🎭 Workshop: “It’s OK to Be White: A Caucasian’s Guide to Musical Improv”
Taught by: Bill Reilly (he/him) – USA / Japan
Level: Beginner
Date & Time: Friday, May 22 · 10:00–13:00
Location: Fringe Club, Central, Hong Kong
Does the phrase “Sing about it!” strike fear in your weary heart? Does the sound of piano keys make you want to run for cover? Are you quiet in the shower for fear of offending your shampoo with your voice?
Then this is the workshop for you.
Join Bill Reilly of Pirates of Tokyo Bay for a light-hearted, high-support session designed for absolute beginners to musical improv. You’ll learn to find rhythm, create simple melodies, and tell stories through song—even if you think you can’t sing.
Through fun exercises and easy structures, you’ll gain confidence, discover your unique musical voice, and maybe even start enjoying the idea of bursting into song. Because in improv, it’s not about hitting the right note—it’s about having the right attitude.
Come ready to make joyful noise, laugh at yourself, and realise that anyone (yes, even you) can improvise a song.
🧘 How to Show Up
- 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
Bill Reilly is an American improviser based in Tokyo, Japan, where he performs and teaches with Pirates of Tokyo Bay, Japan’s premier bilingual improv troupe. He has spent years performing with both the Tokyo and Osaka (Dotonbori) Pirates, touring across Japan and appearing at international festivals throughout Asia.
Bill is also a bilingual teacher, leading Improv Levels 1 and 2 in both English and Japanese. His teaching blends playful structure, heartfelt connection, and a sharp sense of humor that invites everyone—no matter their confidence level—to jump in and discover the joy of unscripted comedy.
🎟️ Prices
- If purchased as part of a bundle, classes are $450 HKD each and include 2 shows – [buy a bundle here]
- Earlybird (until one month before class): $500 HKD
- Regular (until class date): $550 HKD
- On the door (if available): $600 HKD
🧭 Levels Explained
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.
