Discover Classes. Earn 10% Rewards.

Improv Classes Near Me

Unlock your creativity and boost your confidence with improv classes. Learn the art of spontaneous storytelling, sharpen your communication skills, and experience the exhilaration of performing in a supportive and fun environment.

Improv Classes Coming Up in NYC

See all Improv classes in NYC

Tuesday Improv - Night Time Special (Class + Coaching)

Kissin Improv See all classes by this school @ ​210 Central Park S, New York, NY

Experience the art of improv with one of the most renowned performers in the country at Kissin Improv. Enhance your public speaking skills, increase your social interactions, and have a good laugh in this personalized class taught by an improv master. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to jump-start your improv skills.

(74) All levels 16 and older
$99
Attend
+990 pts
Gift it!

Sunday Afternoon - Performance Improv

Kissin Improv See all classes by this school @ ​210 Central Park S, New York, NY

Experience the thrill of live performance in this immersive improv course. Join experienced improvisers as they guide you through classic exercises and new forms, helping you become the best performer you can be. Push your limits, hone your skills, and get ready to take the stage.

(74) All levels 16 and older
$75
Attend
+750 pts
Gift it!

Laughter Starts Here: Improv Comedy Playtime!

New York Improv Theatre (8 Improv) See all classes by this school @ 352 West 44th Street, New York, NY

Unlock your creativity, boost self-confidence, and become a master of storytelling with laughter as your guide. Join us at the New York Improv Theatre and embark on a journey of fun, games, and meaningful character development. Learn the art of improv comedy and discover the power of teamwork, leadership, and communication skills along the way.

(78) Beginner 16 and older
$50
Attend
+500 pts
Gift it!

Intro to Improv

Improvolution See all classes by this school @ 115 MacDougal St, New York, NY

Unleash your creativity and build strong connections through the art of improvisation. Join Improvolution's introductory course and discover the power of teamwork, fun-filled games, and a character-based approach to unlock your inner improviser. Get ready to be amazed as you effortlessly dive into the world of improv and witness its transformative impact on your life.

(71) Beginner 18 and older
$50
Attend
+500 pts
Gift it!

Level 1: Core Improv

Improvolution See all classes by this school @ 115 MacDougal St, New York, NY

Unlock your creativity and unleash your inner performer with Improvolution's foundational course in improvisation. Discover the philosophy behind improv as you engage in drills, exercises, and games, all designed to cultivate your skills and confidence. Experience a supportive and personalized learning environment tailored to your unique development.

(71) Beginner 18 and older
$495

10 sessions

Attend
+4950 pts
Gift it!

Improv Classes Coming Up in Los Angeles

See all Improv classes in Los Angeles

Acting for Adults

The Actors Circle See all classes by this school @ 11282 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA

Unleash your creative potential and develop your acting skills with our comprehensive curriculum at The Actors Circle. From scene study to character development, our classes for adults offer a dynamic and supportive environment where you can explore various techniques and build a strong foundation in acting. Join us and discover your unique way to shine on stage and screen.

(36) All levels 17 and older
$60
Attend
+600 pts
Gift it!

Off-the-Cuff: Comedy Improv (Beginning)

Los Angeles City College See all classes by this school @ 855 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Unleash your spontaneity and wit in a dynamic environment where creativity knows no bounds. Join us to explore the art of improvisational comedy and hone your comedic timing, all while enjoying a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Sharpen your comedic chops and discover the joy of thinking on your feet.

(862) Beginner 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$129

5 sessions

Gift it!

Off-the-Cuff: Comedy Improv (Advanced)

Los Angeles City College See all classes by this school @ 855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Unleash your spontaneity and wit in a dynamic improvisational comedy workshop that will sharpen your comedic timing and creativity. Dive into the world of comedic improvisation with seasoned instructors who will push your skills to new heights. Embrace the unpredictable and hone your ability to think on your feet in this exhilarating course.

(862) Advanced 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$129

5 sessions

Gift it!

Improv Level 1

The Miles Stroth Workshop See all classes by this school @ 1078 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA

Discover your comedic voice and gain confidence in this immersive improv course at The Miles Stroth Workshop. Learn to react authentically and stay "out of your head" while improvising with honesty and freedom. Join us for a transformative experience in a safe and vaccinated environment.

(1) All levels 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$330

8 sessions

Gift it!

Improv + Communication Skills for Women

The Engaging Educator See all classes by this school @ 704 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA

Looking for your voice? Start to find it with us. As women, we tend to find ourselves overthinking and trapped in our heads, focusing in on how we ‘should’ sound, what a strong communicator looks like, what answer would be perceived as the best one. And the best one often is, be you. In this class, we’ll take improv-based and public speaking activities to the next level and apply them to communication – whether that’s interpersonal impromptu...

(401) All levels 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!

Improv Classes Coming Up in Chicago

See all Improv classes in Chicago

Improv, Games & Risk Taking

Piven Theatre Workshop See all classes by this school @ 927 Noyes St, Illinois City, IL

Unlock your creativity and ignite your passion for theater with this dynamic class at Piven Theatre Workshop. Discover the renowned Piven Technique through engaging theater games and improvisation in a supportive ensemble setting. Perfect for those seeking to unleash their artistic potential and explore the world of performance.

(1) Beginner 18 and older
$225

6 sessions

Attend
+2250 pts
Gift it!

The Good Humor Class: Improv, Comedy & Connection

Piven Theatre Workshop See all classes by this school @ 927 Noyes St, Illinois City, IL

Unlock the power of humor and enhance your communication skills with a blend of comedy, improv, and theatre games. Drawing inspiration from iconic sources like Second City and SNL, this class offers a unique approach to connecting with others through laughter and play. Discover techniques that elevate your interactions and bring out your inner comedian.

(1) All levels 18 and older
$225

6 sessions

Attend
+2250 pts
Gift it!

Improvisation for Beginners

Discovery Center See all classes by this school

You play theatre games & exercises designed to develop spontaneity, communication, flexibility and awareness. Recommended for actors, comics, and non-performers interested in bringing more spontaneity and humor into their lives. A fun way to get to know others.

(306) Beginner 16 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$79

3 sessions

Gift it!

Improv and Scene

Piven Theatre Workshop See all classes by this school @ 927 Noyes St, Illinois City, IL

Join senior teacher Joanne Underwood at Piven Theatre Workshop for an immersive class where students prepare and rehearse scenes from contemporary plays. Through improvisation and games, students will deepen their understanding of characters and relationships, exploring the impulsiveness of improvisation while remaining respectful of the script. No prior experience is required.

(1) All levels 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$325

6 sessions

Gift it!

Improv and Games for the Stage

Piven Theatre Workshop See all classes by this school @ 927 Noyes St, Illinois City, IL

Unlock your inner performer and experience the sheer joy of play with Piven Theatre Workshop. Discover new and perfect old skills in a fun and supportive environment, culminating in an open workshop for friends and family. Join this ensemble-building class for an unforgettable experience on stage.

(1) All levels 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$250

7 sessions

Gift it!

Improv Classes Coming Up Online

See all Improv classes Online

Advanced Film Acting 210

Acting School for Film and Television See all classes by this school @ Virtual Classroom

Take your acting skills to the next level in this class designed for advanced and professional actors. This course offers challenging scene work, improv exercises, and multiple takes to help refine performances and expand your range. Perfect your monologues and learn valuable industry tips on headshots, reels, and networking.

(66) Advanced 12 and older
$140

3 sessions

Attend
+1400 pts
Gift it!

Tuesday Improv - Daytime Special (Class + Coaching)

Kissin Improv See all classes by this school

Learn the art of improv from one of the country's most experienced performers at Kissin Improv. Gain valuable skills for presentations, public speaking, and social situations while having a great time. All levels are welcome, with personalized instruction from a renowned master of improvisation.

(74) All levels 16 and older
$99
Attend
+990 pts
Gift it!

ONLINE Fun with Improv

Fun w Improv. Improv Now. See all classes by this school @ Virtual Classroom

Unlock your creativity and boost your confidence with an exciting and interactive course that will transform your public speaking skills. Join us at Fun w Improv. Improv Now. and discover the joy of improv, whether you're an actor, a newbie, or simply looking for a fun and engaging experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unleash your potential!

(46) All levels 16 and older
$5
Attend
+50 pts
Gift it!

Musical Improv - Accompanied by a Professional Pianist

Kissin Improv See all classes by this school

Unleash your inner musician and comedic genius in this dynamic class where you'll craft hilarious lyrics and melodies on the fly. With guidance from a seasoned pianist, explore a variety of techniques including rhyming, narrative approaches, and song structure, culminating in the ability to improvise entire musicals from scratch. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a novice, join us for a fun-filled journey into the world of musical improv!

(74) All levels 16 and older
$60
Attend
+600 pts
Gift it!

On-Camera Commercial Improv with Stacy Gallo

Actors Connection New York See all classes by this school @ Online Classroom

Learn how to fine-tune your on-camera-commercial audition skills in a fun and relaxed virtual environment with top commercial casting director Stacy Gallo. Previous students have booked national network spots and signed with top NY agencies. Don't miss this new online class at Actors Connection New York!

(329) Advanced 18 and older
$249

3 sessions

Attend
+2490 pts
Gift it!

Improv Classes Coming Up in Boston

See all Improv classes in Boston

Improv Level 1

Improv Asylum See all classes by this school @ 200 State St, Boston, MA

Embark on a journey of creative spontaneity with Improv Asylum's introductory class. Over eight weeks, learn to unleash your creativity through games and exercises that will have you comfortable and ready to create your own improv scenes. Join us for a fun and exciting adventure into the world of improvisation!

Beginner 19 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$325

8 sessions

Gift it!

Improv Level 5

Improv Asylum See all classes by this school @ 200 State St, Boston, MA

Becoming a improv ninja means getting your reps. And we’ll give them to you in the penultimate level where you’ll work with your director to identify your strengths, work on your weak spots and overall work on making you the most versatile improvisor you can be. Notice we said director instead of instructor? That’s because Level 5 is the first-part of the end of our training center. This is where you and your class start to develop your Level...

Advanced 19 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$325

8 sessions

Gift it!

Improv Level 3

Improv Asylum See all classes by this school @ 200 State St, Boston, MA

You’ve done some great work in the earlier levels and now you want to play and push yourself a little more? Well, this is the mid-point of your journey. You’re doing scenes, you’re playing games, but now you’re focusing more on being able to play different characters and not just yourself! We play with how you walk, how you talk, and all sorts of other ways to quickly generate characters for improv and beyond. Also, hey — Now you can audition...

Intermediate 19 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$325

8 sessions

Gift it!

Improv Classes Coming Up in Washington, D.C.

See all Improv classes in Washington, D.C.

Improv for All

Washington Improv Theater See all classes by this school @ 1420 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC

Improv For All workshops are high-fun, low-stress classes designed to show you how improvisers create spontaneous, off-the-cuff theater. Our enthusiastic and friendly instructors work to make sure everyone is able to participate in a playful and trusting atmosphere.

All levels 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
Free
Gift it!

Improv Classes Coming Up in Atlanta

See all Improv classes in Atlanta

Comedy Workshoppe Level 1

Jeff Justice Comedy Workshoppe See all classes by this school @ 3652 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA

Discover your inner comedian and learn how to write and deliver hilarious stand-up routines at the Comedy Workshoppe. Whether you dream of stepping on stage or simply want to improve your public speaking skills, this class is the perfect opportunity to unleash your sense of humor in a supportive environment. Join us on Monday evenings for an unforgettable night of laughter at The Punchline, Buckhead.

Beginner 17 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$599

7 sessions

Gift it!

IMPV 101: Intro to (Long Form) Improv

Action Show Studios See all classes by this school @ 1561 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA

In this 8-week course, you’ll spend 3-hours each week with a UCB trained instructor learning the fundamentals of long form improv comedy. At the end of this (and all) course(s), you and your classmates will perform in a showcase where you will demonstrate you’re new skills in front of a live audience! You’ll learn: The principles of “Yes, and…”, active listening, and scene partner support. How to utilize physicality and emotion...

Beginner 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$249

8 sessions

Gift it!

IMPV 201: Game of the Scene and Advanced Game Technique

Action Show Studios See all classes by this school @ 1526 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA

In this 8-week course with UCB trained Josh Warren, you’ll spend 3-hours each week learning how to find the game of the scene, and how to utilize game to heighten and intensify the comedy of your scenes. Game is what makes your scenes funny, and it is typically approached as arising from the first unusual thing that occurs after you have established your base reality. This course will help you to: Recognize the first unusual thing. Establish...

Intermediate 18 and older
This class isn’t on the schedule at the moment, but save it to your Wish List to find out when it comes back!
$199

8 sessions

Gift it!

Reviews for Improv Classes

Improv Classes are rated 4.6 stars based on 85,255 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Raphael’s art workshop has been one of the most enriching learning experiences I’ve had. I came in with minimal experience and left with a solid understanding of core techniques like mark mapping, measuring proportions, judging tonal values, and working with charcoal to create form. Learning how to see and translate light, shape, and tone onto paper was eye-opening. The studio environment is focused yet relaxed, and Raphael brings both technical precision and philosophical depth to his teaching. His guidance helped me approach drawing not just as a skill, but as a way to slow down and see the world differently. I also appreciated the supportive atmosphere among the students - we learned from each other as much as from the work itself. This class is perfect for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in drawing, regardless of experience. Highly recommend!
  • Fun and quick beginner class. Cosy studio and small class size is a bonus so it’s easy to see and hear what the instructor is talking about.
  • A great team/group activity! Shari and her partner were great at accommodating our group of eight. A very fun, easy, and fairly quick activity that everyone enjoyed.
  • This was an eye-opening experience. James, the instructor, is an incredible teacher with a breadth of artistic knowledge. He legitimately understands art and is a very effective teacher. You'll take classes in a real studio, a no-nonsense, all-business creating environment, not a YouTube influencer's manicured stage. I left the session motivated to continue my art pursuit and purchased more supplies to make it possible. This brief course was an incredible value for the money and I recommend it highly.
  • Great class! There was a very warm welcome and check in. The teacher was great and we got to make a beautiful arrangement!
  • Raphael is an excellent instructor. His style of teaching touches beyond the technical aspects of painting and drawing. He covers the history, the linguistic parallels, and the philosophy behind painting. Being a part of his class feels like I'm in a bygone era, where persistence toward singular aesthetic creations is celebrated, and the wisdom of the artists/philosophers the past are distilled in the proverbs that Raphael recites throughout the classes. Through Raphael's skillful instructions and his own reverence for art creation, I can fully appreciate the arts as a defining pillar of being human. I truly love spending time in his studio and look forward to learning more of what I can do through the skills gained.
  • This course covered a great strategy for starting drawing. Over the three sessions I learned a technique called "mark mapping" which helps to build the scaffolding of drawing in a way that's really intuitive. The instructor then walks through how to fill in the shading "values" of the drawing and finally how to add details to the drawing. The drawings are usually of abstract shapes - mine was hardware. My sessions were all charcoal based but I was able to transfer the skills to pencil outside of the class relatively easily. It helped me get started with building a practice out of drawing.
  • Great class - learned a lot!
  • What a great opportunity to learn more about something we all do! I had an excellent experience with Ocie. He answered all of my questions and gave me tips about how and where to take pictures, as well as how to frame them. As a novice, I appreciated the attention and the freedom. I would highly recommend a Walk About and plan to sign up for more!
  • It was an amazing class. Chef Dan was patient and informative. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone who would like to know how to prepare Sushi well in the home environment. This was my first time taking classes at this school, but I am looking forward to taking more of their classes. Thank you Chef Dan.
  • I got a lot out of this class. I've been to drawing classes where we're just told to draw without much guidance or instruction. Lucas gave us a framework and approach that was really helpful. We had a lot of time to draw. The class was maybe a dozen people so we got plenty of individual attention. The only suggestion I would make would be to give the students a chance to introduce themselves to one another. It would be nice to have a little bit more of a community. I'll definitely be back next week.
  • Baking a croissant can be very intimidating, especially for someone who is a novice in the kitchen. But this class walks you through the process. You work in teams with pre-measured and sorted ingredients, and in the end, you have some baked goods to take home!
  • Wonderful experience! The class is very well-structured so students can experience all the parts of a two-day process in a few hours. Chef Simon is an excellent teacher.
  • So fun! Really great environment.
  • I found Eva because I received a gift certificate to “Course Horse”. Anyway, I was looking for an “in-person” French class, but that wasn’t easy to find. And I live in New York City. Everything was ZOOM. But after the pandemic, everyone seemed to like it better than being “in person”. Except me. But now, I’m a believer. Eva has been in BERLIN, and it seems as if she were right in my living room. I couldn’t be happier. She is fluent in so many languages that one can feel humbled. But Eva doesn’t allow that. Within a few lessons, she will try very hard to discern how best you learn. Do you respond to visual or audio, or written? Right now, I’m reading Le Petit Prince and Tintin comics. Love both, and I’m learning a lot. Oh….Did I say that she’s a kind, patient, and forever resourceful teacher? I really couldn’t recommend her more.
  • Five months ago, I decided that I wanted to learn another language and committed to a comprehensive language-learning approach, incorporating apps, books, podcasts, and more. I was struggling with knowing if I was learning the right things or in the right way. After being tutored by Ms. Rosales for just a month, I found myself to be much more confident in reading and speaking French. At the 3-month mark, I can confidently say that working with her was the best decision I've made in learning any language, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone I meet.
  • very fun and easy! I loved that we learned about the correct basil and Parmesan to use for homemade pesto
  • The session went excellent, Erin was fantastic!!
  • Paulie was awesome and we had a great time. Thank you so much!
  • I took this class with my husband and two older kids. We had a great time & are thrilled with our stained glass succulents. Justin was a fun and informative instructor and helped us create our original pieces in an easy to understand way. We truly enjoyed learning this new art and our time in the class. We will definitely look for more classes offered by Element Art Center! Highly recommend!
  • steve was super knowledgeable. loved the route of the tour
  • Great entry level workshop with a nice variety of tool instruction! I was admittedly looking for something bigger (the name was a little misleading to me) but the skills can be applied elsewhere. Friendly instructors and cool vibe!
  • He taught me a lot in the two hour session I was with him. I think more then I expected.
  • Felt welcoming and peaceful. Nice to be in a group of quiet focus
  • Fun class, well organized. Croissants were delish!
  • Really enjoyed this class. Chef Jen was great and made the recipes easy to follow. I appreciated the baking tips I could bring back to my own kitchen. I think doing both recipes was fine in the time we were given. Eating the treats was the best!
  • Challenging in the best way! Loved the mix of technique and freedom. Left sweaty, inspired, and wanting more. Definitely coming back.
  • Learned so much in this class! Instructor was knowledgeable and personable, food was great, and I feel like I have a lot of takeaways that I'll be able to actually implement on my own.
  • Alina Oswald is an excellent,patient instructor.. The lesson was methodical and well-paced. She provided helpful printed material during the lesson and the next day emailed me extensive follow-up information relevant to the lesson. I recommend her highly!
  • I'm completely new, I took two classes. The atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming. The class has a group of people who consistently go there, so there is a community. Great intro to improv, and I totally will come back.
  • Great teacher! She was very patient and was able to pivot. Loved it.
  • Ocie was fabulous - skilled and clear! It was a pleasure taking this class!
  • Great instructors and very organized approach. Off beat wines and cheeses.
  • Our instruction was helpful, friendly, and experienced. The class was extremely immersive and exciting. Would definitely recommend and will come back!
  • I really enjoyed this class! Ocie patiently explained the fundamental concepts of photography, showed me how to use the menus and buttons on my new camera, and offered helpful critiques and exposure tips for the photos I took during the class. After just a few hours, I knew way more than when I started and felt confident to start taking pictures of the world around me.
  • What a great yoga center! I really enjoyed going there twice a week for 4 weeks and being led by the experienced and warm teacher Aspara. Most students didn’t have much yoga experience and each class explored one of the 5 foundations of yoga (breathing, meditation, diet, positive thinking and poses). We went through the twelve poses in a slow and controlled pace. No pressure here, you do what you can! Price is very reasonable since the center is supported by volunteers. I’m looking at taking another class.
  • It exceeded my expectations. Sam was such a gifted and thoughtful teacher. 10/10
  • Lots of personal attention, care, and encouragement, and everything provided. It really gave a good introduction to the skills and techniques you need to become a jeweler.
  • Great intro into sewing basics. Very laid back and comfortable atmosphere.
  • It was great - I learned a ton and the combination of classroom, walk-about in the class and the assignments were wonderful. Patricia, my teacher was so incredible in knowledge, enthusiasm and joy of teaching. I loved how small the classes were also. I highly recommend to anyone who is learning how to use their camera!
  • Highly recommend. The Home Cooking kitchen is immaculate, and well stocked. Our instructor, Chef Al as super personable and shared several cooking tips for preparing dips, noodles, knife skills, deboning chicken .... and also provided detailed hand-outs so we could replicate at home. The class was fun, interactive and informative. What's more, we had time to test and enjoy a delicious Vietnamese dinner, family style, all within the 3 hour time slot. I absolutely loved the shrimp/pork spring rolls, and the marinated chicken. Loved it so much I've signed up for another class.
  • Anjali was a great teacher and the class really allowed everyone to move at this own pace. Supportive, helpful and insightful. Appreciated it all.
  • Exceptional! The instructor was inspiring and being in the Chicago Botanic Gardens was inspiring and a perfect setting to hone my photo skills. I highly recommend this course and I will be taking the intermediate.
  • Peter was a fantastic teacher. I’m looking forward to taking more classes with him. The lessons have been invaluable and I feel really confident about my progress.
  • Such an excellent way to be introduced to wheel throwing! Our instructor Siri was excellent— she explained the process well, and was very helpful as we encountered new questions and created new problems. We made multiple pieces each, and while only one firing is included in the class fee, the firing fee for additional pieces is so inexpensive that we ended up deciding to keep everything we made. We may be back to take more classes and learn more advanced skills :D
  • I really enjoyed the work. Finding my voice. Being challenged to write. Being honest. Learn to Take a risk. I would recommend to anyone. I’d definitely do it again.
  • Loved this course so much I'm already trying to figure out a next level of it! Even as someone who already does cook at home, especially within my culture's cuisine I learned so much in this class. In particular strong foundational things that ground you in how to think about food and cooking so that we can continue exploring ingredients and flavors beyond what we do in class. Very highly recommend!
  • I had the BEST time at Aterlier Sucre. I have taken a few of their classes and was excited to try the new cake decorating class. Jennifer was an amazing instructor and the class was well-structured and easy to book. I would definitely recommend.
  • One of the best experiences I've had in a while. the chef was amazing the food was incredible, I would recommend to anyone that has never been or done a cooking class. 10 starts
  • My experience at Jalopy School of Music was a positive one. The class size was small(3 students) and that felt perfect for a beginner group. We had a great instructor, Kyle M. I still have a long way to go on my guitar journey and I felt like this was a good 1st step for me.

Discover the Best Improv Classes Near Me

Improvisational theatre (also known as improv) is a form of spontaneous ensemble theatre. Improv is oftentimes comedic in nature but is always unplanned and unscripted. Actors (also referred to as players) engaging in improv will create the scene as it unfolds. They form dialogue, action, storyline, and characters through collaboration in real-time. Some improv games, however, allow players to determine the general parameters of the scene ahead of the beginning such as the setting or situation the characters they are developing will find themselves. 

Improv is an old art form, with its Western roots dating back to ancient Rome. The first documented improvisations took place at the Atellan Farce of 391 BC. These farces were masked improvised comedy performances. Characters were decided beforehand, but all dialogue was improvised. Later, improv would be used by performers throughout the world who would take to the streets to show off their quick, comedic thinking. 

It wasn’t until the 20th century that improv took a professional turn. Various styles of improv have emerged: improv games (short form), improv scenes (long form), and improvised plays (narrative improv). Improv comedy clubs erupted in the mid-20th century. These clubs still exist today, allowing new and veteran performers to get up in front of an audience and work on their new material. Many of these clubs also inspired improvisational television series that have propelled comedians to household names. 

Improv today is a popular form of live entertainment. It is considered an important skill for actors to have and is a part of most drama training curricula. Because improv has low barriers to access, it has become an enjoyable activity for groups as well. Whether performing professionally onstage or in the company of a group of friends, improv is a historical form of live theatre, especially in the US. 

Why You Should Learn Improv

Do you have stage fright? Are you nervous when giving presentations or speeches in front of an audience? If you find yourself nervous to speak or perform in front of others, improv might be the perfect activity for you.

Improv requires you to think on your feet as you develop a storyline and character in front of a live audience. Improv uses no scripts or pre-planned dialogue. Instead, you must rely on yourself and, if working with others, your scene partner or group. Performing improv may be intimidating at first, but with lots of practice and dedication, you will grow to be more comfortable expressing yourself in front of others. 

With improv comes potential failure. All improv players face this at some point when they can’t think of how to continue a scene. This is inevitable, but it shouldn’t discourage you from improv. Although the prospect of failing in front of others can be embarrassing or frightening, the more improv scenes you take part in, the more your confidence will grow. As you become confident in yourself on stage, you can focus more on crafting your scene and your ability to perform, rather than focus on the failures that may await you. 

Like many forms of art, improv provides participants with a creative outlet. The spontaneous nature of improv allows you to use your imagination as you work to create dialogue, actions, and characterization off the top of your head. Research has shown that when improvising, the creative side of your brain works more than usual. 

Additionally, improv has been shown to reduce social anxiety and uncertainty tolerance. Although beginning improv may lead you to feel anxious, actively engaging in an improv class for just 20 minutes can reduce this anxiety as you grow more comfortable. Uncertainty intolerance is how uncomfortable you feel around uncertain things or in uncertain situations, which can hamper your ability to partake in new tasks and increase anxiety. Engaging in improv leads to significant decreases in uncertainty intolerance, making you more comfortable with uncertainty. 

5 Ways to Learn Improv

Improv is an incredibly accessible activity with low barriers to entry. As they say, everyone can act. If you’re interested in gaining experience with improv or learning basic improv games, try one of these learning methods:

  1. Take an in-person class taught by an expert instructor. Basic improv classes will walk you through the fundamentals of improv, including how to begin scenes. In-person classes will also likely provide any necessary materials or props. 
  2. Sign up for a live online course taught remotely. Online classes are taught by live instructors who can give you live feedback. If any materials or props are needed for your class, your instructor will let you know ahead of your session. 
  3. Online videos or tutorials are available on-demand that you can work through at your own pace. Keep in mind that while these are often free and readily accessible, you will not have an instructor available to you to answer questions you might have. 
  4. Practice improv by playing improv games with your friends. There are plenty of improv warm-up games explained online. Although this isn’t a formal way to learn improv, practicing with your friends in a fun and comfortable setting is a great way to get past the fear of making mistakes in a scene. 
  5. Watch an improv show, film, or special. Improvisation has been used in silent films and has also been a technique used in many comedy shows of the ‘90s and 2000s. By watching filmed improv, you can take the way that experienced comedians and actors have utilized the technique. 

In-Person Improv Classes

In-person improv classes are offered across the US at a variety of skill levels. These classes are a great way to meet others with a passion for improv who can help you work on your own techniques as you create a scene together. Whether you have a serious interest in improv or are looking for a fun way to work on your confidence and acting, in-person classes will give you hands-on experience in a friendly environment. 

The Magnet Training Center, located around two blocks northwest of Madison Square Park in Manhattan, offers several improv classes. Improv beginners can get started in either their Principles of Improv class or their Improv Level One Intensive. In Principles of Improv, you’ll jump right into warm-up-style improv games before working your way up to two-person scenes, group scenes, group games, and monologues. The Improv Intensive is perfect for fearless learners. In this class, you’ll immediately get onstage and begin exploring the fundamentals of improvisation with a partner. 

Once you’ve taken the first two levels of the Magnet Training Center’s improv intensive classes, you can take their Improv Level Three Intensive. In this class, you will focus on the Harold improv format, a popular long-form improv structure. At the end of the class, you will perform a Harold at your class graduation show. If you have a teen that is also interested in learning improv, they can take Improv for Teens, a fundamentals course for anyone aged 12 through 17. 

The Barrow Group Acting School in Hell’s Kitchen offers classes in a variety of acting techniques, including improv. They often offer improv classes for adults with a range of improv experiences. These include introductory classes where you’ll learn the basics of improv to advanced classes where you’ll practice long-form improv. Additionally, families can enroll their tweens or teens in the school’s improv and sketch comedy classes and summer camp, both of which end in an open class that friends and family can attend. 

The Barrow Group Acting School also offers a wide variety of other acting and theatre classes, like an introductory class in Shakespeare and in-depth scene-studying workshops. If you’ve decided that your interests lie off the stage, you can also check out one of their playwriting classes. Although these might not focus specifically on improv techniques, many of the skills you will learn in these classes are transferable to improv. Working on scene development can help you improve your improv scenes, while a playwriting class may give you a better understanding of how to develop a character. 

For anyone in the Los Angeles area, Los Angeles City College located in East Hollywood offers level one and level two comedy improv classes. In Off-the-Cuff: Comedy Improv (Level 1), beginners will work on the building blocks of comedic improv. This class places emphasis on improving your communication, teamwork, and listening skills through improv so that you may transfer these skills over to your personal and professional life. The level two class does all this in more as you focus on more intermediate-level improv exercises. 

In Burbank, California, DBA Flappers University offers the class Intro to Stand Up Comedy. Here you and other participants will be taught the fundamentals of stand-up comedy, including improv skills that are required for structuring a joke in a stand-up setting. 

If you’re located in the Seattle area and would like to work on your improv skills, CSz Seattle in Fremont hosts three classes at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. In The Improv Jam, you and your fellow players will be led by an improv veteran through various exercises and scene work. A step up from this class if you’ve taken their Improv Comedy 101 class, is Improv Comedy 201. This intermediate-level experience offers instruction in scene work, characters, and relationships. 

Finally, CSz Seattle offers Improv Comedy 301. In this advanced-level class, your instructor will provide you with direct feedback to help improve your scene work. You will also learn advanced scene work techniques. The improv games in this class are also the most challenging offered by CSz, allowing you to work on elevating your improv skills. 

If you’re looking to branch out to other forms of acting, CAST events in Manhattan offers Voiceover Intensive, a five-hour voiceover workshop. You and up to nine other participants will work through the psychology behind voiceover work and even how to succeed in a voiceover audition. Brushing up on voiceover techniques is yet another skill that can be transferred to your improv work, as it may allow you to develop characteristics of the characters you develop within a scene. 

In-person improv classes and workshops are regularly offered to adults and are listed on CourseHorse. If you don’t see any available classes in your area, be sure to check back on CourseHorse regularly, or reach out to a school that has offered classes in the past. They may let you know when improv classes will be added back to their schedules. For now, consider checking out the above-mentioned classes or looking into other acting and theatre classes offered. 

Virtual Improv Classes 

In-person improv classes led by a seasoned instructor offer direct feedback and detailed demonstrations. In these classes, you’ll be able to witness your instructor and other participants work on their scene work. If any props are required for your scene work, in-person classes are also likely to provide them. Additionally, in-person classes are great if you’re looking to socialize and share tips and techniques with others interested in improv. 

However, in-person classes aren’t always available or accessible. Virtual classes are an option for anyone who can’t take in-person improv classes, whether it be because of location, class availability, or schedule. Virtual classes are taught around the US and teach a variety of improv techniques and fundamentals. The remote format of virtual classes allows you to take them from anywhere, making them the perfect option for anyone who can’t commute to an in-person class. There are a few online improv classes available for you to take on CourseHorse. 

Improvise, Socialize, Revitalize is a relaxed beginner class in improv offered by Kissin Improv online. You and your fellow participants will practice and work toward mastering the principles of improv in this one-session class. If you find this class fun and enjoyable, Kissin Improv also offers it in a four-session format. This longer-length course emphasizes having fun while meeting others who enjoy the art of improv. 

Other online improv courses are offered regularly throughout the year, so be sure to check back to CourseHorse periodically to see what new and returning classes are available. Previous classes have focused on the principles of improv as well while allowing you to jump right into an improv scene, which can help you work on your public speaking and confidence. 

Private Group Improv Classes

Are you looking to schedule an improv class as a fun team-building activity for your business or organization? Or are you and a group of friends looking to get together and participate in fun improv games? If so, CourseHorse offers improv classes for private groups they can deliver to you. 

Up to 40 people can take CourseHorse’s virtual Team-Building Improv Workshop. In this class, your group will work through a series of improv games and exercises. This team-building workshop aims to practice listening, collaborating, and working on problem-solving with a group, all while having fun and socializing. After this course, your group can expect greater insight into effective collaboration and the ability to make quick decisions. 

For smaller work groups, CourseHorse offers a virtual Corporate Improv Workshop. Up to 20 people can be accommodated in this class where they will be led through improv games and work on their communication skills. Participants are encouraged to go with the flow in this class as they work on creating funny scenes in collaboration with their coworkers. 

If your group is interested in working on their public speaking skills, you may be interested in the virtual class, Public Speaking through Stand-up. This team-building class is taught by a professional comedian. Your team will work on joke writing while also improving their communication and public speaking skills. 

If none of these classes fit your group’s needs or interests, CourseHorse can work with you to find or create one that will. Just reach out to CourseHorse through the contact form on their website to see what other courses can be delivered to you and your group. 

CourseHorse’s virtual classes can accommodate a number of participants. Each class page will tell you the maximum group size. If you’re not sure of your group’s size at the time of sign-up, you can select the minimum group size and update your headcount up to a week before your class. CourseHorse can host their classes over several platforms, but they recommend using Zoom. 

What Will I Need to Learn Improv?

No materials or supplies are necessary to learn improv. The audience’s imagination is key to improv. Your goal is to make the scene you are performing believable. Improv is typically performed on a bare stage, although some improvisers choose to work with physical props. If props are necessary when taking an in-person class, your instructor will provide them or let you know what to bring beforehand. 

Is It Difficult to Learn Improv?

Improv can be difficult for anyone who lacks confidence in their public speaking or has stage fright. Your improv audience may also be full of strangers, which can make your mistakes feel ten times worse than they really are. But managing your nerves and moving ahead with improv practice and performances can help improve your confidence and make standing up in front of others and performing much easier. 

With enough passion and practice, improv will become easier. Once you’re accustomed to performing in front of others, you’ll be able to focus more on your actual performance. You’ll then be able to work on improving your ability to build a scene, convey actions, and develop the character you are portraying. 

Improv is an accessible art form that has been around for centuries. If you’re devoted to learning it, it can be a rewarding experience. With improv, you will have the opportunity to work on your creativity and public speaking along with other personal and interpersonal skills. 

CourseHorse Gift Cards

  • Creative & unique gift for any occasion
  • Thousands of classes & experiences
  • No expiration date
  • Instant e-delivery (or choose a date)
  • Add a personalized message
  • Lock in a price with the Inflation Buster Gift Card Price Adjuster™
Buy a Gift Card
gift card with the CourseHorse logo gift card with the CourseHorse logo
Loading...