Bridges Impro

Episode 6 - How to teach a class?

In Episode 6 of the Bridges Podcast, recorded in Lyon during a series of performances, the conversation turns to teaching improvisation. Vid is joined by Peter and Olly to reflect on how they started teaching, how their philosophies have evolved, and what it takes to lead an effective and engaging improv class. They discuss the balance between preparation and adaptability, working with different types of students, and the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment. The episode also explores practical teaching tools, including go-to exercises, ways to handle group dynamics, and strategies for inspiring creativity while avoiding clichés and stereotypes. A thoughtful and honest conversation for anyone interested in improv, education, or creative collaboration.

Episode 5 - Applied improvisation

In this episode of the Bridges Podcast, we explore the concept of applied improvisation — using tools from improvisational theatre in everyday life, education, and professional environments. Together with Juš Milčinski and Lucie Vokrouhlíková, we discuss key improvisational principles such as “yes, and,” active listening, vulnerability, status, and non-verbal communication, and how they translate into skills like adaptability, creativity, and confidence. The conversation highlights how improvisation helps people deal with mistakes, overcome fear, and become more present in communication — whether in public speaking, teaching, teamwork, or leadership. We also connect these ideas to the Bridges project, exploring how working across languages encourages new ways of communicating beyond words, using the body, emotion, and shared attention.

Episode 4 - How to Create a Show? – From Exploration to Format.

In this episode of the Bridges Podcast, we explore the process of creating an improvisation format from the ground up — from early experimentation to a fully realized performance. Improvisers from different countries share how the Bridges format evolved through collaboration, trust, and a willingness to explore without knowing the final result. Rather than starting with a fixed structure, the process focused on the people involved — their instincts, backgrounds, and ways of working together — allowing the format to emerge organically over time. The conversation looks at the relationship between structure and freedom in improvisation, and how a format can provide just enough guidance to support creativity without limiting it. The guests reflect on how working across multiple languages influenced the design of the show, leading to a stronger focus on physicality, clarity, and connection with the audience. We also discuss the importance of group dynamics, leadership, and shared artistic vision, as well as the role of testing, feedback, and iteration in shaping a performance. Finally, the episode highlights how improvisation formats are not fixed systems, but living processes — shaped by the people performing them and constantly evolving with each new group and audience. Olivia Rasini and Timothée Ansieau

Episode 3 - Language Mix-Up – How do you create with different languages?

In this episode of the Bridges Podcast, we explore the creative challenges and opportunities of multilingual improvisation. Improvisers from different countries share their experiences of performing and collaborating across languages. They discuss how improvisation itself can function as a kind of shared language — built on principles like listening, acceptance, and co-creation — even when the spoken words differ. The conversation touches on practical tools used in the Bridges project, such as gibberish scenes, silent scenes, and exercises where performers each speak their own language while pretending to understand each other. The guests also reflect on the importance of physical storytelling, body language, and embodied listening, showing how movement, rhythm, and spatial relationships can communicate meaning without relying on words. We also discuss soundpainting, improvisational conducting techniques, and the challenge of creating performances that remain accessible to audiences who may not speak English or who are new to theatre. Finally, the episode highlights how improvisation can help people embrace mistakes, overcome the fear of speaking foreign languages, and build connections across cultures. Guests: Lucie Vokrouhlíková, Brigitta Arany and Ophélie Trichard Bridges Academy: https://www.bridgesimpro.eu/academy

Episode 2 - Creative process

In this episode of the Bridges Podcast, host Vid talks with Olivia Rasini (Teatro a Molla, Italy) and Andrew Hefler (Grund Theatre, Hungary) about building trust, navigating cultural differences, and creating a shared artistic language through improvisation. Recorded during a creative residency near Lyon, the conversation explores how structure and freedom meet in collaborative theatre-making. Bridges is co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers only and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the EU nor EACEA can be held responsible.