What this is

Undefended improv is a day-long improv workshop led by Jen Hardy and Chris Kenworthy. It’s open to all improvisers - experienced and enthusiasts alike.

The workshop will grow your confidence and communication, as well as your improvisation skills.

In it we’ll explore improv that feels natural and effortless, where the comedy and drama takes care of itself - no need to try. And how to be true to yourself and your experience, while feeling more present and connected to your scene partners.

There’ll be fun and mischief too…

Who it’s for

This is for you if your improv would benefit from you:

Being a better listener and communicator.
Noticing details you often miss.
Getting out of your head and over-thinking less.
Staying present and aware of what’s happening here-and-now.
Feeling seen, heard and accepted.

Perhaps you want to broaden your range in improvised scenes and performance, or work on what gets in the way. Maybe you’re curious how these qualities will help off-stage too - in your self-esteem, your day-to-day relationships, in work and at home.

What to expect

During the workshop you’ll be guided through fun improv games, scenes, and playful Authentic Relating exercises to explore the themes above. There’ll be movement, conversation and play, as well as side-coaching.

Our aim is to build confidence in your playful curiosity. So you can express yourself and communicate more openly, handle tricky moments of tension, and generally ‘do you’ more authentically in your improv.

You’ll be gently guided towards more undefended improvisation. This means improv that’s more open and relaxed, fun, supportive, and focused on relationships and human connection.

Who’ll host the workshop

This is a collaboration between Jen Hardy and Chris Kenworthy - both improvisers themselves.

Chris Kenworthy is a certified coach and relational facilitator. He hosts improv co-lab community events and regular Authentic Relating workshops in Leeds. He also helps individuals and teams rediscover play, connection and curiosity in one-to-one sessions or group experiences.

Jen Hardy is an improviser and teacher. She’s improvised with Atom Improv, Regular Job, Rubbish Shakespeare and is an associate teacher at Liverpool Comedy Improv. Jen has been performing since 2017 and teaching and coaching across the North-West since 2021. Teams she’s coached go on to perform to sell-out crowds, and secure spots at some of the country’s biggest improv festivals.

If you’re open to exploring new possibilities in your improv and having fun along the way with two big-hearted improvisers, then this workshop is for you.