Biography
Patti Stiles is an actor, improviser, director, instructor and playwright whose been working professionally in theatre since 1983. She served her theatre apprenticeship at the world-renowned Loose Moose Theatre and was trained by Keith Johnstone. Her understanding of Johnstone’s work and philosophy, combined with her own discoveries and her wealth of experience on the world impro stage, has made her a “must-have” teacher for performers and companies wishing to create spontaneous theatre with fine skill, strong narrative, heart and elegant style. Patti has worked in North and South America, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, UAE and the Oceania region for numerous improvisation companies, festivals, theatre schools and in the corporate arena. Patti is co-Artistic Director of Impro Melbourne (Melbourne Australia), the Artistic Director of Die Nasty AU (Melbourne Australia), and a member of the ITI Artistic Committee. She has been interviewed for numerous podcasts and University papers. Added to her list of credits are three nominations for an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award, plus she holds the unofficial record for being the first female to improvise for 53 hours in a row in the famous “Die Nasty soap a thon”. The Canadian press has given her the titles “Impro Doyen” and “Queen of Improvisation”.
More information: pattistiles.com
Patti’s Workshops
Mechanics of Scene Work
Develop and strengthen your skills in starting, building and sustaining the story of scene. Essential skills such as developing Platform, understanding the circle of possibilities and an awareness of the promises and possibilities the circle provides, spot whose scene it is, advance the scene (dramatic action), raise the stakes and find satisfying endings are explored.
Dual Timelines
Masterclass. In this workshop we explore creating and playing dual timelines. Stories of the past and present being told simultaneously.
We walk with the shadows of our past
We hear the lingering sounds of our words
We feel the lasting impact of our actions
Consequences inform and reform
The past and present interwoven
Today rests on the shoulders of then
Release, Receive, Respond, React
Creativity is effortless and impro a pleasure when we release the need to control, receive the offers which are present and allow spontaneous response and character reactions to move the scene forward. Discover, or rediscover, the simplicity of observational play through exercises designed to train our improvisation skills.
Gifts to Inspire your Partner
Improvisers who inspire, surprise and delight their partners are the most fun to play with. How do they do this magic? This workshop explores exercises and techniques to help you delight, surprise and inspire your partner. How to change them, affect them and watch them light up!
Testimonials
"Patti Stiles is a superlative improviser and a caring and wonderfully attentive teacher. Her work inpires students and fellow performers alike.”
Dan O’Connor Producing Artistic Director Impro Theatre LA
“She’s a national treasure.”
David Razowski
"Patti Stiles improvisational experience and knowledge is a goldmine! A generous spirit who is attentive and responsive in any environment. If you want to learn what improv is about...watch Patti.”
Randy Dixon Artistic Director Unexpected Productions (Seattle USA)
“Patti Stiles is a legendary teacher and performer in the world of improvised theatre. Onstage her work always sparkles with life and truth, while in the workshop setting she is thought-provoking and inspirational. The day she left Canada was a sad day for improv companies coast to coast.”
