BULLSKIT RED DEER
REACT's ADMINISTRATION for REACT 2026Red Deer's best kept secret!
Bull Skit Comedy is here to create a community at PLAY, through Improvisation and Sketch Comedy, in our 18th season!
REACTION!
A Little story continues...
Decades ago, at a little theatre created by Keith Johnstone,
Patti Stiles, Shawn Kinley and Steve Jarand performed and played
and improvised together.
Then, they went off to explore the world of improvisation in more than 60 countries.
What came next was...
an exciting, adventurous exploration as these three united for the first time to create a unique improvisation workshop experience!
The 2025 REACT WORKSHOP WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!
Are you ready for the next act?
REACT WORKSHOP 2026
YES LET'S!
REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE
August 28, 2025
WHO ARE THEY?
STEVE
Masks and More
PATTI
Actors Inspired
SHAWN
Controlled Chaos & Misbehaviour
An old improviser. A new father.
A nature lover. A gun hater.
A democracy advocate.
A rationalist.
A meditator.
- Consistently loving and supportive parents.
- Good teachers:
- In Junior High School Linda Lytle taught honestly what she thought was actually useful and important in life. I remember once she confessed she hadn’t corrected our homework because a friend needed her the night before.
- In High School Jim Whitehead built a theatre community where we could work and play and do most things by ourselves.
- In University (and beyond) Keith Johnstone showered us with insights, taught backwards thinking, opened up our subconscious, shared life hacks, and developed our ability to tell good stories.
- Anytime I can improvise as a teacher and adapt on the fly, I grow as a teacher.
- Three players were competing to see who could guess the leader of a movement exercise. One guessed correctly but we hand no second leader ready for the next round. I lied that we did, and the group moved together until we had frustrated the last two competitors with their incorrect guesses. They laughed when they heard there had been no one guiding the others.
- I played the counting-to-ten game with bored teenagers. (The game when if two say a number at the same time, the count starts back at the beginning.) To my great surprise they were amazing at it because they didn’t give a shit and didn’t step on each other’s toes. I didn’t do anything, but really felt like a good teacher.
- Anytime I can fail for real in front of students some part of me is happy. And I do get eliminated early in games I have played many times or even invented.
- ‘My particular experience playing a scene in full mask with you directing was impressive to me, because of the calmness I felt.’
- ‘Putting your masks on let me take mine off.’
- ‘It’s weird, but in a good way.’
- Travel, culture and languages.
- Nature and science theatre.
- The combination between meditation and creativity.
I believe you don’t need to know how to do stuff, you just need to enjoy figuring it out.
I pay no attention to dreams.
I used to make my own tempeh but now I buy it at the store.
A proud Newfoundlander / Canadian living in Australia. An animal lover, Star Trek fan and seeker.
I am an actor, director, teacher, playwright, and author working with improvisational theatre for over 40 years.
I’ve been blessed with a life full of people who encourage and challenge me.
Keith Johnstone and the Loose Moose Theatre were pivotal in my work as an improvisor.
Anytime I see someone make a discovery or take a leap. When I see them get it, or do it, or try it, or discover it. When they learn, evolve, risk, let go, be. To be a witness to that moment, however that moment arrives or presents for the individual, is a privilege.
But a story…ok.
I was teaching in Italy with Teatro a Molla. I was talking about how ego interrupts our works as improvisors. Everyone in the room nodded in agreement except for one player, who looked confused. Later in the class an example of ego came into a scene, and I mentioned it again, everyone saw it, but the same one person looked confused. They leaned over to someone and whispered in Italian. There was a burst of laughter from the two of them. What he heard was ‘Remove the eagle.’ Not ‘Remove the ego.’ No wonder he was confused. There is a poster in Teatro A Molla’s office of an eagle and a quote “Remove the eagle.” – Patti Stiles
This story to me has so much about what improvisation is. Offers, acceptance, people being altered, good naturedness, surprise, mistakes, and discovery, all in a nice story.
- “Your creativity, spontaneity, and wisely rebellious teaching style was refreshing and inspiring.”
- “She makes improv clear, less complex, and a creative experience free from judgement.”
- “Impro with You is inspiring, exiting, a must-have for everyone who wants to improvise”
- “Patti has a lifetime of experience, a very different and much more useful viewpoint on improv from what is being taught in most parts of the world and is able to communicate these concepts clearly and effectively.”
- “The approach that you used during the workshop was an interesting revelation for me as actress and as improviser: I always knew that improvisation should be lived in this way and I have always seen this possibilities but yours was the first workshop where I have lived it.”
I am interested in the spontaneous moment, meeting fearless play, supported by strong narrative technique, in the hands of improvisors who are interested in creating dynamic theatre and an unforgettable experience for the audience.
I wrote a book called ‘Improvise Freely” and I have improvised for 53 hours straight with no sleep, more than once.
Canadian, Curious, New Dad, Explorer.
I’ve been teaching and performing for the past 40 years in 56 countries.
Students young and old (mostly young)
The curious and creative natures of:
- Richard Feynman
- Robin Williams
- Jim Henson
- Red Skelton
- Shields and Yarnell
- Mummenchanz
- Keith
Animals
Philosophies – Taoism, Buddhism
Many… and most from kids.
- An autistic kid who was disregarded by the other kids and minimized by some teachers excelled at an exercise that I taught. The other kids couldn’t do the exercise. The other looked up to the one with autism.
- A boy named “Truth”, with alcohol fetal syndrome wrote me a note after the class saying, “I wish you were my father.” He said he felt respected.
- A cat who always turned his back on me when I faced away from him. Others said that he was angry. He wasn’t. He was displaying that he felt safe with me by displaying his unprotected back while facing outward. He protected me by looking in the direction I couldn’t see. We had each other’s back.
- A “misbehaving” child placed away from other kids by a classroom teacher:
In an exercise, he bent my rules and showed me (and the other kids) a better way to do it.
So many more…
- “…for the first time when I failed, it was easier to try again and again and again, I felt better every time. I could risk more and it felt good.”
-G.B. - “You said that, “improvisation could improve the illusion of telepathy.” In class, it was proved over and over.”
-T.A. - “I’m so excited about teaching again and I would like to thank you for that.”
-C.D. - “…thank you for the workshop, for giving me words for things I feel but am not very able to name them, for making me feel less alone with ideas or views I have and for being an inspiration.”
-S.S. - “You do the most varied impro work I know!”
-A.M. - “… many things changed with me as an actor and filmmaker, and even my personality in the way of thinking and creating a safe and healthy dialogue with people.”
-Z.B. - “I wish we could have gone longer.”
-R.C.
- I made games up a lot as a kid (saved my mother so much money) and I didn’t lose that quality of play and creation. Reinforced by watching Keith’s behaviour, I love creating exercises with students that might never be played again but are perfect for the moment.
- A physical specialty doesn’t come from any particular training but from curiosity and fascination of how we physically express ourselves and how animals move.
- Non-verbal communication has always been a passion and easily practiced by spending more time in non-english speaking countries than my home in Canada.
- The Taoist belief that “all that can be told about a thing is not the TRUE thing that you are talking about,” inspires my passion that all that is defined about improvisation isn’t the true improvisation.
…but, I’ve already said too much.
REACT is a joint effort with our valued partner
And a thanks to the people working behind the scenes to make this happen:
Jenna, Kati
REACT
WHO, WHAT, WHERE, & WHEN
WHAT IS REACT?
REACT IMPRO WORKSHOP
10 Days – 3 Amazing Instructors
REACT is a 10-day improvisation intensive designed for improvisers, actors, teachers, and theatre-makers ready to deepen their improvisation practice, expand their toolkit, and challenge their assumptions.
Three of the world’s most experienced and internationally recognized improvisers, deliver a broad spectrum of improvisation wisdom with emphasis on:
- Spontaneity, Risk and Awareness
- Narrative structure & story logic
- Mask work, Physical presence
- Collaborative skill sharing from international co-participants
- Character, Relationship, formats, and more, while focusing on student’s individual needs.
Some modules will be co-taught by two or all three instructors, allowing for layered feedback and multidisciplinary insight.
While the primary language of instruction is English, multilingual expression is encouraged in select exercises and performances. (Additionally, Steve is conversational in Spanish, French, and German.)
Participants will have the opportunity to perform, test material, and engage in presentation to audiences, should they choose.
This is an intensive for those who take play seriously
WHERE IS REACT?
& WHERE WILL I STAY?
RED DEER, ALBERTA, CANADA
(between Calgary and Edmonton)
Nestled between Calgary (Loose Moose Theatre) and Edmonton, (Rapid Fire Theatre), Red Deer Alberta (Bullskit Comedy Theatre) is the midway point for two of the longest running and influential improvisation companies in Canada and the world.
RED DEER boasts a network of trails, including the popular Discovery Canyon along the Red Deer River, where you can rent tubes and enjoy the water.
Join us for an unforgettable retreat designed for improvisers from across the globe and stick around to explore some of the adventures and beauty the area and country has to offer.
The BAYMONT Hotel has room options to suit almost everyone’s desires. From Newly renovated rooms to kitchen suites, a work out room and a swimming pool to take a dip at the end of the day.
Make your own meals in the kitchenette or enjoy the included variation and ease of meals prepared everyday for you. Share your improvisation experiences with fellow students in the dining area and fuel yourself for classes.
The teaching locations will welcome you each day as you engage in dynamic classes tailored to enhance your improvisation skills while fostering a sense of camaraderie with students from all over the planet.
Whether you mingle with fellow participants or unwind in solitude, every moment promises a memorable experience.
As the day draws to a close, come together for a communal improvisation jam, exchanging ideas and insights from diverse improvisation cultures. Whether you choose to extend the evening’s festivities or retire early in anticipation of another enriching day, you will have many options within reach.
WHEN IS REACT?
SUMMERTIME IN CANADA!
AUGUST 9 – 19, 2026 — (Public Registration opens AUGUST 28, 2025)
The average temperature in Red Deer in August ranges from a high of 24°C (75°F ) to a low of 11°C (51°F) Some would describe the temperature to be mildly cool. Some would say… perfect. The general area may also feel breezy.
WHO IS REACT?
SHAWN KINLEY, PATTI STILES & STEVE JARAND
Patti Stiles, Steve Jarand, and Shawn Kinley will offer this 10 day session to a limited number of international improvisers.
Shawn, Patti and Steve developed their core improvisation ideas at Keith Johnstone’s Loose Moose theatre, working directly with him for over 40 years. They’ve refined and furthered their theories through countless workshops with improvisers from all over the world.
REACT 2026 marks the return of these three together after the successful original REACT workshop in 2025.
Read more about them in the teachers section below.
WHAT IS THE PRICE?
ACCOMODATION, MEALS & CLASSES
EVERYTHING INCLUDED
The total cost for ten days:
- Accommodation Based on quad rooms -separate Bedrooms* with a shared kitchen in each quad.
- Meals
- Class fees
- Shows/performance possibilities
$2475 Canadian Dollars
(Approx. 1500 EUROS or 1800 USD)
.
*If you would prefer a single room, there are a limited number available for an added fee.
To help create equitable access for our international impro community, we are offering a limited number of subsidies.
SEE YOU SOON!
SPECIAL THANKS!
HELPING TO MAKE REACT HAPPEN
YES LET'S REACT!!!
We are looking forward to having you join this unique gathering of improvisers and improvisation training. You've decided to come and play - so WHAT COMES NEXT?
REGISTER!
Registration Below!CLICK THE LINK AND FILL IN THE FORM
Just a few questions and your commitment to leap into the adventure.
RESPOND!
CONFIRMATION!There will be a notice after submitting your form saying it has been received. Then, our magic elves and fairies do their magic and will process your request. Upon confirmation we’ll send you an email with invoice and payment information.
REACT!
THE FUN BEGINS Creating a community and...more.We'll be here to answer questions as we prepare the rooms, pour some drinks, and tidy the workspace for the actual workshops and Improvisation Experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
If there’s anything else you need to know, check the frequently asked questions.
If you can’t find help here, drop us a note and we’ll help. ALSO, if there are useful bits of information that you think would help others, let us know and we will add them to the list.
My English is not very strong. Will this be a problem?
While the course will primarily be given in English, emotional and body expression will be given a great deal of the focus.
Partner work and some group work will be conducted in your own language as well.
Teaching style can accommodate much of language concerns. Some translation support is likely available from fellow participants in several languages. In addition, Steve, speaks reasonable versions of French, Spanish and German.
This being said, a minimum understanding of English is needed. Please contact us directly before registering if you have more questions concerning language.
Will there be time for social/leisure activities during the course?
DEFINITELY!
There will be downtime each day and possibly a half day off with an organized trip or event, or a walk at the riverside.
The facility has a gathering and games room as well as an events happening in Downtown Red Deer.
We encourage all participants to monitor their energy levels and work and rest at a comfortable pace.
Can I come late or leave early to the workshops?
We highly discourage this but are open to considering individual circumstances.
Can I stay extra days at the facilities?
How should I dress?
What to Bring
The average temperature in Red Deer in August ranges from a high of 24°C (75°F ) to a low of 11°C (51°F) Some would describe the temperature to be mildly cool. Some would say… perfect. The general area may also feel breezy. Bring comfortable shoes if you would like to enjoy a hike or more physical experience.
Comfortable rehearsal clothes of course will make your in-class experience much nicer.
With performance opportunities, bring clothes that you are comfortable wearing on stage.
The accommodations are booked for for you from August 9 – 19, 2026. We’d be happy to put you in touch with the facility representative if you would like to extend your stay. If you wish to stay somewhere else in the area outside of that period and need help finding lodging, please contact the organizers.