Reconnection Retreat

Join us for a weekend filled with mind-blowing improv and senseless fun at this free Improv Connection Retreat in Whanganui! 

This weekend is designed to (re)connect with Ben and the improv style he helped create right before the next term, as well as connect with players to make for better community, and thus better improv...

Think of it as both a Retreat and a Reunion... one you don't want to miss!

Theme

CONNECTION. Connect with

– Our Director/Founder of this form of improv, Ben Zolno, who will be hosting and leading the workshops 

– Old and new friends

– Nature – Regenerative native bush, and rare native birds (with an optional trip to Bushy Park sanctuary!)

– Our art form – using passion and trust to build magic journeys/scenes that make us laugh, cry, and blow our minds.

Unleash your creativity and sharpen your improv skills, and get re-inspired.

Who's Invited

Anyone and everyone in the Improv Connection family, from beginners to alumni wanting to reconnect!

Location

25 acres of rural regenerating land on the outskirts of Whanganui, the home of Ben and his partner Alina, as well as 15 other land partners. Includes their 3-bedroom home with large lounge & dining room for play, native regeneration areas, sheep, chickens, gardens, orchards, and a restored woolshed that serves as a clubhouse for more play; this will be the first event in the building! 

P.S. There's a new pool, too. Polar bears only for June!

Price

Free!  To make this Retreat as accessible as possible, Ben and Alina offer their home, to reduce housing cost to zero. Ben is also offering his teachings and coaching for free as well - all so this exciting Retreat Reunion is accessible to everyone! 

Accommodation

There is a mixture of beds, couches, and sleeping spots, as well as the option to camp or sleep in your van. 

You can sleep on the property, or a freedom camping spot, or at one of two official campgrounds nearby.  Just let us know your preference when you sign up.

Transport

Drive: Whanganui is a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Wellington. We encourage those who are driving to carpool with others - make friends and save the planet! We'll help link you up. Let us know how many folks you can accommodate and your leaving preferences when registering! 

Carpool: Don't drive? We've got you! Register your interest in carpooling and we'll pair you with someone also attending! 

Bus: As a last resort, the Intercity runs from Wellington Central to Whanganui several times on Friday and Sunday and costs around $57 each way, and takes around 4 hours. From there, we can pick you up. https://www.intercity.co.nz/

Food

Bring your own; arrange optional group meals on Facebook Student group.

What to Bring

Notebook and pen for notes, anything fun you might like to contribute to the weekend! Last retreat students brought cornhole, hula hoops, guitars, board games, and hammocks! And snacks!

Of course, bring everything you need for 2 nights - clothes and sleeping stuff.  A towel, toiletries, and anything you might need in way of personal medication/prescriptions.

Upon completing the checklist after registration, we will communicate what to bring in terms of bedding.

Schedule (subject to change with the flow)

Friday, 23rd June

Evening – Group cooking, games, jam

Saturday

Morning – Group breakfast, Dive into improv

Lunch – Connection time

Afternoon – Dive deeper into improv, chasing the good stuff

Late Afternoon – Nature time, games, explore

Evening – Games, Internal Show/Jam

Sunday

Morning – Group breakfast, Dive into improv, Questions/Reflections/New Goals, Say Goodbye

Lunch – Group eating & cleanup

Leaving homestead around 1:30PM

OPTIONAL from 2PM – 4PM: Tour of Bushy Park, the Zealandia of Whanganui, with the rarest birds in New Zealand thriving. Possible future retreat site as well... heaven on earth.

Covid: 

As this will be a close-contact weekend, we encourage everyone to produce a negative RAT test before attending and monitor any possible Covid symptoms. Please stay home if you're feeling sick to protect everyone.