improv residency 2027
LOVE & DRAMA

improv residency 2027

(Chương trình được thực hiện bằng tiếng Anh, với hỗ trợ phiên dịch tiếng Việt trong các buổi workshop khi cần.)

The Improv Hub's IMPROV RESIDENCY (xưởng ứng tác) is the program where we invite international artists over for 9 days to share their practice, collaborate, and experiment with new approaches to improv. It's like a creative lab that encourages exchange and the development of ideas.

After the success of the first 2 programs, in 2027, we're very excited to welcome Hellena Jang (Korea) and Chris Mead (UK) to our improv home in Hanoi for the next residency, on the theme of LOVE & DRAMA (cái tính, cái tình).

Through ensemble training, workshops, improv jam and shows, we’ll dive into the heart of human relationships, unearthing the tender, vulnerable, and high-stakes moments that make improvised theater unforgettable.

▶︎ 9-17 JANUARY 2027

ensemble

The Improv Hub's IMPROV RESIDENCY (xưởng ứng tác) is an intensive project across two weekends where participants train closely with Hellena and Chris to build a original performance format, with 2 showcases on the 2 Sunday nights.

Applications open 20-31 Oct (GMT+7).

APPLY TO JOIN THE ENSEMBLE

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workshops

During the residency, Hellena and Chris will also teach stand-alone evening classes covering specific themes and skills. Topics range from accessible entry points like body movement and language confidence to advanced techniques in bold choice-making and theatricality.

Workshop details and registrations are open 8 Nov 2026.

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shows

Three distinct live performances featuring guest artists, The Improv Hub’s mainstage team, and the residency ensemble. The variety ranges from improvised K-drama to intimate Living Room stories, and especially the original ensemble work on the closing night.

Show details and registrations are open 8 Nov 2026.

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improv jam

This is casual, low-pressure social evening open to players of all experience levels to hop on to build stories and play in unscripted scenes alongside Chris and Hellena.

Jam details and registrations are open 8 Nov 2026.

about the artists

Hellena Jang

Hellena Jang is an experienced improv performer and coach based in Seoul, South Korea. Her journey into spontaneous storytelling started in 2011 when she joined a local expat improv group, Seoul City Improv. After a year of irresistible improv goodness, she took the bold step of quitting her day job to pursue improv full-time!

To further refine her craft, she’s traveled across the globe and learned from numerous improv schools, including I.O., The Second City, Huge Theatre, The Annoyance Theater, Comedy Sportz, The Pack Theater, and so on.

In 2014, Hellena founded the first Korean Improv School to spread the joy of improvisational comedy in her home country! She also formed a Korean-based improv team, IMFROG, which has since clocked numerous shows adapted to Korean audiences.

Chris Mead

Chris Mead is a renowned improv director, performer and teacher from the UK. He is a senior teacher at Hoopla, London's largest improv school, where his classes regularly sell out months in advance. He is also the co-founder of The Pretend Company which teaches theatrical improv and stage craft to both improvisers and actors.

Internationally, he is one of the European circuits most in demand practitioners - visiting festivals in over 30 countries to teach, coach and perform. He wants improv to be evermore compassionate, theatrical, playful and fun.

He is known for his thoughtful teaching, joyful stage presence and absolute commitment to pushing the art form forward.