Which English Theatre Workshop in Istanbul Fits Your Level?

If you have just moved to Istanbul, or have lived here for years and want to speak more English with people, a theatre workshop can be an unusual and effective place to start. The first choice, though, is level. A group that is too advanced silences you; one that is too easy bores you. This guide describes three levels in plain terms and says which of our workshops suits each.

A1: you are just starting

At A1 you can introduce yourself, ask for something simple, answer with a few words. You miss most of what you hear. For you, a scripted scene or improvisation is too early; but a class built on play and movement can work well.

The fit is the A1 to A2 English Drama Lab. The work starts with body and situation, then words. In the first weeks you can listen and respond with movement; nobody forces you to speak. It runs year-round in Kadıköy and Taksim, two hours a week, and you join for 6 or 12 weeks. Groups form through pre-registration. If you are starting from zero, read our guide to beginner English in Istanbul.

A2: phrases without continuation

At A2 you have a stock of phrases and can handle simple exchanges. But when the phrase ends, so does the conversation. Many people stay here for a long time, because what is missing is not knowledge but practice using it.

The fit is again the A1 to A2 English Drama Lab, where A1 and A2 work in the same class. Each person plays scenes at their own level. As your practice grows, you can move to the B1 group. The reasons the move takes time are laid out in A2 to B1: why it takes longer.

B1: you can keep a conversation going

At B1 you can hold an everyday conversation, with pauses and corrections. This is a good level for improvisation and scene work, because you already have enough to respond.

The fit is English Drama Lab, in Pera and Kadıköy, with up to twelve people per group. It is flexible: join any week, 6 or 12 weeks. Scenes are not scripted. Our improv in English guide explains the format.

Not sure of your level?

A quick test: describe your weekend in English for two minutes without stopping. If you keep going despite pauses, you are around B1. If you stop after a few sentences, you are around A2. If you can hardly begin, you are at A1. There is no placement exam; we ask for your own description and point you to the right group.

A note on groups and timing

Groups are capped, so everyone speaks in every session. The A1 to A2 group forms through pre-registration rather than a fixed start date, so write to us early and we will find a day and time. English Drama Lab can be joined in any week.

What these workshops are not

They are not language courses and they do not promise fluency or a level jump. They are a place to use the English you have, with others, in a structured way. Many people do both: a course for structure and vocabulary, a workshop for using it. You do not need acting experience.

Why expats choose this

Beyond language, a weekly group is a place to meet people. Our piece on making friends in Istanbul through drama looks at that side, and theatre workshops for short stays covers shorter visits. For the overview by level, see our level guide page.

Related reading: Drama for beginner English · English-speaking theatre in Istanbul · What B1 English sounds like

Get in touch

You can write to us in English. Use the contact page or email info@technelabistanbul.com, or WhatsApp 0552 242 59 71. You do not need to speak Turkish.

Frequently asked questions

I am A1. Which workshop should I join? The A1 to A2 English Drama Lab. English Drama Lab is for B1 and above.

Is there a placement test? No. We ask for your own description and, if needed, point you to a different group.

Do I need to speak Turkish? No. You can write to us and work in English.

Will I become fluent? We do not promise fluency or a level jump. The goal is to use the English you have and keep going when phrases run out.