Wanted: Tips from those who've gone through Loose Moose Impro School

[Belina Raffy]

Hi Everybody!

I'm off to the warm-up, impro school, and mask workshop of Loose Moose in Calgary starting at the end of July and was wondering if any of you Loose Moose graduates/workshop leaders have any tips for excited newbies? Could be anything down to what to bring, tips on doing laundry on the campus, how to get the best out of the workshops - you know...good stuff...

I look forward to receiving your wisdom! Best wishes, Belina

[Zach Laliberte]

If they have drinks representing countries at the opening party... You don't have to try all of them:)
Z

[Belina Raffy]

Very wise words : )

B

[Rebecca Stockley]

I LOVED my 2 weeks at the Loose Moose Training. My biggest recommendation is - use this as an opportunity to make new friends. I went to the Moose school in 1991 and met people from all over the world... people I am friends with still. I've visited people in many lands... continued to learn from... and even been to the weddings of people I met at the Moose. Have fun! - Rebecca (BATS in San Francisco)

[Belina Raffy]

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you for the advice. I'm getting very excited now. Just after Moose, I'm heading to SF Aug 15 -20 - would love to meet you! Will be staying with Sue Walden and I believe she's going to get a bunch of us AINers together...let's play!

Best wishes,
Belina

[Shawn Kinley]

Oh... and just some specifics on Belina's questions:
Some people like to bring things represented of their country for the welcome party (The Finns brought some disgusting TAR VODKA one year...). Not everyone does this but it can be fun to share something along theose lines.

Laundry is easy (you just need the coins)

The campus is close to large stores and malls where everything can be had.

Calgary summer is all over the place. Sometimes it is so hot that you can cook an egg on the sidewalk. At other times you need a sweater and scarf to stay warm. Generally nights will cool down except during hot spells.

We will go to the mountains at least once so bring some comfortable shoes.

One favourite activity for the physically minded is the soccer (football) games on Saturday and Sunday... No one at the Moose is REALLY any good at the sport but it's a lot of fun to have an international group kicking around the ball and socializing.

For the past 5 years there has been a virus spread by mosquitoes called the West Nile virus. (I know, we are nowhere near the Nile)... Calgary is no where near the "hot spot" of possible infections but it is a good idea to wear repellant of some sort as a precaution. If you have particular skin sensitivities, you might want to bring along the brand of repellant that you like. (but there are numerous brands here)

(I hope I'm not scaring you... it's no big deal really)

You can get anything you need if you ask.

The company members of the Loose Moose are very willing to help and will give you the shirts off their back... Be careful of the ones who are willing to part with their pants.

Hope this helps a weeee bit.
Shawn

[Belina Raffy]

Hi Shawn,

Thank you for your thoughtful and thorough answers. Can't wait to be there. Will find something suitable for a half American, half French person who lives in England to bring... and share.

I'm still impressed with your session at AIN Banff - esp. the finger circle (with waves) and the Simon Says to highlight different learning styles. Very, very cool.

See ya in a few weeks!
-Belina

[Shawn Kinley]

Hi gang...
I've been teaching at the Summer School for the past 20 years and would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

I know for certatin that the school has reached it's limit for attendees BUT... here's the thing... every year one or two people back out at the last minute - they break a leg or join a circus (you know improvisers) So a waiting list is always started up.

My tip is that you simply send an e-mail to Dennis Cahill at loose moose explaining you would like to be put on that list. Or ask him questions directly. He's pretty good about getting back to you.

I am currently on tour in Europe and will see many of you at the gathering in Trondheim so if there are questions you can only speak... feel free to speak them to me there.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Calgary this year or the next or the next or the next or....
shawn

[Leif Hansen]

Dang, you answered my question, but not the answer I wanted ;( Well, a waiting list is better than nothing...
Have a great trip Shawn, it was good meeting you at Banff!
-Leif

[Erik van der Liet]

Hi Belinda,

Great that you're going to do the Loose Moose summerschool! I did the summerschool and will be around in Calgary this year also. My tip: get connected to your fellow students asap by for instance organizing small parties in the student residence or go to a restaurant or a bar for a bite or a drink the very first day you are together. The sooner you really get to know each other, the better the people in the group will be connected and the sooner experiences will be shared. It will help the whole group to the best results.

The summerschool is a great experience and the teachers are awesome!

There are laundromats in the student residence basement.

Cheers and have a lot of fun! Maybe we'll meet in Calgary. Erik

[Belina Raffy]

Thanks Erik!

I hope to bump into you in Calgary! Are you in Keith's workshop too? Like Daniel?

How might we all get together too?

Best wishes,
Belina

[Erik van der Liet]

Yep, I'm in Keiths workshop. Let's stay in touch!

Cheers,

erik

[Daniel Knutson-Bradac]

Erik, I look forward to seeing you at Keith's workshop. Hope we can all get together some evening with Belina, Yael and all those who will be attending Loose Moose.

Cheers,

=Daniel