Michel Courtemanche

Five Days in Imagination

MASTERCLASS

Michel Courtemanche is one of the most unique and influential figures in Canadian humor. A true architect of visual comedy, he has developed a universal comedic language where the body, silence, and gaze carry the same weight as words.

Inspired by mime, burlesque, and slapstick, he has managed to modernize these forms by incorporating a contemporary sensibility and almost choreographic precision.

On stage as well as on screen, Michel Courtemanche transforms everyday gestures into moments of irresistible absurdity.

His humor is based on a keen observation of human nature, which he exaggerates without ever betraying it. Every character he plays seems trapped in an invisible mechanism, dealing with mundane situations that elegantly and intelligently spiral out of control.

Throughout his career, he has marked an entire generation with cult performances, establishing an immediately recognizable style that is both accessible and demanding. Without resorting to unnecessary gimmicks, he demonstrates that laughter can arise from a simple movement, a well-timed silence, or an eloquent look.

Michel Courtemanche thus remains a timeless creator, whose humor transcends eras and borders, reminding us that the body is sometimes the most powerful language.

THE MASTERCLASS

5 Days in Imagination is an intensive stage creation workshop offering a progressive journey from body to play, from impulse to sharing. Over five days, participants explore the body as the first creative tool, awakening physical presence, imagination, and the ability to bring an invisible space to life.

The course develops in successive stages: from listening to internal impulses and energy, to controlling gestures and bodily reactions, up to the creation and performance of sketches. The work alternates between physical exploration, observation, improvisation and play, allowing students to transform movement into language and mistakes into creative material. The journey concludes with a final presentation, a moment of collective sharing and reflection.

Course Objective

The main goal of the course is to develop a personal expressive language through the body and imagination. The workshop aims to strengthen physical awareness, creative confidence, and the ability to tell stories without relying on words. At the end of the journey, participants acquire concrete tools to create, structure, and perform a stage act based on play, presence, and body intelligence.

Masterclass Program

A journey from body to play

Day 1 – The Impulse
Why do you want to do this job? Why do you still do it today?
The door opens.

The body as a starting point.
The wave as a motor.
Manifestation as a necessity.

Imagine, then externalize.
Bring objects, space, and the invisible environment to life.
Loosen the body, awaken presence, start movement.
First steps in the wave.

Day 2 – Control
The wave takes shape.

The body is broken down.
Points of impact, reactions, and sequences are observed.
Gesture becomes intention, reaction becomes language.
The body learns to respond, to bounce back, to tell stories.

Day 3 – Creation
The play takes shape.

Work on existing sketches
or
Create a sketch born within the workshop.

Ideas circulate, meet, and transform.
The body and imagination begin to speak with one voice.

Day 4 – Execution
Bring to life what has been learned.

Refinement and improvement of sketches.
Improvisation, play, risk-taking.
Error becomes material, pleasure becomes a motor.
The play takes root, confidence settles in.

Day 5 – Sharing
The moment of truth.

Mini-show presented by the students.
Collective perspective, analysis of results, discussion.
Understand what works, what resonates, what remains.

The circle closes.
The body has learned.
Imagination is in motion.