The Stories That Made Us: Improv for Identity & Connection | Matías Avaca

Self-awareness workshop. Explore how personal history shapes identity & relationships. Storytelling is a tool to build meaningful connection

What's Your Story?

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.

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.

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.

Stories are not not problems to fix, but material for reflection.

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...

People interested in identity, culture, and the stories that shape how we see ourselves and others.

It’s especially suited to:

• Introverts and reflective thinkers who prefer depth, listening, and thoughtful participation
• People ready to reframe and redefine personal stories; strengthening resilience
• Leaders, educators, and facilitators
• People from multicultural backgrounds, including those for whom English is not a first language
• Anyone curious about using storytelling as a tool for connection and understanding

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

Many participants leave with a renewed perspective and a strong sense of group connection.

Who is Matías Avaca? 🧔‍♂️

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

He 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

What students have said about this workshop...

“Matías’ careful guidance allowed me to get in touch with memories and imagination I hadn’t uncovered for years.”

“The workshop was quietly inspiring, taking me to a different part of my brain. I left feeling creatively renewed and deeply connected.”

BOOK NOW - Spots are limited!

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.