IMPROFEST two-day workshop: Hard Topics - John Gebretatose

This two-day workshop will highlight what happens to us as performers when a scene becomes scary, offensive, or insensitive, and we freeze or lose ourselves. We explore some approaches to get the agency back when we find ourselves somewhere uncomfortable, tools for improvising mindfully, and finding a proactive voice for you and your show. We will learn the SwagHat format. A living room-style discussion, and then we perform scenes inspired by the conversation.

TRIGGER AND CONTENT WARNING: this is a class on scenes when you find yourself dealing with topics of race or socially and politically charged situations - which means it will include discussions and scenes dealing with race, gender* and other very personally sensitive areas and how to move forward thoughtfully, respectfully and meaningfully when you find yourself there.

Bio:
John Gebretatose is a comedy and improv community trailblazer with over 15 years of experience. He founded Good Camel Comedy Theater, an arts company dedicated to humor that speaks truth to power and fosters diverse voices. As the co-executive director and former Director of Diversity and Inclusion at HUGE Theater in Minneapolis, John has led significant diversity initiatives that have shaped the regional improv landscape. He co-founded the Black and Funny Improv Festival and Blackout Improv, which spotlight and uplift underrepresented artists. Additionally, John is an award-winning podcast host for “MinneCulture” on KFAI radio, further showcasing his passion for cultural storytelling. John’s expertise in improv, coupled with his directorial skills, makes him a sought-after performer and teacher globally. His teaching extends to various settings, from K-12 schools to corporate environments, where he promotes inclusivity and understanding through comedy.

The workshop is a part of Improfest 2025, a theatre festival focusing on improvisational theatre. The festival invites improvisers from Sweden and the rest of the world to give performances and offer workshops in various locations in Sweden during the period May to August 2025

(Workshopen kommer att hållas på engelska då Improfest är en internationell improvisationsteater-festival med inbjudna improvisatörer från hela världen.)