Don’t Talk Unless You Can Improve...
...the Silence. Join visiting international guest, Matías Avaca, in this one-off three-hour workshop
What it's about
Silence is not the absence of action, it is full of possibility. Don’t Talk Unless You Can Improve the Silence invites improvisers to slow down and discover how space, time, and restraint can deepen scenes and sharpen connection. By learning to trust silence as an active partner, participants uncover new ways to create grounded, meaningful, and often surprisingly impactful moments on stage. Named after a well-known quote by Argentinian writer, Jorge Luis Borges, this workshop explores silence as a creative force rather than something to escape. In improv, we are often encouraged to fill space quickly; here, we practice doing the opposite. Participants explore how silence supports listening, emotional clarity, and presence. Through carefully structured exercises, the workshop examines how timing, stillness, and awareness of space can strengthen relationships and allow scenes to unfold naturally. The focus is not on withholding ideas, but on choosing when speech truly adds value. The result is improv that feels intentional, connected, and alive, even when very little is said. ABOUT YOUR GUEST TEACHER Matías Avaca, an Argentinian improviser based in New Zealand since 2016, is the co-founder of Mabel Impro and the Auckland Improv Festival. His style emphasises the universality of improv, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries. Matías is also a driving force behind Laenye Productions, a performing arts production company based in Auckland, dedicated to promoting Spanish-speaking artists and fostering appreciation for Spanish and Latin American culture, art, and languages. Matías' influence extends globally, coaching theatre ensembles and shaping improv theatre formats across over 15 countries, further solidifying his impact on the international Improv community. PREREQUISITE You must have completed the Improv: Fun and Games course, OR have completed a multi-week level 1 course with a reputable improv company. If you’ve learnt improv somewhere else, please email lol@blahblahblahimprov.com to confirm experience suitability before booking. WHEN AND WHERE This workshop takes place at 169 Griffith St, Coolangatta, Qld from 1pm until 4pm on Sunday, 19 July 2026.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations & changes Packages for improv jams: You will get a full refund of your package credit if you cancel or change your booking up to 12 hours before the improv session starts. One-off workshop, casual jams, or masterclass: You will get a refund (less the cost of payment gateway, website transaction, and banking fees) if you cancel up to seven days before the session. Multiple-week courses: You will get a refund (less the cost of payment gateway, website transaction, and banking fees) if you cancel up to two weeks before the course commences. For cancellations of workshops and courses that do not fall within the above timelines, you will receive credit to go towards the next class or workshop. This does not apply to cancellations of jams.
Contact details
0412702802
lol@blahblahblahimprov.com
169 Griffith Street, Coolangatta QLD, Australia