The Stories That Made Us: Improv for Identity & Connection

What's your story? Stories are not problems to fix, but material for reflection.

Every person carries stories shaped by family, culture, language, and lived experience. The Stories That Made Us invites you to explore how these stories quietly influence behaviour, relationships, and the way we understand the world.

Using improv-inspired exercises, storytelling is approached as a shared, collaborative process.

The focus is not on confession, but on connection. Participants practise listening deeply, witnessing others, and noticing the patterns that emerge collectively.

What unfolds is often subtle but powerful: a clearer understanding of the story you tell yourself, and a renewed sense of connection to others.

This workshop is ideal for...

• Introverts and reflective thinkers

• People who are open to reframing and redefining their personal stories; strengthening resilience

• People from multicultural backgrounds, including those for whom English is not a first language

• Leaders, educators, and facilitators

• Coaches and trainers who are curious about using storytelling as a tool for connection

What you’ll gain from this workshop:

• Practise deep listening and embodied presence

• Explore how personal stories shape identity and decision-making

• Build confidence sharing and receiving stories in a safe, supported way

• Strengthen empathy and cultural awareness

• Reflect on which stories still serve them, and which they may choose to loosen

Who is Matías Avaca?

This workshop is a rare opportunity to work with Matías Avaca, an Argentine improviser living in New Zealand, in Sydney for one weekend only.

He is best known for creating spaces where people feel a genuine sense of belonging. His work bridges cultures and languages, offering a way into story that is thoughtful, generous, and deeply human.

Bridging linguistic and cultural divides with his improv style, Matías's influence spans 15+ countries, further solidifying his impact on the Improv community.

Matías is an Argentine improviser living in New Zealand. Matías co-founded Mabel Impro and the Auckland Improv Festival, and helps driving Laenye Productions, a platform for Spanish-speaking artists. Connect with Matías on Insta

“Moving between cultures taught me that stories aren’t just things we tell, they’re how we understand who we are and how we relate to others. This workshop is about exploring stories with curiosity and respect, and creating connection through listening and shared meaning.” – Matías Avaca

Stories are best shared in small circles. Because we’ll be working with meaningful emotional themes, this workshop is intentionally limited to a small group. Book now and join the circle.