‘Improvisation an inspiration’ says man coming to Trowbridge (From Wiltshire Times)

‘Improvisation an inspiration’ says man coming to Trowbridge

9:00am Friday 11th January 2013 in Latest News By Katie Smith

Veteran US improviser and Seinfeld and Roseanne television show actor Mark Beltzman is coming to Trowbridge, to teach improvisation skills to its citizens.

Mr Beltzman, 52, has been acting, writing, and directing since 1981.

He was a founding member of the Improv Olympic theatre in Chicago and now hopes to set up his own theatre in London’s West End.

Improvisation, often shortened to improv, is a form of unscripted performance, which involves the skills of listening, agreeing and co-operation.

Mr Beltzman said: “I came to London eight weeks ago. Seeing what is happening here in the improv scene has been amazingly inspirational to me. It reminds me of what I experienced in Chicago in the mid-1980s.

“The improv community in the UK is growing every year. It has spread out in pubs and theatres all over the country, but the community is in desperate need of a theatre.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for someone to serve as a catalyst and bring the improv community together in London.”

Kirsten Lane, a performing arts lecturer and director in Wiltshire, follows the director on Twitter and asked him if he could do some workshops in the county.

Mrs Lane, 42, of Radstock, has been a lecturer for 16 years and believes all ages will benefit from the improvisation sessions.

She said: “I came across improv some years ago, when I took part in a workshop at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol.

“I agree with Mark when he says it unlocks other areas of yourself. It brings out your confidence, which is good when you’re teaching.”

Public workshops will take place on January 22, from 1- 4pm and 6-9pm, at Trowbridge Town Hall.

Wiltshire College students can attend a workshop on January 23, from 1-4pm, at the Arc Theatre in Trowbridge.

Tickets cost £35 and booking by January 18 is advised. Later bookings will be accepted if space is available.

Mr Beltzman hopes to return to Wiltshire in February, if the workshops prove popular, to provide more tuition.

For more information or to book a place on the workshop, email Kirsten.Lane @wiltshire.ac.uk