Improv Southland has been providing access to the improvised theatre arts in Invercargill and Murihiku since 2023. Southland Creative Arts Awards 2024
Good Tech Team Leadership in the Arts: Finalist
Charmin has somewhere around 20 years performing and teaching Improvised Theatre in the areas of Theatre Sports (short-form improv), improvised plays and musicals (long-form improv) and sketch comedy.
As part of improv groups, she has created shows, participated in Improv and Fringe Festivals, and was awarded a Performance Artist in Residency. Charmin has taught improvisation to adults and youth in the following formats:
Adult Community Education
School and afterschool programmes for kids and teens
Participant-created workshops and coaching
Charmin is currently hosting a weekly Drop-In Improv workshop in the beautiful Whare Taupua (home of Arts Murihiku), for ages 16+. The Drop-In Improv performing team, Stage Flight, performs for special events and festivals and is launching a regularly-scheduled Improv Jam this year. Charmin offers workshops and speaking engagements by request for businesses and organisations. She is a member of the international organisation, Applied Improvisation Network.
2023-2025 Engagements
Stage Flight performances:
The Invercargill Repertory Society Members Night and Buffy's Bog Opening
Whare Taupua Halloween Show
Great Game Gala (Invercargill Central and Great South)
NoTA'24 (Night of the Arts)
Shakespeare in the Park
Whare Taupua showcase
Improv theatre classes and workshops:
Drop-In Improv ages 16+ (Whare Tuapua)
South City Youth Improv (South Alive)
2024 Kidprov (improv for kids and caregivers) at South Alive
2023 Number 10 Southland Youth One Stop Shop - E14E workshop
2023 Rangatahi Zone
Applied Improv (improv for the workplace) workshop and presentations:
InsideOUT staff hui (Wellington)
McIntyre Dick staff development
Invercargill East Rotary Club presentation
2023 Applied Improv Network Virtual Conference - chosen speaker
"I started improvised theatre in 2004 (ish) because I was working from home and wanted to connect with people --in real life-- and do something fun and creative. Improv continues to do these things for me, and does that for others. My teaching style is energic, enthusiastic, and supportive. I create a safe space for people to express themselves, try, fail, and have fun. I am an advocate for diversity and inclusion. All are welcome and encouraged." Affiliated theatres, groups, events include:
Applied Improv Network
Las Vegas Improvisation Players
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The Second City Training Center, Las Vegas
Cardio Spider
The Las Vegas Theater Hub
The Neon Sign Museum Las Vegas
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art
Boys & Girls Club of America
Las Vegas Fringe Festival
Las Vegas Improv Festival
Neighborhood Comedy Theater
JesterZ (PHX)
The Torch Improv Theater (PHX)
GhostFest
St. Louis Metro Singers
Montessori Adolescent Project (MAP)
Grand Center Arts Academy
The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries
