Navigating Conflict – a 3-hour improv workshop on tension & truth

Taught by: Karl Echaluse (he/him) – Philippines
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Date & Time: Saturday, May 23 · 10:00–13:00
Location: Fringe Club, Central, Hong Kong

📝 Workshop Description:
We’ve all been there — stuck in a scene where two characters are shouting in circles, and no one’s really listening. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to transform conflict from a creative dead-end into a powerful storytelling tool.

Through focused exercises, Karl will guide you to explore the heart beneath disagreement — finding emotional stakes, vulnerability, and humor in the heat of the moment. You’ll practice how to keep scenes moving forward, maintain connection amid tension, and ensure that even the biggest fights reveal truth and deepen relationships.

By the end, you’ll walk away with practical techniques for turning arguments into art, discovering how meaningful conflict makes improv more dynamic, human, and fun.

• Arrive early – please plan to arrive 10 minutes before class so we can start and end on time.
• Wear comfortable, movement-friendly clothes that cover you fully (you’ll be moving around the space).
• Bring a reusable water bottle – hydration is creativity!

👨🏻‍🏫 About the Teacher:
Karl Echaluse is an improviser, director, and producer from Manila, Philippines. He has performed and studied improv across multiple countries, collaborating with ensembles such as OAAHM, MEMEprov, Housekeeping Improv, and SPIT Manila.

In 2021, Karl co-directed ImprovisAsian, one of the world’s largest online improv festivals, and in 2023, he co-produced the Manila Improv Festival, Asia’s biggest improv gathering featuring 30 countries and over 300 performers.

When he’s not on stage, Karl is a single father to three cats and spends his time gaming, making music, and occasionally pondering the meaning of life.

• If purchased as part of a bundle, classes are $450 HKD each and include 2 shows – [buy a bundle ]
• Earlybird (until one month before class): $500 HKD
• Regular (until class date): $550 HKD
• On the door (if available): $600 HKD

All levels (0+ years experience):
New to improv or have been doing this a lifetime! These classes are taught by experts and are tailored to be open to anyone.

Intermediate/Advanced (2+ years experience):
Comfortable on stage or experienced performer. Understand supportive play, story structure, and basic mime or character work. Familiar with both shortform and longform formats. Ready to push your craft further.

🌟 About the Yes And Festival – May 21–24, Hong Kong

Four days of learning, performing, and connecting — the Yes And Festival brings together improvisers from across Asia (and beyond!) for a long weekend of creative exploration and joyful discovery.

Whether you’re seasoned or brand new, you’ll find workshops that challenge you, shows that inspire you, and a community that welcomes you.
Dive into sessions led by world-class teachers, catch late-night jams, and make friends who love saying “yes” as much as you do.

The festival takes place in the heart of Central Hong Kong, featuring multiple shows and workshops every day across some of the city’s most exciting venues.

Also check out other Workshops in Hong Kong, Festivals in Hong Kong, Performances in Hong Kong.