Side Characters: How to Be the Best Sancho Panza to Your Don Quixote

Facilitator: Adrià Lerma
Level: All levels
Cost: €80

Date: Saturday March 28
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm (with 1 hr lunch break at 1:00pm)

This workshop is open to improvisers of ALL LEVELS.

We often think the protagonist drives the story — but sometimes it’s the side characters who truly shape it. This workshop explores the art of creating memorable supporting characters who bring stories to life. Through physicality, emotion, and point of view, participants will discover how side characters reveal who the protagonist really is, move the plot forward, and add heart, humor, or chaos to the journey.

We’ll also explore a fundamental truth of storytelling: a character is not defined by how they see themselves, but by how others see and respond to them. A queen is not a queen because she says she is — she becomes one when others treat her like one. By embracing this perspective, improvisers learn to play with presence, awareness, and status in richer, more dynamic ways.

Get ready to create wacky, heartfelt, and surprising moments — and make every character, no matter how small, unforgettable.

Participants will:

  • Explore physical and vocal choices that make characters stand out.

  • Create distinctive, emotionally alive side characters who enrich the story.

  • Learn to support and shape the protagonist through listening and generosity.

  • Strengthen storytelling skills through the lens of "the ones beside the protagonist.

About Adrià Lerma

Adrià is an actor, improviser, director, and teacher working in improv, theater, and film both nationally and internationally. For the past four years, he has performed in a long-running musical at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain. He performs improv weekly and has performed at festivals across Europe, including Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, the UK, Greece, Germany, Bulgaria, and Ireland. His work spans scripted theater, film, television, documentaries, short films, music videos, and commercials.

Adrià is the founder of @aspaiet.impro (comedy improv in Spanish) and co-founder of @vlcplayground (comedy improv in English), @teatro.alta.sensibilidad (dramatic improv), and @ja.improvisacion (musical improv). He teaches improv regularly at The VLC Playground, Espai Rebombori, and Estudio Ortiz, fluent in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

Passionate about physical comedy and grounded acting, he has trained in the techniques of Lecoq and Meisner. Known for his “jello physicality” and his fearless “full send” attitude, he often throws himself into characters with such commitment that he wears knee pads on stage—though he has never broken a bone.

His inspirations include the sunflowers in his father’s garden, a little girl high on sugar, and Renaissance baby angels. Based in Valencia, he spends his spare time editing videos and playing board games.