Improv 2026–2027

Tagora’s improv workshops are back for another season! Nikki Lynn Michaelson leads weekly workshops. Plus, an opportunity to take your talents to the stage!

A word from Nikki

Before giving you the details of this year’s program, I want to offer some encouragement to all you potential newcomers. Yes, you!

The other day, I was looking at my worn out, old jeans and thought, “I want to make this into a quilt.” So, I searched on YouTube: quilting basics. (Actually, I spent the first day learning about hexagons.) In trying to find useful information to get me started, I spent at least two hours wading through insider what-I-wish-I’d-known videos and product placements before I even got a clear explanation of what a quilt even is! (Piecing, batting, and backing all quilted together. What I wish I’d known: look on Wikipedia first!)

In this day and age, this is what it’s like when you want to dip your toes into a new hobby. There’s already a twenty year old internet debate on whatever topic you can think of! Before you know it, you’re in the weeds, isolated and inundated with ads, information and opinions. But in these workshops, you are not alone. And I am not “unboxing” my new set of rotating hexagon templates. (Just kidding. Why would I buy a hexagon template when I have a perfectly good compass?… Because you can easily draw a hexagon with the radius… never mind.)

Furthermore, this workshop does not take place on a screen. We play games and toy around with ideas—together in real time. It is in fact energizing precisely because we’re taking the time to mess around: to be present and let go of the burdens of the world (which will inevitably invade our games, but here we don’t have to take them seriously). All you have to do is listen and react without any pressure to be a certain way. It is… a spiritual unboxing, if you will.

Another point about technology: I don’t support video recording during workshops or shows. We’re here to get silly and take off the armor, not make each other’s words live in infamy. We’re not performing for the world or trying to get likes. I always say improv is the art of you had to be there. ’Tis ephemeral! and we must be present for each other in each moment.

P.S. If I ever make a quilt it won’t be this year, my goodness!

Details

Time: Wednesdays 18:00–20:00.
Dates: 23 September–30 June, in accordance with the regional school calendar.
Cost: Free of charge, but you must be a member of the Council of Europe’s Amicale (staff association). The subscription is €30 per year; Council of Europe staff are in most cases charged this fee automatically. If you need to know more about Amicale membership, see this page.
How to sign up: Send email to nikki@tagora.eu. Please give us your name as it appears on your ID to be added to our security list.
Deadline to sign up: Thursday, 17 September, end of day.
Second chance deadline: To join in the New Year, contact Nikki no later than Sunday, 3 January 2027, end of day.
Show: 26 May 2027 at Le Lieu d’Europe.

And, Welcome Back Party! Let’s break bread, meet new faces, and mingle before diving into workshops! It will be the evening of Wednesday, 16 September. Time/location TBD. RSVP to nikki@tagora.eu for updates.