I'm very excited to tell you about a retreat I'll be running, with the support of the excellent Helen Wood, in Pembrokeshire. This will be a small bespoke retreat with no more than 12 participants, so you get to send me the things you love and the things you find challenging about improv, so that I can craft a retreat that fits YOU!
Not only that, but you're in Pembrokeshire!! Having recently stayed at Helen's place in August, I can tell you that's it's BEAUTIFUL, the cottage is only 15 mins walk from the beach AND there's an actual castle!
All food, accommodation and improv is provided and there'll be a night out at the pub (pub meal included) on one of the evenings.
BOOKINGS GO LIVE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, but for now, please have a look at the info below:
A five-day, small group improv retreat led by Jen Rowe. This playful, creative week is a chance to immerse yourself in improv, but with plenty of time to enjoy the best of Pembrokeshire. The retreat is aimed at people with some experience of improvised games and scenes. There will be a maximum of 12 participants.
When: Mon 20th May to Sat 25th May 2024 Arrive after 3pm on the Monday, welcome meet at 6.00 pm. Leave by 12 noon on the Saturday
The improv:
There will be at least 17 hours of improv which includes workshops each morning from Tuesday to Friday, evening jams and additional improv activities.
Subjects covered may include: character, scene building, finding scene ideas, styles, relationship, emotional connection, longform, shortform, object and space, genres, wordplay and storytelling.
In order to tailor the week to the participants we will ask you, prior to the retreat, to let us know the top three things you find challenging in improv and want to improve and the top three things that float your boat.
You will also have the chance during the afternoons (for an additional fee) to book on a two-person, hour-long focused coaching session.
The holiday element:
There’ll be lots of opportunities during the afternoons to explore the local area.
The Pembrokeshire coast is just over a mile from Lime House with glorious beaches and coast walks with stunning views.
Manorbier village (a mile away) has a fab castle, tea shops and the pub.
Tenby is an attractive, interesting seaside town and only 5 miles away.
Lime House is very secluded and has a peaceful, relaxing vibe and there are plenty of places around the garden to chill.
Food: All meals (which are vegetarian) from Monday dinner to Saturday breakfast are included. On Thursday evening we go to the local pub for a meal (cost is included and meat is available!) followed by sunset time – weather permitting - at Manorbier beach.
Accommodation: In the house: There are five bedrooms available – two twins, one single and two doubles – space for 7 people (more if couples book a double room). There are three shared bathrooms. Camping: There is room for 2 to 3 tents in the orchard. Off-site accommodation: Some people will stay in a cottage that is about ½ mile from Lime House where single rooms are available. If you want to find your own accommodation there are several reasonably priced options nearby and suggestions can be sent. But best if you come by car.
Costs: The costs include teaching and all meals Single--occupancy room: £625 Shared room: £525 Single room in cottage off-site £600 Camping: £430 Own accommodation found £400
A deposit of £100 will secure your place and the balance needs to be paid 4 weeks before the start date.
Travel: To give you an idea of distance it takes approx. 2 ¼ hours from the Severn Bridge crossing if you are driving. If coming by train (approx. 5 hours from London) or coach (approx. 6 hours from London) we will pick you up from Manorbier Station or Tenby Coach drop off.
Jen Rowe: Jen is a long-standing member of The Maydays and Impromptu Shakespeare. She teaches with Hoopla, AndAlso, and currently coaches many teams and duos, most recently Improbotics. As an actor, she’s particularly interested in making improv a more theatrical experience, as well as using improv for creative writing and to improve mental health. www.jennyrowe.co.uk
‘Her friendly, relaxed approach guaranteed that newcomers and experienced actors felt comfortable and yet adventurous enough to successfully explore the ideas she provided.’
‘I really enjoyed doing improv with Jen. She's empathetic and full of fun.’