The Greatest Activity in the Great Outdoors - Elsa at the Dingbats Improv retreat

Hello!

I’m Elsa, a regular at the Dingbats Improv classes, and an attendee of the 2023 Dingbats Improv Retreat. I’m already looking forward to going again this September. Here’s a round-up of my experience — and what you can expect if you attend!

What is improv?

Improv is a form of theatre where lines are made up by performers on the spot — unplanned and unscripted. Not only does this lead to much comedy (as when you’re forced to say the first thing that comes to mind, anything can happen), but it’s also an opportunity to get out of your head and have fun, which is exactly why I started nearly two years ago — and why I keep going back!

Everyone I’ve met at Dingbats is a joy to be around. I get as much from the classes as I do from the people that go.

What is an improv retreat?

In contrast to the 2-hour weekly classes, the Dingbats Improv Retreat takes place over a weekend and is a full ~48 hours of improv classes and activities. I felt completely immersed in the world of improv and enjoyed the workshops, as well as opportunities to socialise and be creative in other ways (including morning mask-making!).

What happens at a Dingbats Improv Retreat?

The Dingbats Improv Retreat takes place over a weekend and combines the great outdoors with the greatest activity (improv, obviously!). With accommodation options to suit every taste, meals to suit every dietary requirement, and classes to suit every ability, there really is something for everyone. 

l left the 2023 retreat a better person, with a brain brimming with inspiration and only a slight smell of campfire smoke on my clothes.

Where do I sleep?

There are accommodation options for all, from a fully-equipped converted shepherd’s hut to BYOT — Bring Your Own Tent. I chose the mid-way option of a Shared Bell Tent. Each tent slept five, and was Tardis-esque in that it was far bigger on the inside than it seemed from the outside! Everyone had their own space, and it was cosy but not too hot (we didn’t need to use the blankets and hot water bottles provided!).

Everyone used and enjoyed communal kitchen spaces and toilets and shower blocks. Classes take place in marquees, and the grounds are lit up by twinkling fairy lights in the evening. Idyllic!

What can I expect?

By day

Thespians will be all too familiar with a darkened theatre, lit by artificial stage lights. But not so at Dingbats Improv Retreat. Here we improvised with the fields as our backdrop, the freshly cut grass as our stage and lit by the sunshine. 

It’s a beautiful environment to work and learn in. You can choose from a selection of workshops, and enjoy breaks and free time throughout the day. I also got up early for a short run around Bewl Water, a beautiful lake just down the road.

The workshops

Last year’s retreat had two different teachers with a variety of workshops to choose from. I have heard a rumour that there are some special guest teachers this year, which is exciting! Last year I enjoyed all my chosen sessions, from an intro to musical improv to an in-depth whistle-stop tour of the ‘Harold’ improv format. I also loved the session on unique ways to start a scene, which involved us rolling a giant 20-sided Dungeons and Dragons dice and getting randomly assigned a corresponding scene starter based on the number we rolled. 

By night

You can’t go camping without a campfire. Each evening at the retreat, we toasted marshmallows on the fire. We even played some improv games (we couldn’t get enough!) and sang campfire songs — thank goodness there were only cows as neighbours.

Each evening we performed in a ‘jam’. This involves various performances, short-form games, and showcases of new learnings from the classes people attended that day. Afterwards, some people went to bed, some stargazed, and I played various board games in the biggest marquee.

What do I bring?

There’s plenty included in the retreat, including all the food over the weekend. The pepperoni pizza I had was a particular highlight. If you’ve chosen to camp, you’ll need to bring your camping equipment. Other than that, clothes, a torch, a notebook and pen, a water bottle, and an open mind!

Where do I sign up?

Secure your place via the sign-up form. I hope I’ll see you there! You can find out more infomation on the Improv Retreat page,