Improv Scene Work: Relationship Dynamics

My drama teacher once said 'people go to the theatre to see subtext, because they can read the text at home.' We'll deconstruct subtext. As an improv student I was always told that every scene is about the relationship. Not about what the characters are doing, but the relationship between them. And then my experience of asking audiences to suggest a relationship almost always resulted in a label like “sisters” or “co-workers." And how two people know each other can be a great starting point, however on it's own it's not really a relationship. Sisters can relate to each other in endless ways. Sisters can relate like co-workers. Co-workers can relate like sisters. The label itself isn’t the relationship. This workshop gives you the tools to explore the subtle dynamics, including status, frames, state and adjacent concepts, that determine how two people relate, and how to use them consciously to create scenes and relationships that are specific, alive, dynamic and surprising. HOW THE WORKSHOP WORKS The workshop will begin with a warm up to get present, playful and grounded. We'll then use exercises and scene work to illuminate key concepts and their influence on character dynamics. We close with a jam in which the ideas can be explored in free flow play. Short guided reflections between concepts help you solidify the takeaways so they can be applied to your own characters choices and behaviour. WHO THIS IS FOR - Improvisers at any level wanting to focus on character - Actors and performers that want a greater understanding of interpersonal drama - People curious about the mechanics of human interaction and what drives compelling interpersonal dynamics Some improv or acting experience is ideal, but not required. WHO THIS IS NOT FOR - People looking for a complete beginners class featuring classic games - Stand-up comedy or scripted performance training FORMAT - 3-hour group workshop - Maximum 14 attendees - Experiential learning - No prior experience required ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Michael Becker is a Perth-based performer, filmmaker, and theatre-maker with degrees in theatre (BA) and film (MA). His most recent short film screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals St Kilda Film Festival and Show Me Shorts (New Zealand) as well as Perth Revelation Film Festival. He has trained in improvisation in Sydney, New Zealand, and at iO (Chicago), a historic centre for long-form improvisation. In 2025, he co-developed and performed in an improvised feature film currently in post-production. He has also recently wrapped a short film he wrote, directed, and is currently editing. He has been teaching improvisation and presence-based performance for the past five years in Sydney and Perth, with a focus on authenticity, responsiveness, and real-time interaction, helping people move out of self-consciousness and into instinctive, embodied communication. TESTIMONIALS Michael Becker's improv workshop was such a thrill and a beautiful nervous system reset. The fear of uncertainty can be crippling out there in the real world but with a few light-hearted and simple exercises Michael created a safe place for us to take that fear and burn it to the ground. Simple doesn't mean easy by any stretch but no-one expects to run a marathon without training. I feel like the flood gates are open and that dive into the deep end has really left me seeking more of that very addictive self confidence. The environment was calm but somehow also charged and I could tell we all felt safe and really happy to be expanding a skillset that is beneficial in all aspects of life. The improv workshop allowed me to recognise that my communication skills have been longing for something like this. I've never listened more completely and, in that presence, I noticed so much more than just the words exchanged. What a ride! - Jennah I had an absolutely brilliant time at Michael’s 3-hour improv workshop. It was a safe space filled with so much fun, expertly facilitated and full of practical life skills - for both personal & professional spheres. Improv is a wonderful way to strengthen your ability to stay present, respond in the moment and build genuine connection with others. I highly recommend it! - Sarah Stokoe Cameron: Michael created a safe space for me to explore improv, definitely pushed me into new territory (haha) and I had a really fun time getting out of my head and going with the flow.. some of the practice/skits I found myself in were hilarious. Thank you for hosting. Julia Webster: I thoroughly enjoyed the intensive workshop & learnt new techniques & styles. Michael is a very experienced teacher & I would highly recommend doing a course with him. Louise Southalan: Michael's workshop was such a pleasure to take! I've learnt a ton, felt challenged in a good way and feel like I've got lots of ideas to keep improving. Would completely recommend! Aden: It was a pleasure to have Michael along to bring a fresh perspective and style to our community. Huge respect for his warm and generous presence! Laure: Workshop was great, fun, a nice opportunity to stretch outside my comfort zone a little while feeling very safe to do so. It also made me realise the various applications of improvisation in daily life!! Samurai Gran (Don): Michael's depth of improv knowledge is outstanding. His coaching style is friendly and casual yet incredibly insightful. We have instituted a number of his suggestions around active listening, the value of your scene partner, scene progression, object work, and more into our practice exercises and scenes. We strongly recommend Michael for developing teams and will have him back again. Glenn: Michael’s improv workshop was a fantastic experience. The sessions combined classic improv comedy techniques and scene work with thoughtful analysis from a social perspective, which added a whole new layer of insight. I learned a lot and had a great time doing it. Michael was confident and professional in his delivery, creating an enthusiastic, safe, and connected atmosphere for everyone involved. He brought real depth to the experience with his insightful observations and intriguing connections between social dynamics and improv. 10/10 – I can’t wait for the next one! Rich Weatherill: Michael is a skilled & generous teacher. He modelled the concepts with great examples and provided kind productive notes on our scenes. I’m excited to continue applying these skills in my improv performance. Kate: Lots of great takeaways from this workshop that I can easily apply in my improv. Michael has a calm and thoughtful approach and it made for a great space for experimentation. Dawn Brodie: Michael was very good at analyzing issues and then calm, clear and very encouraging with everything he identified as needing improving. Great course 😊 Mona Morgan: I loved the technical skills and exercises we practiced, especially the begin/end exercise, and notes on thinking about why something matters and trying to catch the other person. Felt the teacher was patient and gave thoughtful and helpful feedback. Don Rowe: Michael was fantastic. He was incredibly adaptable to the needs of the students and able to provide coaching and feedback in a manner takes to the recipient. Excellent short course. Nathan: Michael provided a supportive and welcoming class. Sunny Floyd: This was a good workshop that had a specific focus on character development that I thought could be useful in future improv games. Anthony Voutas: Michael has a deep knowledge of improv and can help make your scenes more dynamic and compelling.