Improv asks you to be present with other people, sometimes about things that
matter. That is the point of it. It only works when everyone in the room knows
roughly how far the material is going to go, so nobody gets blindsided and
nobody has to guess.
So every workshop, class and show I run carries a level from 1 to 5. It covers
two things at once: how adult the content is, and how much physical contact is
in play. How physically demanding a session is gets its own separate Physicality & Movement level. Check both before you book.
A Level 4 workshop is allowed to go to Level 4. It does not have to, and most scenes will sit well below it. Nothing about the number obliges you to play at the top of it.
Consent beats the rating, every time
You can decline anything, at any point, without explaining yourself. Saying no to a scene, a topic or a touch is a normal part of the work, not a problem to be managed. I will back you on it.
A level is not blanket permission
Nobody negotiates a scene before they start one, that is not how improv works. So treat the level as what might come up, not as what everyone has already agreed to. Read your partner, take the smaller option when you are unsure, and know that anyone can pull out of physical contact mid-scene. A partner who steps back is giving you information, not wrecking the scene.
Every session states its level up front
The level is on the workshop page before you pay, and I restate it at the start of the session along with anything specific I know is coming.
Tell me if it drifts
If a session goes past its stated level, that is on me to pull back. Say so in the moment if you can, or afterwards if that is easier.
The levels
The examples are reference points, not a fixed list. They are there to make the
level concrete.
1
Level 1: All-Ages
Suitable for everyone, no swearing or adult themes.
Content
Content suitable for all ages. No swearing and no adult themes.
Physical contact
Limited to high-fives, handshakes, or a simple pat on the back.
Example topics
Themes like friendship, teamwork and everyday situations. Children's stories, family adventures, Pixar films, good against evil like Star Wars, fairy tales, Sesame Street, Aesop's Fables.
Suitable for
All age groups, including families with younger participants.
Moderate content. Minimal swearing and no explicit discussion of adult themes.
Physical contact
Casual touch like linking arms, a shoulder pat, or a brief hug.
Example topics
Themes like work dynamics, friendships and casual relationships. Workplace comedies like "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" or "The Office", family bonds in dramas like "Parenthood", and the everyday awkwardness of classic sitcoms like "Friends" and "Seinfeld".
Suitable for
General audiences, including teens and adults. Corporate and professional groups.
3
Level 3: Emotionally Driven
Real emotional depth, moderate swearing, supportive contact.
Content
Themes with emotional depth. Moderate swearing and implicit mentions of adult themes.
Physical contact
More emotionally supportive actions like a full hug or holding hands.
Example topics
Themes like close relationships, ethical dilemmas and societal issues. Dramas like "The Crown", emotional films and series like "Good Will Hunting" or "Fleabag", complex characters and ethical questions like Shakespeare, coming-of-age films like "Eighth Grade", moral complexity like an Agatha Christie mystery.
Suitable for
People comfortable with emotional engagement and moderate adult themes.
4
Level 4: Intimate
Polarising topics, swearing, close physical contact.
Content
Complex or polarising topics. Swearing and mentions of adult themes.
Physical contact
May include pretend slaps or punches, holding, or physically moving close to a scene partner.
Example topics
Themes like politics, social taboos and intense emotion. Thought-provoking films like "Parasite", romantic dramas like "Her", stories of social complexity like "Inception", and explorations of social norms and personal boundaries like "Curb Your Enthusiasm".
Suitable for
Experienced performers comfortable with a high degree of emotional and physical intimacy.
5
Level 5: Unrestricted
No holds barred, explicit content, high physical contact.
Content
No holds barred. Explicit language and adult themes, including characters or content some people will find offensive.
Physical contact
May include high-contact work like lifting or carrying a partner, simulated intimate moments, kissing, intimate hugs and full-body contact.
Example topics
Extreme or taboo situations and intense psychological scenarios. Gritty series like "The Bear" or "Breaking Bad", intense dramas like "Fight Club", emotionally brutal confrontations like "Marriage Story", dark societal reflections like "Black Mirror", satire like "The Wolf of Wall Street".
Suitable for
Highly experienced performers who are comfortable with very explicit and potentially challenging material.
Not sure about a level?
Ask before you book rather than after. If a workshop is rated higher than you
are comfortable with, that is useful information and not a judgement on you,
and there is almost always another session that fits better.