Discover the Best Improv Classes in Chicago
Improvisational theater, or improv, is a form of ensemble theater. The spontaneous nature of improv makes it ideal for actors who’d like to learn how to develop characters, moods, and settings on their feet. Actors, also known as players, when engaging in improv, create a scene as it unfolds, with no prior planning. General parameters of a scene may be discussed before, like the setting, however, most improv scenes unfold in real-time through collaboration among the actors engaging in the scene.
Improv dates to ancient Rome, where actors would partake in masked comedy performances. The characters were decided beforehand, while all dialogue was improvised. Improv as a form of art evolved. Today, it’s a popular form of live entertainment and has been highlighted through improv comedy clubs and improv television shows. With its low barriers to entry, improv has become not just an important skill for actors to have, but a form of entertainment among groups of friends.
Why You Should Learn Improv in Chicago
Do you get nervous when making speeches or presentations in front of others? Do you wish you could think quickly on your feet? If so, learning improv may be a great way to get over your nerves.
Improv requires you to come up with dialogue as you work through a scene. You also need to be able to work off what your scene partners are saying and doing. This can improve your ability to think on your feet and problem-solve. This can be intimidating at first, but with more experience you’ll grow to become comfortable working with others in front of an audience, ultimately improving your self-esteem and confidence.
Improv will give you experience with failure. All improv players experience failure at some point, whether it’s because they can’t come up with dialogue quickly enough or because they simply don’t know how to continue a scene. This can be especially frustrating if you’re doing a solo scene and don’t have a partner who can help you move the scene forward. However, experiencing failure can help you improve your ability to act in the long run. The more experience you have, the more you’ll understand how to continue with a scene.
In-Person Improv Classes & Schools in Chicago
You can learn how to effectively partake in improv and how to get over the nerves you might feel acting in front of others by taking an in-person improv class in Chicago. These classes are taught at schools and theaters in and around the city. A professional will both instruct you and offer in-depth demonstrations to help you improve your technique and understanding of the principles of improv. These classes are also great for those with a casual interest in acting.
New and returning improv classes can be found on CourseHorse. Classes are offered for people of all skill levels and focus on a variety of topics. For example, in the past, there have been beginner classes aimed at teaching the fundamentals of improv, classes for all skill levels focused on scene exploration, and improv intensives for advanced students listed on CourseHorse.
Improv classes are not just offered for adults. The Chicago Actors Studio in Bucktown offers an acting summer camp for teens aged 13-17.
Virtual Improv Classes & Schools
Virtual improv classes are an accessible learning option if you can’t attend in-person classes.
Although in-person classes offer a greater degree of hands-on instruction, virtual classes are also taught by live instructors who will provide you with demonstrations and encourage you to find your footing with improv. Virtual classes are taken remotely, which means that you can attend them from any interruption-free environment with a stable internet connection. There are virtual improv classes available for you to take on CourseHorse.
Actor’s Improv Studio offers an online improv class for all skill levels. In this class, you’ll learn how to use improv to make strong, spontaneous choices. You’ll also be encouraged to trust your creative instincts through improv.
Check out Kissin Improv’s Tuesday Improv class if you’re interested in one-on-one coaching. Before starting your class, you’ll receive 50 minutes of either private or small group coaching in the fundamentals of improv. This can help you familiarize yourself with improv and become more comfortable before practicing in front of a class full of people.
Private Group Improv Classes in Chicago
Are you interested in booking a private group improv class for your business or organization? These remote classes are fantastic for improving communication among teams and encouraging teamwork in a fun setting. You can book a class today through CourseHorse.
Small teams of up to 40 people can sign up for CourseHorse’s virtual Team-Building Improv Workshop. Your group will work together through a variety of improv games and exercises. You’ll practice listening to each other, collaborating, and problem-solving as a group. All of these skills can then be effectively translated into the workplace. By the end of the class, your group should have a better understanding of how to effectively collaborate and the ability to make quick decisions as a team.
If your group is 20 people or less, you can book CourseHorse’s virtual Corporate Improv Workshop. Your group will be led through improv games during this 60-minute class. Participants are encouraged to loosen up as they work on collaborating through a series of games and exercises.
You can contact CourseHorse through the contact form on their website to learn about what other private improv classes they can offer you. You’ll be able to discuss your group’s learning needs and goals to determine what type of class would best fit your group.
CourseHorse classes accommodate a range of group sizes. If you’re unsure of your group’s size when booking a class, that’s okay. CourseHorse allows you to place a hold on a class by providing the minimum group size. You’ll simply need to update them with your final headcount later.
CourseHorse does not charge booking fees and allows free cancellations up to two weeks before your class is scheduled. If you need to reschedule your class less than 48 hours beforehand, you will be charged a $150 rescheduling fee. Your class can be taken over Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, or WebEx. However, CourseHorse recommends using Zoom.
