Character Lab with Derbáil Kinsella

Tired of playing the same characters or defaulting to a version of yourself? Character Lab is your introduction to the core skills of improv character development. Perfect for improvisers looking to expand their physical performance abilities, this workshop focuses on creating a diverse range of characters that bring energy, depth, and authenticity to every scene.

Through practical exercises, you’ll explore techniques that use physicality, voice, and emotional choices to craft compelling characters with unique quirks, behaviors, and desires. You’ll also learn how to balance grounded honesty with playful absurdity, building characters that elevate the stories you tell on stage.

 

In Character Lab, You’ll Be Introduced To:

• Voice, physicality, and emotion to develop distinct characters.
• Explore character archetypes and power dynamics.
• Strengthen scene relationships by uncovering characters’ motivations and shared histories.

Break out of familiar patterns, embrace physical choices, and discover new characters full of humour and truth.

Workshop is suitable for improvisers who have completed Improv level 1 or equivalent.

 

About Derbáil Kinsella:

Derbáil is a comedy performer, writer, and educator specializing in longform improv, sketch comedy, and character-driven immersive storytelling. Her career spans Europe, North America, and Australia, with notable performances at The Second City and Comedy Bar T oronto. Recently, she co-wrote, produced, and performed in the sold-out show A Sketchy Night at Sketch Fest Toronto with her troupe, Grown & Sexy. She is now preparing to debut her new horror sketch comedy show, Thrifted Spirits at Scene + Heard Festival 2025, created with her husband and comedy partner, Joseph W.Dobson, under their production company, Wed&Wild Productions.

Derbáil is an alumna of The Second City Conservatory T oronto and has trained with Upright Citizens Brigade, Improv Theatre Sydney, Bad Dog Theatre, Keith Johnstone and The Stella Adler Studio. She has performed with improv house teams at Improv Theatre Sydney, The Second City, and Bad Dog Theatre Company in T oronto. Derbáil is a recurring guest performer on RN & Cawls (The Backline Podcast) hit show Party Hard, Hard Party (Comedy Bar Toronto), Beer Beer Comedy