IMPROV YOUR PODCASTS (FACTUAL OR FICTIONAL)

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2025, 11:00 AM

(Podcamp Toronto runs February 21-23, 2025)

George Brown College's School of Media and Performing Arts

230 Richmond Street East, Room 203

FREE* admission (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

This two-part workshop will look at the ways theatrical improv games and techniques can be used to bring spontaneous storytelling to your work, be it an interview-based podcast or a fictional podcast (single narrator or full-cast audio drama).

For factual podcasters: Lots of interview questions get you factual answers, but are you missing asking questions that would prompt your guests to tell far more compelling stories? Learn how combining proper preparation with curiosity and a willingness to go off-script can lead to far more memorable interviews. No more start and stop. No more dead-ends. Go deeper and co-create something unexpected with your guests.

For fictional podcasters: Do you ever feel stuck? Writing feeling “flat”? If you need a creative nudge, this half of the workshop is for you. Using easy-to-learn improv games and very short writing sprints during the workshop you’ll learn how to:

• Start at the beginning (No, it’s not obvious)
• Give your characters character
• Favour imagination over research (at least on the first draft)
• Give your dialogue life by focusing on emotion and intent
• Trust in tangents to find out “What’s next?” in your story
• Generate ideas, plots, and scenarios fast! Silence your Inner Critic and bust through writer’s block.

Both halves of this workshop will give you lots of ideas. Audience participation is encouraged, but ABSOLUTELY NO IMPROV EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED. A handout with ideas and more resources is included.

What we'll focus on

1. Letting your guest lead the story (without losing the plot)
2. Using improv to come up with compelling audio fiction
3. Freeing your imagination by learning to trust your instincts
4. The joys and liberation of co-creation
5. How to “plan less, play more”

*All workshops, lectures, and product demonstrations at Podcamp Toronto are free to attend, but there are also paid tiers which give you more, including:

• Networking event: Exclusive access to a special networking party with industry leaders and peers 1 drink ticket and food included
• Industry Lounge Access:  Access to a quiet lounge with coffee and a comfortable space to relax and chat with fellow attendees

For 25% off paid tickets use code IMPYOUPOD76 at checkout.

Join us and IMPROV(e) YOUR PODCAST!