INTRODUCTION TO CHARACTER CREATION THROUGH LABAN TECHNIQUE

Diana Brown

saturday 3rd october: 9:30am - 12:30pm

Join Diana for this introduction to Character through Laban Technique. With the application of this technique, we’ll learn to quickly find the physical, emotional and psychological center of characters. Laban movement was originally used in dance choreography and for dancers. Later it began to be used by actors to help them improve their performances.

Now, applying it to improv, Laban movement can help improv artists to:

  • Develop their physical expressiveness

  • Understand and support internal impulses

  • Identify and play characters who are different from themselves

  • Enhance understanding the more subtle characteristics about movement with respect to our character’s inner intention.


About Diana Brown

Diana is an improv artist, actor, director, speaker, and communication coach whose work bridges theatrical performance and real-world leadership. Known for emotionally grounded, character-driven, genre-inspired improvisation, she helps performers, founders, physicians, and executives communicate with greater authenticity, presence, and confidence.

Named one of The Improv Boost’s 2025 Sudden Impact Teachers and voted Most Valuable Mentor and Teacher at the San Francisco Improv Festival, Diana performs, teaches and directs internationally. Her work has been featured at  Improv Fest Ireland, Impro Amsterdam, Liverpool Improvisation Festival, Vancouver Improv Festival, Belfast Improv Festival, SF Sketchfest, SF Improv Fest, SAVI Fest, Gather Fest, Camp Improv Utopia, Countdown Improv Festival, Uptown Improv Festival, and festivals across North America and Europe. She recently co-directed Mark Smith’s international ensemble Taxi Tales at Impro Amsterdam and will direct the international ensemble at Improv Fest Ireland 2026.

Diana leads the Advanced Improv Performance Lab at Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s School of Theatre and teaches with Leela Improv Theatre, BATS Improv, and All Out Comedy Theatre. She also coaches founders, leaders, artists, and professionals in high-impact communication.

As a performer, Diana appears with But Of MindBingewatchSerious Kicks, Fleeting ReminiscenceGamesome FrolicThe OracleSlumber Party, Time PieceThe Heartbreakers, and other original ensemble projects exploring theatrical improvisation, character, and genre.

Diana is currently in development on Dial Up Diana, a completely participatory, unscripted theatrical experience. Conceived and directed by Mark Smith, performed by Diana Brown and Lindsey McGowen, with design by Kai Jones. Built around live audience interaction and spontaneous storytelling, the project continues her exploration of theatrical form, character, and human connection.

Diana’s work is guided by one belief: every person is infinitely more interesting than they realize, and remarkable performance begins by uncovering what makes them unforgettable.