Physicality & Movement

Last updated: August 2026

Some improv sessions barely leave the chair. Others have you running across the room for three hours. Both are worth doing, but you should be able to tell which one you are booking, and whether the exercises can flex to what your body can do on the day.

So alongside its Intimacy & Content Level, every session carries a Physicality & Movement level from 1 to 5. Two different questions, two different numbers.

1 Static 2 Light 3 Active 4 High 5 Intensive

How it works

  • It is a separate number to the content level

    How physical a session is has nothing to do with how adult it is. A gentle table read can be Level 1 physically and Level 4 on content, and a rowdy all-ages workshop can be the reverse. Both numbers are stated, so check both.

  • Tell me what you need before the session, not during

    If you have an injury, a condition, limited mobility, or you are just not up for it that week, email me beforehand. Levels 1 to 3 can almost always be adapted with a bit of notice. At 4 and 5 I will tell you honestly what can and cannot be changed rather than promise something I cannot deliver.

  • Sitting out is always available

    You can step out of any exercise and back in whenever you like, no explanation needed. Watching an exercise is a legitimate way to learn it.

  • The rating covers the whole session

    Warm-ups included. If a session is mostly seated but opens with ten minutes on your feet, it is rated for the ten minutes on your feet, not the average.

  • Nothing at any level requires fitness or training

    Even Level 5 is about being willing to move fast and commit physically, not about being athletic. There is no baseline you need to meet to be in the room.

The levels

The examples are reference points, not a fixed list. They are there to make the level concrete.

Level 1: Static

Seated or standing still, minimal movement.

Movement
Most activities are seated, or standing in a stable position, and need minimal movement.
Examples
Table reads, writing workshops, seated discussions, podcasting, computer-based sessions.
Physical exertion
Low
Can it be adapted?
All exercises are fully accessible.
Suitable for
Anyone, as the activities need almost no physical movement. Ideal if you prefer or need a low level of physical activity.

Level 2: Light

Standing and light walking, basic gestures.

Movement
Some standing and light movement, including walking and basic gestures.
Examples
Simple role-playing, standing in a circle, introductory improv exercises, podcasting stand-ups.
Physical exertion
Low to Medium
Can it be adapted?
Exercises can be modified so anyone uncomfortable standing can take part while seated.
Suitable for
Anyone comfortable standing for short periods and doing some light walking.

Level 3: Active

Moving around the space, with occasional bursts.

Movement
Moderate movement. You may need to move around the space, and there can be occasional moments of higher intensity.
Examples
Regular improv scene work, object work, basic physical clowning, light dancing.
Physical exertion
Medium
Can it be adapted?
Most exercises can be adjusted, though occasionally there will be a specific exercise that someone with lower mobility cannot take part in.
Suitable for
People comfortable with moderate physical activity, including the occasional burst of something harder.

Level 4: High

Running, jumping, lifting, non-contact stage combat.

Movement
High levels of physical activity like running, jumping or lifting. May involve real exertion, including quick movements or light stage combat.
Examples
Speedy scene transitions, non-contact fight scenes, stand-up routines with a lot of stage movement.
Physical exertion
Medium to High
Can it be adapted?
In most cases it will not be feasible to modify exercises for lower mobility.
Suitable for
People comfortable with a fast pace and a variety of complex movements.

Level 5: Intensive

Fast-paced, choreography, contact stage combat.

Movement
High levels of physical activity throughout. May include fast-paced running, lifting, complex choreography, or contact stage combat.
Examples
Fast-paced scene changes, expressive dance routines, simulated fights, dynamic movement like quick lifts or throws, intense physical clowning.
Physical exertion
High
Can it be adapted?
If lower mobility is a concern, expect that most exercises will not be suitable.
Suitable for
People at ease with highly dynamic and intense physical activity, though not necessarily trained in it.

Need something adapted?

Email me before you book and I will tell you straight what a session involves and what can be changed. It is a much better conversation to have in advance than in the room on the night.

Email me