Dingbats Improv Retreat
A WEEKEND OF IMPROV CLASSES, SHOWS, FOOD AND FUN IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS!
Its going to be in-tents!
6-8th SEPTEMBER 2024
What to expect
By popular demand the Dingbats Improv Retreat is back for it's second year! We can't wait for another full weekend of improv fun!
If you love improv and the great outdoors, then you're in for a treat. The Dingbats Improv retreat is going to be a weekend full of all things improv; including workshops during the day, jams and shows in the evening, and relaxing around the campfire.
Dingbats Improv has always strived to create a fun, supportive environment at all our events, and this retreat is no different. It will not only be a great opportunity to learn about and enjoy improv, but a chance to escape, relax and get to know other like-minded improvisers in a friendly environment.
We have hired an entire glamping site in East Sussex for the improv retreat. However, we won't just be improvising in a field like a bunch of cows. If the summer decides to end prematurely, you can enjoy the workshops, shows, and meal times in our marquees.
This event is open to anyone (aged 18+), not just Dingbats regulars! It will be a chance to get to know other brilliant improvisers, learn something new, and have a weekend to remember.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"A very special and memorable experience for anyone looking to expand their improv skills or who just wants a weekend of laughter with like-minded people."
- Cameron
When
4pm Friday 6th September 2024 - midday Sunday 8th September 2024.
WheRE
The Dingbats Improv Retreat will be at a glamping site in East Sussex 15 minutes outside of Tunbridge Wells near Bewl Water.
The address is:
Hopgarden Glamping, Wadhurst, East Sussex, England, TN5 6QX
By Car:
The site is easily accessible by car as it's just off the A21 and there is parking on site. It is roughly an hour's drive from Crawley.
By Public Transport:
If you cannot get there by car. We suggest getting a train/bus to Tunbridge Wells and then getting a taxi the remaining 15 minutes.
ACcomModation
As well as a ton of improv classes and a jam/show both nights, your accommodation is also included in the price.
There are three different options for your stay available for the weekend suitable for different budgets and levels of "outdoorsiness".
BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent):
There are spaces on the site for you to pitch your own tent. Camp on your own or share with your friends and experience an authentic camping experience. There are plenty of communal toilets on site, as well as showers, and communal kitchens with tea making facilities and snacks!
Furnished Luxury Bell Tent:
Upgrade from camping to glamping with one of our luxury bell tents which sleep 5 people of the same gender. In these you get the comfort of glamping with a camp bed, bedding, blanket and hot water bottle provided! The bell tents also have a radio, plug in lights and charging points for phones. Each bell tent has a toilet and shower next to it along with a communal kitchen with tea making facilities and snacks.
Shepherd's Hut: SOLD OUT
Taking luxury to the ultimate level! The shepherd's huts contain one double bed inside. Amenities are endless including, electricity, heating, a hot drinks making station, arm chairs, a table, a wardrobe, there is even a TV with Netflix! The shepherd's hut can be booked solo (see price below) or if you are happy to share the bed with a friend or your partner, let us know in the booking form. There are only 3 shepherd huts available so be quick if you want to snag this fancy option!
PRICE
Tickets:
BYOT - £260
Bell Tent - £330
Shepherd's Hut - £500 SOLD OUT (Get in contact with us if you would like alternative luxury accomodation)
There is a deposit of £150 due on booking (£200 for Shepherd's hut) and the remainder of the payment due before 7th August.
You can read our cancellation policy on the booking form.
ITINERARY
Please be aware these details are subject to change before the weekend.
Friday:
-
Arrive from 4pm and settle into your accommodation or set up your tent!
-
Friday afternoon workshop
-
A food van will be providing dinner
-
An improv jam including group warm up games to help us to all get to know each other
-
Toast some marshmallows around the campfire and retreat to bed ready for a full day of improv!
Saturday:
-
Early morning creative workshop
-
Help yourself to breakfast and hot drinks at your own leisure
-
Saturday morning improv workshops
-
Lunch break, sandwiches and snacks provided
-
Afternoon improv workshops - some of which will prepare you for performing as a group that evening
-
A food van will be providing dinner
-
The evening show will consist of the different groups that have spent the afternoon in workshops together (performing is optional)
-
Relax around the campfire, with a hot chocolate
Sunday:
-
Enjoy a breakfast sarnie on the final morning of the retreat
-
Take part in large improv games and fun to mark the end to a great weekend
-
"Goodbye" and "See you next time"
Whats included in your ticket price
-
A whole lot of Improv taught by experienced improv teachers
-
Fantastic live improvised music by our resident improv-pianist Jon to accompany our improv evenings.
-
The accommodation option you have chosen.
-
Food! All meals for the weekend will be included. This means Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and Sunday breakfast.
-
Complimentary tea and coffee, biscuits, and marshmallows the whole weekend.
What to bring
Water, hot drinks and squash will be provided. Please bring any other soft drinks or alcoholic drinks you would like.
If you own a camping chair and are able to bring it please do.
A towel. Please bring your own towel if you plan to shower... please do plan to shower.
Warm layers for the evening, a waterproof layer (just in case) and shoes that can cope with possible mud!
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"What a weekend. 48 hours of non-stop fun. I learned new improv skills, met new friends and stretched my improv skills. What more could you ask for?!"
- Sara
FAQ
Will this weekend be A LOT of fun?
Ohhh yeah.
Can you guarantee good weather like last year?
If only. We really hope it will be a glorious sunny weekend again but as we know better than to trust the British weather we will be prepared with covered areas for classes, shows and eating.
Will you cater for different dietary requirements - vegan, Coeliac etc ?
Yes! Please make sure to put any dietary requirements on your booking form so that we know to cater for your needs.
Can we stay in mixed gender furnished bell tents?
If there are 5 of you of mixed genders who want to share a bell tent together then of course. Please let us know in the form.
Who are the improv classes taught by?
Most of the classes will be taught by Ed Pithie, founder of Dingbats Improv, who has been performing improv for 14 years and teaching for over 9 years. Other classes throughout the weekend will be taught by George Butcher and other guest teachers TBA.
How are rooms allocated?
We will sell accommodation on a first come, first served basis. Once you pay your deposit, that secures your spot.
If I'm staying in a bell tent can I request to be in the same tent as my friend?
Yes sure just send us an email or write a note on your form.
How old do you have to be to come?
18+
If you have any other questions please email dingbatsimprov@gmail.com and we will answer them as quickly as we can!
