Spinal Tap, Best in Show, The Office, Parks & Rec…

Mockumentaries are documentaries where the world and characters presented are exaggerated versions of reality. 

Improv and mockumentaries have a long and storied history together. In fact, a free-wheeling improvisational style fits the tone of the form perfectly. Over the years, such improv luminaries as Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Amy Poehler and Steve Carell have all used their training to hilarious effect in mockumentary films and TV shows. 

In this intensive 2 day course, we’ll explore how to put them on stage. We’ll look at everything from the Christopher Guest cannon, through the US version of The Office and Parks & Recreation, to existing improv formats like The Documentary developed by Billy Merritt.

Improv Toolkit:

• Creating distinct and memorable characters
• Interview-style monologues and asides
• Relationships and subtext
• Light-touch narrative
• Voice over & narration 

Who? Anyone who wants to explore this wonderful format.
When? Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March 10am-5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday
Where? Old Jet – Bentwaters Airbase, Rendlesham, Suffolk IP12 2T
How much? £140

We can do payment plans as we don’t ever want money to be a barrier, and concessions are available for anyone who needs a lower rate. Or you can pay a £50 deposit to reserve your space now.

Woodbridge is a lovely nearby town and there are places to stay and there’s a glamping site called Wantisden Park that’s a 5 minute walk from Old Jet . If you’d like recommendations or help with accommodation just ask.

About your instructor

Chris Mead

Chris Mead is an improviser, writer and creator who lives in the beautiful Surrey Hills with his wife, Laura & Cavapoo dog-pal, Radio. His focus is on emotionally-connected, relationship-driven improv. He is lucky enough to teach and perform all over the world. Chris studied theatre at the prestigious Royal Holloway college and continues to explore improv with every school, theatre and practitioner he can find.

❤️: improv, Doctor Who, tea
😡: injustice, tyranny, coffee

Praise for the course from past participants

“Chris is such a fantastic teacher. He brings the benefits of his experience as a performer and helps us to see what works well and, alternatively, what gets in the way. He stresses the positive and he is always excited at what the group achieves. His clarity of vision and guidance and his excitement just spurs us on to do more and to try to improve.”

“Do this course. It will bring joy to your life.”

“Chris’ passion and enthusiasm is so infectious, I knew his Mockumentary Now! course would be an absolute winner and it exceeded even my own expectations. I’ve particularly loved the way that Chris has taught the format, allowing us to explore the various (hilarious) elements of the genre. I’ve also met some wonderful and talented new improv friends who have made me laugh until my face hurt. On the whole it’s been an incredibly freeing and joyful experience.”

“I was worried that this format would be heavily premise-based. I think with any other teacher it might have been. Instead, Chris taught us to tap into characters and unlock details intuitively. In the end, we all looked very very clever and hilarious, nearly effortlessly. Very satisfying!”