Listening in Performance - with Robin Fry

If you have been looking for ways to sharpen your stage presence, there is a session coming up at the New Venture Theatre that focuses on the mechanics of improv. Robin Fry, who has been teaching and performing across the UK since 2003, is leading a workshop titled 'Listening in Performance'. Having been a member of improv companies like The Maydays and Off the Cuff, Fry brings a specific approach to the stage that centres on how we process information from our scene partners. The idea is to move away from just waiting for your turn to speak and instead focus on the active listening required to build a scene that feels grounded and responsive. It is a technical look at how we interact with others in a performance space, stripping back the performance to the core element of listening.

The session is structured around a series of improv exercises and scenes designed to help participants react to their partners' creativity in real-time. By practising active listening, the goal is to create worlds that feel credible and coherent, rather than just relying on quick jokes or pre-planned ideas. It is a practical approach to acting that emphasises the relationship between performers on stage. Natasha Higdon is also involved in related workshops, adding another layer to the programme. It is a space for those interested in the craft of acting or personal development to test these techniques in a collaborative environment, allowing you to see how your own reactions change when you are fully engaged with what your partner is offering.

The workshops take place at the New Venture Theatre, located at 23 Bedford Pl, Brighton BN1 2PT. The next session is scheduled for Monday, 23 March 2026, starting at 19:30. There is another session on Monday, 18 May 2026, at 20:30, with additional dates throughout April and May. Each session lasts approximately two hours, providing enough time to get through the exercises without feeling rushed. The standard entry fee is £4.00, though it is worth noting that prices can fluctuate daily. It is a straightforward setup for anyone wanting to spend a couple of hours working on their performance skills in a local setting, whether you are a regular performer or just curious about how improv works behind the scenes.