Jen Hardy (UK)
Hailing from the best city on earth (Liverpool!) [Jen’s words not ours - we will let that slide! - Improv Fest Ireland Team] I'm an improviser, poet, teacher and coach as well as being a producer at a Shakespearian theatre.
I've performed in all-female comedy troupes and Liverpool's first UCB style team. I perform with multiple companies including Playing Dead Theatre and Rubbish Shakespeare with whom I have toured the country in the sell-out 5 star show, The Incomplete Works of Shakespeare. I have produced several shows, including Mystery Laugh, an improvised family show and my debut solo show, Wet Skeleton.
A trained teacher, I teach and coach across the UK and internationally. This has included international festivals and teams who've gone on to perform at international festivals and individuals who've gone on to carve out professional careers.
As the co-director of the Liverpool Improvisation Festival, I'm passionate about exploring improvisation in all forms, and supporting communities to perform and learn new ways to be spontaneous.
I focus on getting folks to see their current strengths and build on them. To find their own style and lean into it - remembering that they're infinitely more interesting than they can ever imagine, and their improv journey is spectacularly unique. There's nothing more joyful than seeing someone find their feet, believe in themselves and stop 'thinking' and just start playing!