Covert Theatre Shop
Improv for Adults
This course is open to anyone who has completed Improv 101. It’s a 10-week program that runs for 1.5 hours. This is the next step for those who want to perform on stage.
2026 COURSES: Mondays 8:15pm – 9:45pm
19 January – 30 March (no workshop on 26 January Auckland Anniversary )
4 May – 13 July (no workshop on 1 June King’s Birthday)
20 July – 21 September
5 October – 14 December (no workshop on 26 October Labour Day)
Pre-requisite: completed Improv 101
Once paid there are no refunds unless the class has been cancelled.
It’s a 10-week program on Tuesdays 6pm – 8pm. The classes are 2-hours long. It’s an introduction to long form improvisation. This is the final stage in being eligible to join the Covert Theatre.
Course Dates 2026:
5 May – 7 July
21 July – 22 September
13 October – 15 December
Prerequisite: Improv 201
Once paid there are no refunds unless the class has been cancelled.
Jester is one the Covert’s stalwart shows that has entertained thousands of people over many years. This facilitator manual shows you how to teach over 120 improv games in an easy to follow guide and also shows how to run your own Jester show, providing you with everything you need to be successful.
Written by Wade Jackson, the Covert Theatre Artistic Director who has over 30 years of improv experience as a performer, teacher, director and producer. This book is perfect for groups starting out, those wanting or having to teach themselves, theatre companies looking for a new short form show format, teachers wanting to gain insight into how best set up an exercise and those wanting to add more tools to their toolkit.
The Jester facilitator manual includes:
How to teach over 120 improv games with facilitator tips
Step by step guide to running your own Jester show
Easy to follow MC guide
The Jester run sheet and score sheet
40 open scene set ups
Lists of audience suggestions, emotions, genres
Improv glossary
Covert Members Drop-in Card – 10 Workshops for $200
For Covert Theatre members only – drop-in workshops.
If you’re a Covert Theatre member who regularly attends our drop-in improv workshops, this makes the process easy. The Covert Members Drop-in Card gives you 10 drop-in sessions for just $200 — that’s only $20 per session.
🎟 Valid for drop-in workshops only
🚫 Not valid for block workshops or festival workshops
📍 Card must be collected at the drop-in workshops
🔁 Use across any eligible drop-in sessions – flexible and easy 🚫 These cards are not refundable.
This card is exclusive to current Covert Theatre members. If you’re not a member yet, join here to start your improv journey.
Workshops for Adults
DATES26 July (Sun) 2pm – 5pm
PREREQUISITENone
COSTStandard: $55
Covert players: 10% Discount
Limited to 16 people
DATES17, 24, 31 October Saturdays 3pm – 5pm (6 hours total)
PREREQUISITEImprov 301
COSTStandard: $150
Covert players: 10% Discount
Improv For Kids
Life Skills for Kids - The Resilience Playground
8 - 12 year olds and runs on Mondays 4.30pm – 5.30pm
2026 DatesTerm 3: 3 August to 21 September – 8 weeks $160
Term 4: 19 October to 14 December – 8 weeks $160 (no workshop Labour Day 26 October)
Please note: Once paid there are no refunds unless the class has been cancelled.
We run school holiday programs in the summer holidays and terms 1, 2, and 3.
2026 PROGRAMS:
Summer Holidays
Monday 19 January to Friday 23 January - $295
Term 1
Week 2 - Monday 13 April to Friday 17 April - $295
Term 2
Week 2 - Monday 13 July to Friday 17 July - $295
Term 3
Week 1 - Monday 22 Sept to Friday 26 Sept - $295
Time: 9am - 3pm daily (Mon to Fri) with optional 4pm show on Friday (60-mins).
Age range: 8 - 12 years
Venue: Covert Theatre, 51 Mackelvie St, Ponsonby
There is a maximum of 20 children per program, so be sure to apply now.
Once paid there are no refunds unless the class has been cancelled.
If you have any questions about the program, please email comedy@coverttheatre.com
Covert Teens (13 - 17)Fridays 4:30 to 5:30pm
Term 1: 30 January to 27 March – 8 weeks $160 (no workshop 6 February Waitangi Day)
Term 2: 15 May to 3 July – 8 weeks $160
Term 3: 7 August to 25 September – 8 weeks $160
Term 4: 16 Oct to 4 Dec – 8 weeks $160
Please note: Once paid there are no refunds unless the class has been cancelled.
This course is open to anyone 18 years or over. No experience is required. It’s a 10-week program that runs for 2-hours. This is also the entry level for those who want to join the theatre company.
2026 courses:
Mondays 6pm – 8pm
19 January – 30 March (no workshop on 26 January Auckland Anniversary)
4 May – 13 July (no workshop on 1 June King’s Birthday)
20 July – 21 September
5 October – 14 December (no workshop on 26 October Labour Day)
Improv 101: Pre-requisite: To be over 18 years or older.
Once paid there are no refunds unless the class has been cancelled.