SARAH Kempton, by her own admission ‘makes stuff up’.
The Wokingham actress has been touring a successful comedy improvisation show, CSI (Crime Scene Improvisation) for the past 10 years.
An expert improviser, she loves her craft so much that she’s sharing it with the borough.
In the new year she will be running two courses filled with fun improvisation techniques, and plenty of laughs.
“It’s been shown that comedy, and laughing, is really good for you,” she said.
“The exercises we use when preparing a CSI show – practising repetition, memory, and recall – are not only fun to do, but they keep us really sharp, and audiences are often amazed at how quick we are mentally on stage.
“It’s exciting to realise that the same exercises can also help others to keep their brains fit too, in an unusual and fun way.”
In 2024 Sarah began sharing her techniques with the borough, with a trial run of adult improvisation classes.
Following their success she is offering two new year adult improvisation courses.
“There was a real sense of a buzzy joy in the room at what people had achieved together during the trial run,” she said.
She will continue traditional improv classes in the evenings, but alongside these, she is adding new afternoon sessions, using the tools of her trade to help people sharpen their brains.
“Improv In a Day sessions are for anyone looking for a way to keep their brain fit, whether retired and wanting to keep mentally active, or at home with a youngster and just needing something to blow away the ‘baby brain’,” she explained.
“We go to yoga and pilates to keep physically fit, and in the same way this is exercise for the brain.”
A trained professional working actor, Sarah began exploring improvisation as a hobby in 2013.
“Very quickly it took over, and I was able to be part of the team that co-created CSI,” she said.
“CSI has been going for 10 years now, and we’ve won two awards, sold out seven Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows and play at festivals around the country – I just love it.
“At first improv is scary, but as you progress, the fear disappears as you realise that it’s not something you can do on your own.
“People think: ‘what if I don’t have ideas, or don’t know what to do?’
“But then they soon understand it’s not about them at all.
“The better you make the other person look, and help make them shine, the more rewarding it is.
“They do the same for you, and you play as a team, supporting each other.
“That’s when improv really clicks and pops, and it’s the most fantastic thing.
“You just know that your team mate will help you.
“And when you have that level of trust it’s so exciting, not just to play, but for the audience to watch.”
Sarah is hoping to build up a community of improvisers in Wokingham with her new year classes.
“Improv isn’t just for actors, anyone is welcome to come along and have some fun,” she said.
“You won’t have to perform a show, it’s very safe, and it’s a great fun way to meet people and play, while exercising your brain.”
Both weekly classes begin at The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Wokingham on Wednesday, January 8.
Initially planned for a six week period, the aim is to roll classes on.
Weekly Improv classes are on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm until 9.30pm.
Improv In a Day sessions (for brain fitness) are also on Wednesdays, in the morning from 11am until 12.30pm.
Weekly Improv classes cost £60 for three sessions.
Improv In a Day costs £50 for three sessions.
For information, and to book, visit: crimesceneimpro.com ,@ Wokingham Improv on Facebook and Instagram, or search for Wokingham Improv in Eventbrite.
