Improv theatre workshops, residencies and shows.
Curt performs, directs and teaches improv theatre. He founded Zmack in Shanghai in 2009 and works with ensembles, festivals and theatres across Asia and beyond.
What Curt offers
Workshops
17 workshops for improvisers and ensembles, from a 2-hour lab to a two-day intensive. Many can end in a show.
See the catalogueClasses
Improv 101, 201 and 301 for people who want to learn improv theatre. Improv 101 is currently offered in Bangkok.
See classesResidencies
Curt joins theatres and local improv groups for artist residencies, developing new shows with ensembles.
See residenciesShow development
The Sandbox system helps an ensemble create a new show with its own form, audience involvement and game.
See The SandboxLearn improv theatre
Improv 101 introduces the fundamentals of improv theater. Improv 201 focuses on character-based, relationship-driven scene work and long-form improv. Improv 301 explores long-form through deconstruction. Improv 101 is currently offered in Bangkok.
For the current Bangkok course, dates and prices, use the Improv 101 site. The schedule lives there so it stays up to date.
Residencies and facilitator training
Curt joins theaters and local improv groups for artist residencies, developing new shows with ensembles. He also offers The Working Improviser, an improv-theater facilitator training program.
The Sandbox show development
Curt joins your theatre and your cast builds a new, locally relevant show. The process draws on board games and the Marvel Method of comic creation, with Curt and the ensemble taking turns to lead and follow. Length and format are agreed with you.
The Working Improviser
A separate facilitator-training offer. Improvisers learn to design and deliver their own applied improv workshops. It is not a beginner improv class.
Festivals and masterclasses
Curt teaches and performs at improv festivals and runs masterclasses for experienced ensembles. Ask about dates, formats and travel.
Recent residencies
- Nov 2025
Ningbo British International School and UNNC. A one-week artist-in-residence engagement.
- Dec 2024
Improv Hub, Hanoi. Artist in residence from 5 to 16 December.
- Apr 2024
Nepalaya Improv Festival, Pokhara. Festival and residency in Nepal.
- 2014 to 2017
Kaixin Mahua, Shanghai. An embedded residency developing and training the Kaixin Jixing troupe.
Where Curt has performed and taught
- Now Improv Festival, Beijing (featured performer and instructor)
- Vietnam Improv Festival (featured performer, instructor and panel leader)
- Singapore Improv Festival (Typecast)
- Manila Improv Festival (featured Zmack performance)
- Nepalaya Improv Festival, Pokhara
- Hong Kong Improv Theater Festival
- Macau Theater Festival
Adaptable programmes for schools
These are adaptable proposals for conversation, not fixed packages. Format, length and fees depend on the students, the school and the goal. They are not clinical services.
Improv 101 for students
Foundations of improvisation for school groups. Listening, confidence, collaboration and creating short scenes together. An example format is about 25 students and 12 hours per group.
Forum Theatre
Theatre for social change, developed by Augusto Boal. Older students explore social pressure, choices and different points of view through performance. An example format is 12 to 15 students and 8 hours per group.
Public speaking, Model UN and student ambassadors
A customised speaking programme built from Curt's You Are the Message and persuasive communication work. A minimum of four sessions is recommended, with groups of 6 to 8.
University preparation
Storytelling for personal statements, interview role play and communication coaching. Curt has worked with Grade 11 students at Shanghai American School on more than one occasion.
Teacher workshop
A practical 1.5 to 2-hour lab on using improv tools for classroom engagement and management, built around the real challenges of the teachers in the room.