suggestions in my own improv journey. He’s a brilliant performer, a real champion of the art form and someone who makes the community better with his presence. Long may it continue.
Ah, my lovely duo partner and long time collaborator and friend. I feel so grateful to have come into her orbit so early in my improv career. I wouldn’t be half the improviser I am without her. She’s a natural teacher - breaking down ideas and complex concepts with real clarity and insight. My favourite thing is that she never rests on her laurels - she’s always creating new classes, chasing down new ideas and new ways to play. She’s the real deal, folks. Obviously I am in the same country as her, but I’m considering going to ANOTHER country just so I can come back and attend a class with her.