Theatresports catches on

If I were to ask you to tell me a story that you made up on the spot, could you do it? What if I asked you to change the story every time I called out “change!”? Could you also include a confession of “I love you” or maybe even start and end with a given sentence? I doubt it. These are the type of spontaneous challenges that are thrown at our boys every Thursday at lunchtime as they seek to refine their improvisational skills and prepare to compete in Theatresports.

Spontaneous storytelling within set parameters is not the only skill the boys are refining. They also work on making and accepting verbal and physical offers, and work collaboratively to support scenes through atmosphere and sound effects. They may break into song knowing their fellow players will break the beat behind them. They aim to create contrasting characters in unusual situations and need to complete this narrative by the time the judge rings the bell. There is a lot going on and their performances show great adaptability and teamwork.

Pictured: Senior Theatresports team

In the long history of Sydney Grammar School, Theatresports is relatively new, beginning in 2018. Since then it has been a growing force, and we are now a small but mighty group, quick-witted and clever, who love collaborating for each other’s enjoyment.

Impro Club is the starting point for the Theatresports journey. It is an inclusive club that is attended by boys from Form I through to Form VI where boys build their improvisation skills to work towards competing in Theatresports teams. Grammar enters teams in the Theatresports Schools Challenge every season and has had teams make it to the Grand Final in 2018, 2022 and 2023 – exciting, given there are over fifty schools entered from across the state.