AndAlso Improv Retreats & Intensives Info Hub
- 2-10 days
- 8-60 people
- Offline
Welcome, improvisers!
Whether you’re joining us for a seaside Summer Intensive in Brighton or a countryside Retreat at Charney Manor, this page has everything you need to know before you arrive. (And if it doesn’t, let us know what it’s missing!)
About the Events
Summer Intensives (Brighton)
Five or ten days of focused improv training by the sea. These are non-residential, so you’ll need to arrange your own accommodation.
📍 Venue: BHASVIC College, Brighton, East Sussex
🕐 Monday to Friday, 11:00 – 17:00 daily
Spring & Autumn Retreats (Charney Manor, Oxfordshire)
A weekend of immersive improv, connection, and countryside calm. These are residential and fully catered; your accommodation and all meals are included.
📍 Venue: Charney Manor, Charney Bassett, Wantage, Oxfordshire
🕓 Arrivals from 16:00 on Friday, finish 16:00 Sunday
What to bring:
Phone charger (and a reminder that phones should be off during class unless agreed with your teacher)
Clothing: Loose, comfy layers suitable for movement (and for unpredictable UK weather, at any time of year!)
Water bottle and optional snacks
Notebook & pen if you like jotting ideas down
Costume bits (for Retreat theme nights – optional but fun!)
Photos & Recording
We take pictures and videos during our retreats and intenisves. These images/videos are for promotional material, so please let us know on the booking form if you consent or not.
No filming during class unless part of an exercise. If you’d like to take photos during class, please check with your teacher first. If you take photos during the event, please do checkin with those in shots.
Timings & breaks:
Our days are active but balanced, with plenty of time to rest and recharge.
Classes run roughly 11:00 – 17:00 (Intensives) or follow the Retreat schedule below.
We take a short morning and afternoon break, plus a 1-hour lunch.
Please let your teacher know if you need to take a call or a specific break.
Some people like to socialise over lunch; others need quiet time, both are great!
Retreat Schedule (Typical)
Friday – Arrivals 16:00, Dinner 17:00, First session 18:00
Saturday – Class 10:00–16:30, Dinner 18:00, Fun night 20:00
Sunday – Class 10:00–15:30, Departures from 16:00
Travel & parking:
Brighton Intensives
Free parking available at BHASVIC (front and behind the sports centre).
On-street paid parking nearby if needed.
Venue entrance via Crocodile Walk 2000 (yes, really). Look out for our AndAlso banners!
Charney Manor Retreats
Parking on site.
If travelling by train: best route is London Paddington → Didcot Parkway (15:00 train, arrives 15:36).
If you need a lift from the station, the latest arrival is 16:00 and we must have your arrival time via email 48 hours before the event, so we can schedule transport. If we don’t have your arrival details in time, you will have to make your own way to the manor.
Jenner Taxi’s offers a special fixed rate for Charney Manor guests, £30 one-way, for this rate, you must pre-book with the smashing local chap, Simon, on
07415738163.
Meals & Accommodation (Retreats Only)
All meals are freshly prepared and included in your booking. Dietary needs are catered for, please let us know on the booking form.
Charney Manor now offers a pre-ordered drinks option. You can place an order for alcoholic beverages at the front desk for during the evening meal and social times. You can alternatively B.Y.O. Obviously, no drinking before or during class!
Rooms are either single occupancy or shared as requested. You’ll find towels, bedding, and tea/coffee facilities in your room.
WhatsApp Groups
Before each event, you’ll receive a WhatsApp link to join an optional social group.
Great for sharing photos, travel plans, and connecting with your group.
All official info will still come via email.
In Class
Attendance: Each day builds on the last, so please attend all sessions if possible.
Lateness: If you’ll be late or miss a day, just message your teacher.
Syllabus: We tailor each course to the group’s needs. Feel free to give feedback or ask for clarification.
Repetition: You may repeat exercises to embed skills. This is intentional and powerful.
Phones: Please keep them off or silent unless arranged otherwise.
Code of Conduct & Wellbeing
Improv can be surprising, emotional, and joyful. Our facilitators aim to make every space safe, inclusive, and supportive.
Please read our Code of Conduct and Crisis Communication Policy before joining.
If something comes up in class, talk to your teacher.
Evenings & Socials
Brighton Intensives: Expect some optional pub hangs and seaside fun.
Charney Retreats: Saturday night is our “Fun Times” theme night. Costumes optional, laughter mandatory.
Feedback & Contact
We’ll send a feedback form after your event, we genuinely love hearing how we can improve.
For any pre-event questions or access needs, just drop us a line:
📧 hello@andalsoimprov.com
We can’t wait to connect & create with you. See you soon!
Love from the AndAlso team.