Dive Deep Into narrative Longform Improv Theater
Tired of weekend workshops that barely scratch the surface? Come spend a whole month immersed in the joy, challenge, and growth of longform improv theater — with daily practice, experienced teachers, a dedicated group, and beautiful surroundings in Southern Portugal.
Narrative longform:Â Our goal is to learn improvising 45 minute long pieces, with a good story, that has comedy AND enough depth to touch the audiences heart.
This is not a commercial event, but a passion project — created by improvisers, for improvisers.
đź“… Dates & Format
When: 19th October – 14th November, 2025
Where:Â near Tavira, South Portugal
Group Size: Max 9 participants:
Schedule:
Week days 10:00–12:15 & 13:15–15:15 (timings may be slightly adjusted)
 Performance at the end of the intensive.
Although participating the whole month is preferred, there also is the option to just attend the first two or last two weeks.Â
👥 Who It’s For
This intensive is intended for:
- intermediate Improvisers who already feel comfortable in short scenes.
- Those eager to dive deep into consistent daily practice
- Curious and committed learners – your enthusiasm matters
đź’° Contribution
We aim to keep this project accessible, with a sliding scale model:
- Full Month: 850€ – 1000€
- Two Weeks (First or Last Half): 500€ – 650€
Your fee is only intended to cover the cost of teachers and the venue. There is no intention to make a profit.
Accommodation and meals are not included – participants will arrange their own. There are different yypes of accommdation available at the venue. Contact us for more information.
We recommend renting a car (especially affordable in the off-season) to get around easily. Last year participants rented a car together ( There will be a Whatsapp group, where you can coordinate this, if you want to. )
If you are experiencing financial difficulties but would still like to join, don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected] – we’d be happy to find a way to make it work.
Venue - Estudio Yucca
EstĂşdio Yucca is a creative space nestled in nature near Tavira in the Eastern Algarve. Next airport is Faro which is only 45 minutes away.
Surrounded by trees, open skies, and quiet landscapes, the venue offers an inspiring atmosphere for artistic immersion and deep ensemble work.
The space includes:
• Beautiful movement and practice spaces • Outdoor gathering areas • Peaceful natural surroundings • Shared creative atmosphere • Easy access to beaches and Tavira town
The Venue is located next to the Ria Formosa ( a River-Sea Lagoon) and the Ocean. The beach of the Ria is 3 minutes walking-distance.
https://www.estudioyucca.com/the-space
Cabanas de Tavira, a nearby coastal town, has everything you might need: supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, is 15 minute walking along side the Ria.
🧑‍🏫 Facilitators
Joe Bill
Joe Bill is one of America’s most respected teachers of scenic and comedic improvisation. He is a founding member of the Annoyance Theater Chicago, where he performed and directed over 60 shows. He also led corporate training at iO Chicago and taught at The Second City Training Center.
Joe began improvising in 1977 and studied with legendary teacher Del Close from 1985 into the 1990s. He is known for creating long-form duo improv shows, especially BASSPROV with Mark Sutton, which was praised by the New York Times for its natural humor and strong characters.
For more than 20 years, Joe has toured internationally as a performer and teacher, working with top improvisers from the U.S. and Europe. In recent years, he has also been teaching and performing in French across France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Laura Doorneweerd-Perry
When Laura is not traveling the world, she can be found cycling the Amsterdam canals between her jobs as a trainer, performer, entrepreneur, and cat mom.
Together with her spouse Gael, she founded Flock Theatre. These two improv nerds found each other through improvisation and are now teaching and producing theatrical improvisation.
Laura has a background in scripted theatre, dance, business studies, training design, directing plays and entrepreneurship. With her 20+ years of teaching experience, she teaches other improv teachers.
As a performer, Laura has been featured in dozens of international improvisation festivals and conferences, including Improvaganza by Rapid Fire Theatre (Canada), The Cairo International Gathering for University Theater (Egypt), Improfestival Karlsruhe (Germany), Unexpected Productions Seattle (USA), Beijing Improv Festival (China), Dad’s Garage Atlanta (USA), WĂĽrzburg International Improv Festival (Germany), The Upfront Theatre Bellingham (USA), Slapdash London (UK), MOMENT (Austria), and many more.
Gael Doorneweerd-Perry
Gael is doing improv for almost 20 years, starting in Strasbourg and now in Amsterdam. He’s the co-founder of Flock Theatre, Anananas & Pampamplemousse (formerly La Carpe Haute), the SIN (a network of improvisers across Europe), and Safe Play, a community focused on creating a safer improv environment. After leading IMPRO Amsterdam, he’s now the co-Artistic Director of Improfestival Karlsruhe and the Flock Festival in Amsterdam.
Gael loves teaching and performing around the world with Laura Doorneweerd-Perry. They toured with their show “Object of Affection” around the world before settling in Amsterdam where they produce unscripted theatre and collaborate with other artists.
His latest passion is the practice of Soundpainting, a multidisciplinary language to compose in real-time with an ensemble of artists. Gael’s improv style is playful and heartfelt, blending physicality, kindness, and a dash of craziness.
đź“ť Curriculum
Over four weeks, we’ll build a strong foundation together and go onto the journey of creating well-rounded stories on stage that evoke all colors of human emotion.
On any given day the first 15-minutes of warm-up will be guided by one of the participants.Â
Please note that the exact curriculum will be tailored to the participants who attend. Both Shawn and BOC are known for their skill in tuning into the group’s strengths, weaknesses, and needs to design the most powerful learning opportunity in the moment.
Weeks 1–2 with Joe:
We’ll focus on connection, team building and resolving creative blockages, and cultivating necesarry skills for successful narrative longform.
Weeks 3-4 Laura and Gael:
We will deep dive into narrative longform improv. Telling stories with authentic characters, depth and humor. More information on the curriculum to be announced soon.
Note: Gael and Laura are going to teach together on week 3, on week 4 it is only going to be Laura.
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✨ About the Organizer – Dani
Hi, I’m Dani. I fell in love with improv 10 years ago during my university days in Germany. It was my first creative passion.
Since then, life has taken me in many directions, but improv has always remained in my heart. Now, at 34, I’m ready to commit deeply to long-form — not just weekend workshops, but a full month of exploration, presence, and collaboration.
Since Europe doesn’t currently offer long-form improv intensives beyond a week, I’ve created one myself—for me, and for others who want the same. I am not making any profit in this project.—it’s about making something beautiful, meaningful, and shared.
Ready to explore, play, and grow with us in October?
We’d love to have you.
Spots are limited — only more spots 7 available! Apply soon to secure yours.
If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to [email protected]
Look how much fun we had last year:
