improv outreach workers
Our network of outreach workers are ready to bring improv to your community!
Hoopla’s purpose is to bring the joy of improv to as many people as possible. We aim to make improv fun, friendly, sociable, open and accessible to all.
At the moment we run improv classes and shows across Central London, and have a diversity program set up to bring people from different backgrounds to those classes and shows, as well as diversity scholarships offering free and discounted places.
But all of that is currently reliant on people knowing what improv is, finding us online, being near the workshops and being able to make the times. So there are a huge number of people we aren’t reaching and we want to fix that.
So we are now also bringing improv to where people actually are, to people of all backgrounds, to different areas and to help bring improv to everyone.
That’s why we have started a new Diversity & Inclusion Improv Outreach Worker project, to rapidly bring about a massive positive change to the UK improv scene.
I love improv, but it needs shaking up. I see improv as something for everyone. So I would live if it truly represented a slice of society. If you don’t see yourself represented we need you!
DTRS at Hoopla are all super friendly; they make you feel instantly at ease and really included; if you're looking for a clique full of mean girls this is the wrong place. I felt completely supported on stage and there is a really different experience from performing with others from a similar background to you.
Stumbling upon a BAME improv night was encouraging as somebody new to the scene, as I was able to watch experienced performers who looked like me and whose content was often more relatable than the main circuit.
Do The Right Scene at Hoopla host one of the best comedy nights in London. The atmosphere onstage and off is always electric. It’s always a joy to perform alongside their stellar lineup of talented stand-ups and improvisers.
I've been going to DTRS at Hoopla for about a year and it is consistently one of the most welcoming places to perform and watch improv. I didn't know many Asian performers before joining and feel incredible comfort that there's a space for us too.
I can confidently attest to how much I’ve grown and how grateful I am for the friends I’ve made. Improv is transformative.
One drop-in class with Hoopla and four and a half years later I have gone from student to an improviser who performs with multiple groups.
I just think there’s something so special about these monthly nights that allow me to want to continue to perform improv.
Improv can be transformative and thanks to the work of a few dedicated black women, the scene is opening up and becoming more inclusive.
The black women transforming London's improv theatre scene.
key aims of the project
Our outreach workers are aiming to bring improv workshops to these communities:
– Black, Asian, Middle Eastern and Minority Ethnic People.
– LGBT+.
– Ages 18-21.
– Older People.
– English as a second language and other international groups.
– People with a disability.
We are currently looking to book in workshops with people in those communities.
There is no cost to the community group or participants at the workshop, although you are welcome to make a donation if you are able.
They will mainly do this by bringing improv outreach workshops to the community in these places:
– Colleges and Youth Clubs.
– Community Centres, Charities and Religious Centres.
– Theatres, Drama Clubs and Drama Schools.
– Recovery Colleges.
– Language Schools.
– Old People’s Homes.
– Universities.
These workshops will be at no cost to the participants. This work will be covered by Hoopla’s improv outreach workers fund.
This will have the longer term effect of bringing improv to more of these communities and then bringing more of these people into the wider improv scene.
how to book in a workshop
Please email [email protected] with:
- Your name.
- Your contact details.
- Name of organisation or community group.
- Description of organisation or community group.
- Address of the group, or whether you’d like to come to one of our venues.
- Preferred days and times.
We will then select the best teacher for the workshop and get in touch with some options for dates for them to come and run a workshop.
There is no cost to the community group or participants at the workshop, although you are welcome to make a donation if you are able.
about the workshop
We believe improv helps with confidence, creativity, listening, collaboration, teamwork, self expression, relationships, mental health and general well-being.
Most of all improv at Hoopla is loads of fun!
We believe that this should be available to everyone of all backgrounds, so please get in touch to book in a workshop and help us bring improv to everyone!
how this project is funded
- Crowdsourcing fund.
- Fundraising shows, events and festivals run by Hoopla.
- Ongoing self-funding from Hoopla.
- Corporate sponsorship (we need help with this so let us know if you have experience of this).
Where the money goes:
- Teacher fees for freelance teachers delivering workshops.
- Room hire for each workshop.
- All other overheads are covered by Hoopla.
Cost to the community group and participants:
There is no cost to the community group or participants at the workshop, although you are welcome to make a donation if you are able.