Das Theater Ida lädt ausgewählte Improspieler*innen für eine kreative Auszeit nach Zürich ein! Während ihrer Zeit hier arbeiten die Artists in Residence an ihren künstlerischen Projekten. Ausserdem unterrichten sie öffentliche Workshops und sie spielen Shows im Theater Ida.


AUSSCHREIBUNG:
Werdet unsere nächsten Ida Improv Artists in Residence!

Wir laden euch ein, euch als Ida Improv Artists in Residence zu bewerben!

  • Zeitdauer der Residenz: 27. September bis 6. Oktober 2024
  • Bewerbungsschluss: 17. März 2024

Alle weiteren Infos unten, auf Englisch. Ihr könnt aber eure Bewerbung auch auf Deutsch verfassen! Workshops und Shows können teilweise oder ausschliesslich auf Deutsch oder Englisch stattfinden! Ihr könnt euch also sehr gerne bewerben, auch wenn ihr keine Workshops und Shows auf Englisch anbieten möchtet.


Ida Improv Artists in Residence: Call for applications!

Each year, Theater Ida invites two improv performers to come to Zurich for ten days as Ida Improv Artists in Residence. We are currently inviting applications for the next Residency, which is taking place from 27 September to 6 October 2024!

Artists come to Zurich in pairs to work on an improv project together. Usually, we invite two improvisers who already know each other, but who do not normally get to work together, for instance because they live and work in different places. During their Residency, the two improvisers can use our theatre space for their rehearsals. They will perform various shows during their stay and each of them will teach a weekend workshop for experienced improvisers. They will also get to engage with local improvisers from Zurich and the region.

Theater Ida is a non-commercial community theatre, run by a group of enthusiastic improvisers on a voluntary basis. You can read more about Theater Ida here, and about previous Ida Artists in Residence here.

Who is the residency for?

  • Two highly experienced improvisers who engage with improv* as an artform.
  • Two improvisers who want to work on a new project together. Ideally, they do not usually have the opportunity to work together.
  • Two improvisers who are interested in getting to know the local improv community of Zurich.

* NOTE: We realise that “improv” is used in different ways in different parts of the world. With “improv” we refer to improvised theatre and/or improvised comedy that includes acting. This can be so-called long form or short form, comedy or dramatic. While we are perfectly open to formats such as improvised musicals, we cannot consider applications from dance troupes and music ensembles. Have a look at our past Ida Improv Artists in Residence for further reference.

What will you do during your residency?

  • Work on an improv project together. You will be able to use our theatre space for five days (Mon to Fri) during the day.
  • Teach a weekend workshop (one 2-day workshop per performer).
  • Perform shows on seven nights. This should include a duo show that you perform several times, as well as other types of shows and events (e.g. solo shows, shows with local improvisers, jams, panel discussions, etc.). See also sample programme below.
  • Get to know local improvisers from Zurich and talk a lot about improv.
  • Visit Zurich, climb Uetliberg, swim in the Limmat river, eat some Fondue and have a genuinely good time!

What will you get?

  • An artist fee of 1,200 CHF per person (roughly 1,200 EUR, depending on exchange rate).
  • Our theatre as a rehearsal space for your project for five days (Mon to Fri until 6 pm).
  • Free accommodation (either private accommodation in an improviser’s guest room or a shared(!) hotel room for the two of you, depending on availability).
  • A contribution towards your travel expenses (max. 500 CHF per person)

How do you apply?

Send us your application in a single(!) PDF document. The document needs to include the following information (preferably in this order – yes, we are Swiss and we are very organised! 😉 ):

  1. A short description of the project on which you want to work together during your stay (max. 1 page). Don’t forget to tell us why you need the Residency to realise this project.
  2. A short profile text about each of the two improvisers, which can be used for advertising (100-150 words each).
  3. Suggestions of four two-day workshops, two workshops per performer:
    • First suggestion of workshop taught by performer A
    • Second suggestion of workshop taught by performer A
    • First suggestion of workshop taught by performer B
    • Second suggestion of workshop taught by perfomer B
      Note that you will teach only one workshop each, but we would like to have a selection of topics to choose from. The description of each workshop should be 100 to 150 words and it should be written so that it can be used for advertising. All of the workshops should be targeted at advanced improvisers who practice regularly with their own group, who have attended various courses previously (more than 100 hours of instruction by highly experienced improvisers) and most of whom have show experience. Each workshop should cover two full days (10 am to 5 pm with a lunch break) and ideally conclude with a student showcase.
  4. A description of a duo show you would like to perform repeatedly during your stay in Zurich (100–150 words). Note that this can, but does not have to be related to the project on which you want to work. Your show should be 40 to 50 minutes. It will be performed as one half of a night’s performances. See also sample programme below.
  5. Ideas and suggestions for different shows and activities such as jams, kids shows, shows with local improvisers, panel discussions, etc. This can include results from the project on which you want to work. See also sample programme below.
  6. A confirmation that both of you are available for the entire period of the Residency. You need to arrive in Zurich on Friday, 27 September 2024 before 2 pm and stay until Monday, 7 October 2024 in the morning.
  7. Information about where you travel from, how you travel, and an estimate of your total travel costs. Note that we can only contribute to your travel expenses a maximum of 500 CHF per person.
  8. A profile picture of each performer, which can be used for advertising.
  9. Any other comments you would like us to know about you and your application.

Send us your application by mail to gs@theaterida.ch by 17 March 2024!

You will receive a short confirmation that we received your application within three days. We will let you know about the outcome of your application by 15 April 2024.

Note on confidentiality

We will treat your application as confidential, and we will not pass on any of the materials and ideas you submit as part of your application to anyone.

Sample programme

To give you an idea of what your Residency could look like, consult this sample programme, which is based on previous Residencies. Of course, your Residency may look quite different – it’s your time and we invite you to adjust the programme to your ideas.


Vergangene Artists in Residence

Sarah Davies

Ida Improv Artist in Residence 29. September – 8. Oktober 2023

Sarah Davies

Sarah Davies

Sarah (she/her) performs and teaches improv nationally, internationally and online. She ran
improv school Improv Gym in Kent, and has coached for Christchurch University, The Marlowe
Theatre The Global International Improv Symposium, Improv College Canada, Queen City
Comedy, Extreme Improv and Big Bang Improv, amongst others.
Sarah performs with two Hoopla house teams, Improbotics (improv with AI), Twinprov, Plus
Support, City Impro, TBC Improv (Edinburgh Fringe), The Global Improv Project and her own
show The British American Experience (Highwire Improv). International improv festival
experience includes Improfest Sweden, Amsterdam Improv Marathon and Mount Olymprov
Greece. She has most recently been featured on BBC Click and The Improv London Podcast.
Sarah has been a Drama Lecturer for 20 years (UAL Acting) and a Producer and Writer (including
plays, short stories and theatre reviews for Total Theatre). She has degrees in Drama with
English (BA Hons) Drama (MA) and a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education.


Karla Dingle

Ida Improv Artist in Residence 29. September – 8. Oktober 2023

Karla Dingle

Karla Dingle

Karla Dingle (she/her) has spent her life on the stage. She started at age 5 and continued through the
University level. Karla began performing improv in the US in 2009 and continues to educate herself
through classes at Second City, Hoopla, The Groundlings and more. Karla is also an actor and
voiceover artist.
Currently, Karla is the Education Director at Queen City Comedy and the Improv Director at Acting
Out in Charlotte, North Carolina She performs regularly with Now are the Foxes, Close Distance and
the British American Experience.
Karla’s passion is teaching improv. She focuses on the intersection between acting and
improvisation while using traditional acting tools to enhance the skills and performances in both
actors and improvisers. She has been a guest instructor at the Improv Fest Ireland, Vintage Improv
Festival, Highwire Improv, The Nursery Theater, Virtual Hug Improv in Manila, Liverpool Comedy
Improv and Bangalore Improv.


John Gebretatose

Ida Improv Artist in Residence 17.–25. September 2022

John Gebretatose

John Gebretatose has been performing stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy in Minnesota’s Twin Cities for over 10 years. He is an instructor and Director of Diversity & Inclusion at HUGE Improv Theater in Minneapolis, MN and has taught improv workshops in theaters, hospitals, corporate workspaces, K-12 schools and colleges. He has also led and facilitated diversity and inclusion programming for improv theaters all over the world through his mission to uplift all voices. John trained and worked at the Brave New Workshop and is a founding member of Blackout Improv, Late Nights Minneapolis (a sketch comedy show), and co-founder of the Black and Funny Improv Festival. He has traveled the world performing, teaching and directing improv.


Shannon Stott

Ida Improv Artist in Residence 17.–25. September 2022

Shannon Stott

Shannon Stott is the Creator and Director of Improv| On and Off the Stage, an Improv Production Company, producing shows and content that help people connect to themselves and others through Improv.  Shannon has been performing and teaching Improv for over 20 years in the US and internationally. She utilizes her experience teaching overseas in collaboration with the Foreign Service and the CDC to highlight the importance of communication across cultures, genders and with self. Shannon considers Improv a practice, changing lives both on and off the stage, encouraging people to continue these practices in their theaters, workplaces, homes, relationships and lives.


Ella Galt

Ida Improv Artist in Residence 13.–22. August 2021

Ella is an Australian actress and improviser who has been studying, performing and teaching theatre for over 15 years. She earned a B.A. in Theatre Studies at Monash University, Melbourne and her performance experience ranges from improvised and musical theatre to voice, theatre in education and dance. Since joining BIG in 2012 she has trained with some of the most renowned improv teachers and coaches in the world and has studied and performed in festivals around Europe. Now in Barcelona, Ella teaches at the BIG School of Improv, where she co-designed a unique curriculum to train committed, joyful and well-rounded improvisers.

She teaches students of all levels in weekly classes, emboldening beginners and experienced improvisers alike to produce rich, vibrant and committed improv. Her improvisation style centres around bold, emotional play and uses the full extent of her theatrical background, implicating the body and voice to create scenes and shows that are dynamic and filled with joyful imagination and play. Her teaching style is energetic and supportive, and aims to unleash the unique potential of every improviser and scene.


Stacey Smith

Ida Improv Artist in Residence 13.–22. August 2021

Stacey Smith is a professional improviser, actress, event host, voiceover artist, teacher and writer. Recognized for her enduring positivity, explosive shows and unparalleled work ethic, Stacey has worked in the field for over a decade. She is currently a mainstage cast member at the famous Boom Chicago theater in Amsterdam and manages the organization’s improv academy. Stacey is also the creator of Stacejam, an improvised solo musical extravaganza that has earned her critical acclaim. She has made 67 appearances at 25 international improv festivals in more than 10 countries. As a teacher and education director, Stacey has created programs for multiple schools and has designed specialized workshops, including a program for young female-identifying students called S.H.E. (Sisterhood Humor Empowerment). Prior to joining BoomChicago, she taught and managed training centers in Chicago and Boston, including ComedySportz Chicago, ImprovBoston, The Second City and iO Chicago. In 2015, she founded The Chicago Musical Improv Festival at the iO Theater in Chicago.


Katy Schutte

Ida Improv Artist in Residence 24. September – 3. Oktober 2021

2021, Credit: Edward Moore

Katy Schutte is one of the UK’s original long form improvisers. She performs and teaches all over the world, is a Head Teacher for Hoopla (the UK’s biggest improv school) and Co-Founder Director of The Improv Place. She has been one of The Maydays since 2004, is half of legendary sci-fi improv duo Project2, performs with Hell Yeah! and authored The Improviser’s Way: A Longform Workbook, published by Nick Hern Books. A Funny Women finalist and both nominee and winner of the Brighton Festival Fringe Best Comedy Show award, Katy also starred in BAFTA winning online educational series History Bombs.

Katy performs with Knightmare Live and makes her own work including Schutte the Unromantic and acclaimed semi-immersive folk horror play Let’s Summon Demons. She is a contributing writer for Cards Against Humanity and actor/writer on web series Sideliners. She is currently resident singer/songwriter on Sean and Robot’s Comedy Circuit podcast and co-writer/dramaturg on AR immersive project Transportalists in association with StoryFutures and CreativeXR.


Rachel Blackman

Ida Improv Artist in Residence 24. September – 3. Oktober 2021

Photo by VICTORIA ZSCHOMMLER

Rachel Blackman is a multi award winning theatre artist, performer, actor and improvisor. She is also a Feldenkrais practitioner, somatic educator and creative consultant. She is perhaps best known for her role as Charra in Matrix Revolutions. Rachel was a founding member of The Maydays and created some of the UK’s first two person long form improvisation with Katy & Rach. Rachel left the Maydays in 2007 to become Artistic Director of her own company Stillpoint Theatre.


Stillpoint’s work has a pared back aesthetic and a fluidity of form that has the cumulative effect of a kind of film in your head. Original works include Moon Project and her trilogy of solo works ‹Triptych: Three Attempts at Love› featuring three full length free standing plays; The Art of Catastrophe; Steal Compass, Drive North, Disappear and The Growing Room. ‘Blackman is one to watch’ – Lyn Gardner (The Guardian).

Her latest work, You Aren’t Doing It Wrong If No One Knows What You Are Doing is a celebration of failure, feeling like an idiot and music. Ironically, it is currently ‘poised’ awaiting the passing of coronavirus.


Rachel’s people come from far across the oceans – mostly Bungalung and Eora territories in what is now known as NSW Australia. She lives by the sea in Brighton UK with her husband Nick and bonus son Akash.