Dive Deep Into 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.
This is not a commercial event, but a passion project — created by improvisers, for improvisers.
📅 Dates & Format
When: 13th October – 9th November, 2025
Where: Bensafrim (Lagos), Portugal
Group Size: Max 12 participants
Schedule:
🕚 Weekdays 11:00–13:30 & 14:00–16:00 (break length may be adjusted later)
🎭 Multiple performance opprtunities
Although participating the whole month is preferred, there also is the option to just attend the first two or last two weeks.
👥 Who It’s For
This intensive is ideal for:
- Improvisers with some experience
- Those eager to dive deep into consistent daily practice
- Curious and committed learners – your enthusiasm matters
💰 Contribution
We aim to keep this project accessible, with a sliding scale model:
- Full Month: 600€ – 800€
- Two Weeks (First or Last Half): 400€ – 600€
Your fee supports the cost of teachers and the venue.
⚠️ Accommodation and meals are not included – participants will arrange their own.
We recommend renting a car (especially affordable in the off-season) to get around easily.
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
A beautiful villa located in the hills of Bensafrim, just 15 minutes from Lagos.
Practice takes place in a large living room with soft linoleum floors — perfect for movement. The venue also includes:
A small pool, sauna, and inspiring views
A peaceful environment surrounded by nature
Weekly drop-in improv classes are already hosted here.
Lagos, a nearby coastal town, has everything you might need: supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, and beaches.
🧑🏫 Facilitators
Shawn Kinley
Shawn Kinley is a pioneer of improvisational theatre with over 40 years of teaching and performing experience worldwide. He studied improv under Keith Johnstone at the Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary, Canada, where he later became a main teacher at the school. Shawn’s work has taken him to more than 50 countries, including notable visits to prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge, the National Theatre of Iceland, circuses in Poland and Colombia, and even communities in Brazil’s favelas. His global experience enriches his teaching, allowing him to engage diverse groups such as performers, scientists, educators, health care professionals, and even the military.
Shawn is passionate about how improvisation impacts human behavior, creativity, and group dynamics both on and off stage. He believes that improvisation encourages a flexible mindset, enabling us to adapt, innovate, and expand possibilities in a rapidly changing world. With a focus on risk-taking, questioning limitations, and collaborative growth, Shawn’s workshops provide participants with valuable tools for both personal and professional development. His warm, insightful approach makes him a highly respected and sought-after teacher in the improv community.
Brian James O’Connell (BOC)
Brian James O’Connell is a multi-talented actor, writer, director, and improviser based in Los Angeles. He co-founded The Pack Theater—twice named Theatre Company of the Year—and was a core faculty member at iOWest for over a decade before launching his independent training program, ALL IMPROV. Brian’s teaching style is deeply influenced by “The Deconstruction,” a long-form improv form created by the legendary iO team known as The Family. His approach combines rigorous technique with a playful, collaborative spirit that encourages performers to push boundaries while building strong ensemble connections.
Beyond improv, Brian has a exceptional career in writing and filmmaking. He directed Bloodsucking Bastards, which premiered at Slamdance and stars Pedro Pascal, and has written and directed several other feature films and television series. His experience in both the improv world and film industry gives him a unique perspective that he brings into the classroom. Brian’s workshops are known for their energy, humor, and depth, inspiring participants to grow as improvisers and storytellers alike.
📝 Curriculum
Over four weeks, we’ll build a strong foundation together, explore different long-form formats, and become fluent in creating well-rounded stories on stage that evoke all colors of human emotion.
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 Shawn:
We’ll focus on improv essentials, connection, and resolving creative blockages, including:
- Character Work – Creating believable, playful, and dynamic characters, and sticking with them during scenes.
- Space Work / Mime – Using your body and imagination to build the world around you.
- Mid-Form Structures – Exploring medium length formats to understand how longer shows are built.
Weeks 3–4 with Brian:
We’ll dive deeply into long form, exploring classical and custom formats through the lens of Position Play. Position Play is an approach developed by Miles Stroth (Del Close’s “Warchief” and founder of The Pack Theater in Los Angeles). It helps us understand the scene dynamics of the four basic scene types: Logical/Absurd, Character-Driven, Alternate Reality, and Realistic.
Again, there will be a structure in place, but it will stay flexible and adapt to the group’s needs, energy and interest.
✨ 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 32, 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. This project is not about making a profit—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 10 available! Apply soon to secure yours.
If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to [email protected]