In our drop-in workshops you’ll learn how to improvise scenes and games in a friendly and supportive environment. But most importantly, you'll have a laugh!
You don't need any acting, improv or comedy experience to join these workshops. All the workshops will lead you gently into creating entertaining scenes and characters!
The workshops usually consist of silly ice-breaker warm ups, exercises to learn new skills and lots of time to play scenes and practise what we’ve learnt. Then, if you want to, you can join us at the pub afterwards to get to know each other.
Improv is the perfect skill to develop if you are an actor looking to enhance your skill set, a writer looking for inspiration, or anyone looking to unwind after work and gain a better understanding of creative collaboration.
There are five types of drop-in workshop: Easy Improv, Scene Skills, Musical, Labs and Short-Form Games. Our other drop-in classes are our Advanced Classes (Labs) and Online Workshops.
Easy Improv
Playtime for adults. In our Easy Improv Workshops we dial down the challenge and whack up the fun! Play improv games and scenes in a relaxed and low pressure workshop.
Scene Skills
Learn the core improv skills for long-form improvisation in these Scene Skills workshops. Each week is something completely different and exciting! One week we'll be creating and exploring character, the next week we might be practicing how to improvise a narrative and then the next week we'll do the whole workshop in mime!
Labs - Advanced Classes
Find out more on our Labs page.
Short-Form Games
Learn how to play your favourite short form games in a low pressure workshop. Each week will focus on one or two improv games, and by the end you'll be confident to play these games at an improv jam.
Musical Improv
In our Musical Improv Workshops you'll be taught how to improvise song lyrics on the spot. We will play warm-up games and exercises that will teach you how to land rhymes, create beautiful lyrics, and find the rhythm of a song.
Would you prefer to learn from the comfort of your own home? We run online classes too.
TEACHERS
Most of the workshops are taught by Ed Pithie, founder of Dingbats, who has been teaching improv for over eleven years. Most of our Musical Improv Workshops are taught by Jon Mizler who has been directing musical theatre for over 17 years.
There is almost always some type of drop-in workshop on Wednesdays at either The Hawth Theatre or The Archway Theatre and there are Scene Skills Workshops every Monday at The Capitol in Horsham. There may be extra drop-in workshops on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursday. Details of our upcoming workshops are listed at the bottom of this page.
The information below is constant whatever the workshop type and location:
Time
Usually 8.00pm - 10.00pm. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the start time so we can begin on time.
Class size
12-14 maximum (depending on workshop type)
PAYMENT
Classes start from £10. This can change depending on the type of workshop, the venue, the teacher and length of session. You must book in advance online. There will not be any tickets on the door.
WHEN & where
Usual Locations
The Archway, Horley
Address:
The Archway Theatre Studio, The Drive, Horley, Surrey, RH6 7NQ
Getting here:
It's directly underneath Horley Train Station and there's plenty of parking on the roads nearby.
The Hawth, Crawley
Address:
The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 6YZ
Getting here:
The theatre is a 15 minute walk from Three Bridges Station or Crawley Station and is conveniently on the Metrobus route. For those who drive, there is plenty of free parking on site.
The Capitol, Horsham
Address:
The Capitol, North Street, Horsham, RH12 1RG
Getting here:
The theatre is a 5 minute walk from Horsham Station. There is no parking on site but there are several car parks a short walk away.
Upcoming DROP-IN WORKSHOPS
Has the class you want to attend sold out? Join the Waiting List WhatsApp Group where you'll be notified if a space becomes available on any class. Alternatively, you can add yourself to our Waiting List for specific classes and we'll email you if a space becomes available.
- Improv Scene Skills Workshop @ The CapitolMon 23 JunThe Capitol
Easy Improv Workshop @ The Archway with Elle BassWed 25 JunThe Archway Theatre Studio- Easy Improv Workshop @ The Archway with Elle BassWed 02 JulThe Archway Theatre Studio
- Improv Scene Skills Workshop @ The CapitolMon 07 JulThe Capitol
- Improv Scene Skills Workshop @ The Hawth with Ed PithieWed 09 JulThe Hawth Theatre
- Improv Scene Skills Workshop @ The CapitolMon 21 JulThe Capitol
- Improv Scene Skills Workshop @ The CapitolMon 04 AugThe Capitol
- Improv Scene Skills Workshop @ The CapitolMon 18 AugThe Capitol
- Improv Scene Skills Workshop @ The CapitolMon 01 SeptThe Capitol
- Improv Scene Skills Workshop @ The CapitolMon 15 SeptThe Capitol
- Improv Scene Skills Workshop @ The CapitolMon 29 SeptThe Capitol
ALL OTHER CLASSES
Opening Up! Musical Improv Course - (6 Weeks)Thu 19 JunCrawley United Reform Church
- Improv Lab @ The Archway with Ed PithieWed 02 JulThe Archway Theatre Studio
Dingbats Improv Retreat 2025Fri 05 SeptWadhurst
If you have any questions or want to find out more, don't hesitate to email us at dingbatsimprov@gmail.com.