NOTE: This retreat will be limited to 20 participants. Apply early. Missing out is not funny!
Each & Every Moment - A 2 day workshop in comedic improvisation with Ari Lazer (Ages 16+)
What stories can we discover, saying yes to our impulses in the present moment?
How do we embrace and enrich the offers of others?
Where does that spur of the moment inspiration come from, and how to we tend it?
Expand yourself by developing play and personal presence onstage and in everyday life!
This retreat is perfect for …..
Performers, dancers, musicians, and human beings looking to deepen in the fundamentals of improv. Those who are new to the form are welcome - those who have a beginner to intermediate grasp of the principles of the form will be well met by the opportunity to play, practice and get feedback in real time.
We’ll Explore Together…
Day 1 : A deep dive into the mechanics and techniques of short-form improv scenes.
Through games and exercises, we’ll discover a whole set of tools to unpack what’s happening in a scene, how to find clear, motivated choices that deepen the possibilities of the scene, and the choices of your fellow players.
Day 2: An expansion into longer form storytelling.
Working in some long form and open form contexts, we’ll discover how to make character and story driven choices. We’ll learn how to tell a story through cut aways, and other transition tools. And we’ll also explore the game of the form, and other ways to play scenes that aren’t based in the typical “problem, stakes, solution” model.
Some of the Areas We’ll Cover Over the Two Days Include:
Building The Scene:
How do we find out what the scene is about?
Who, where, what
How each element in setting up the scene gives us clear options and direction for where to take it.
Strong Offers:
What can you offer your fellow players in a scene, to deepen their opportunities to make a strong, and hopefully hilarious scene?
Essentials of Character:
Motivation
Who are you, what do you want?
Who are the others in the scene, what do they want? How do you know?
Status
How we see each other and ourselves informs what choices we’ll make in a scene
Power dynamics are a wonderful thing to foil, and co-create with one another.
Creating character driven problems
What does your character want?
How do they change in getting it, or not getting it?
What do they learn along the way?
All good drama is about transformations within your character, so how do we find what wants to change, and what wants to stay the same?
Storytelling:
What does it mean to raise the stakes?
What makes a rich and multi-dimensional problem to build a story arc from?
What different techniques do we have to tell stories on stage?
Longform/ Openform Techniques:
How do scenes and stories change when we know we’ll be coming back to them?
When and how to cut a scene?
When to open up the idea space wide, when to narrow in?
What are useful tips and tricks to transition between scenes, and story elements?
TEACHER
Photo credit: Kris Klug Photography
ARI lAZER
Ari Lazer is a playwright, performer, and producer - with over 20 years experience in improv, immersive theatre, and storytelling. He lives on Salt Spring Island, BC. He was one of the founding members of the Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret, and ran the Travelling Alchemists Outreach Society - producing work with the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Folk Festival, The Public Dreams Society, and many others. You can see some of his past theatre work here.
He is also well known for his visual art and design.
Learn more about him, in all the ways - here.
DATES
Friday June 13th - Sunday 15th, 2025
Arrival Day: June 13th (set up camp, first session, welcome dinner) Arrival 2-4pm.
Departure Day: June 15th 6:30pm
*Departure: participants have the option of leaving Sunday evening or staying over night and leaving Monday by noon. No breakfast is provided Monday morning.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE - Sat & Sun
8:30-9:30AM BREAKFAST AVAILABLE
10:00-12:00PM MORNING SESSION
12:00-2:00PM LUNCH/REST/DIGEST
2-3:30 PM AFTERNOON SESSION 1
3:30 - 5PM REST & INTEGRATION
5-6:30PM AFTERNOON SESSION 2
7:00-8:00PM DINNER
8:30-10PM INTEGRATION/SELF ORGANIZED IMPROV PLAY
TRAVEL TO SALT SPRING ISLAND
Travel by air to Vancouver International Airport YVR or Victoria YYJ Airport.
Salt Spring Island is a popular tourist destination. Travel during the summer months can be BUSY! Best to reserve your route as early as possible (reserve your flight or ferry travel).
We will organize a rideshare for those interested. Its also a great way to meet your fellow attendees before the gathering.
If you are coming by foot (i.e. no car) we can organize a pick up for you at the Harbour Air or Ferry terminals if you let us know in advance.
TRAVEL BY AIR from Vancouver YVR Airport (select Richmond YVR Airport) on Harbour Air into Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island. The travel is 35 mins. This can be helpful if traveling to YVR airport already from elsewhere. You will need to transfer to the South Terminal via airport shuttle (free) or taxi (paid) (may take between 15 and 30 mins depending on traffic).
TRAVEL BY SEA on BC Ferries. There are 2 main options:
Travel direct from Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Long Harbour, Salt Spring Island (1 or 2 options daily). The crossing is 40 mins. See schedule here
Travel via Swartz Bay (Victoria)
Tsawwassen ferry terminal to Swartz Bay Terminal (Victoria) This option is available every hour daily. he crossing is 25 mins. See schedule here
THEN TRANSFER
Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring Island). This option available every approximately every 2 hrs daily. See schedule here
Travel questions? Please ask! info@rhizomesprings.com
TRAVEL TO RHIZOME SPRINGS ON SALT SPRING ISLAND
We are located in the south end of Salt Spring Island. The road is not paved, but maintained and graded semi frequently. Although it can be rough, most vehicles can drive it without issue. The key is to DRIVE SLOWLY. We will send complete directions upon registration. Questions? info@rhizomesprings.com
Location Details
Salt Spring Island is a small town community (pop ~10,000). The closest store is 20 min drive (Fulford Harbour). The main town, Ganges, is 35 min drive away with a grocery store, ATM, cafes, pharmacy, small hospital and some general supply stores. There are no big box stores and limited amenities on island. The famous Salt Spring Island Saturday Farmers Market has fresh local produce and lots of famous artisanal food and crafts. There are lots of local farm stands selling home made/grown produce, baking, kombucha, soaps, teas, etc.
Tent/Car camping included. Please bring your own gear (tent, sleeping mat/bag). We have some tents/gear for rent (please inquire prior to coming if interested).
Potable water on site. Bring your own water bottle and mug for coffee/tea.
Bring clothes to dress in layers, as the weather is unpredictable. Sometimes cooler nights/mornings and very hot afternoons/eves.
We have showers. Only biodegradable soaps/shampoos please.
The ocean or lake are within a 10 min drive. Sensitive eco systems - no oils/soaps etc.
The land is a sensitive ecosystem and we count on you to respect and honour this by cleaning up after yourself, preserving water, being fauna and flora aware and embodying the animal this land asks for.
Stinging nettle is on the property. Brushing with this is NOT as severe like poison oak. Symptoms are a tingly-burny sensation (like having rubbed against sandpaper) that may last for a few minutes to few hours (depending on your sensitivity).
Bring: headlamp, footwear to meet a rugged landscape, sun hats, sunscreen, layered clothing, water bottle, mug for coffee/tea, journal, pen, tent, sleeping mat, bag, pillow, towel, toiletries.
Food
3 delicious meals provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner) lovingly prepared by our dancing resident chefs!
Always available: tea/coffee
If you like to snack during the day, best to bring your own.
We source from local and organic foods as much as possible.
Meals are octo/lacto vegetarian.
We try our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, so please complete the registration to let us know of any dietary needs you have.
COST
The cost of the retreat including camping, classes, and meals (Fri dinner/Sat/Sun) is CAD $450 (plus GST 5%) = CAD$472.50.
Early Bird registration By May 7th is CAD $380 (plus GST 5%) = CAD $399.00.
Payment plan available. Please inquire to: info@rhizomesprings.com
Some partial work trade sports available. Please inquire to: info@rhizomesprings.com
PAYMENT
To complete registration please send full payment to:
Canadians pay via e-transfer to: info@rhizomesprings.com
Password: RHIZOME
Non-Canadians pay via WISE.com
PAYMENT PLAN
To inquire about payment plan options email to: info@rhizomesprings.com
REFUNDS
*50% refund can be made until May 13th.
** no refunds after May 13th.
***In case of cancellation of the event all receipts will be refunded less $50 admin fee.
the Studio
Classes will take place in the 50-foot diameter dome, with walls open to fresh air and incredible views from Phoenix Domes