Discover the Best Improv Classes in Los Angeles
Improvisation theatre, also known as improv, is a popular form of theatre. It is spontaneous and oftentimes comedic. Without a script to go off, improv requires you to create a scene as it unfolds. This means you will be coming up with dialogue, actions, and a storyline as you work off your scene partners. There are some improv games, however, that determine the parameters of the scene beforehand, like the setting or situation.
Records of performed improv date back to ancient Rome, at the Atellan Farce of 391 BC. At this event, performers wore masks and improvised the dialogue for pre-established characters. Improv continued to remain popular among street performers. Styles like improv games (short form), improv scenes (long form), and improvised plays (narrative form) emerged, and improv became cemented in the theatre and comedy scenes.
Improv remains a popular form of live entertainment. Television shows were even created that centered around performing improv and became popular among the public, some of whom were previously unfamiliar with this performance style. Whether it’s performed in front of a large live audience or among friends, improv’s low barriers to entry have made it an accessible form of theatre.
Why You Should Learn Improv in Los Angeles
If you have stage fright or are nervous speaking in front of large groups of people, improv might be the perfect activity to help you get over these fears. Improv is unplanned and scriptless, which means you need to think on your feet to keep the scene moving. This required you to rely on only yourself and your scene partner(s). After enough practice, you’ll become more comfortable and quick thinking on your feet.
Improv will also familiarize you with failing in front of an audience. You may find that you don’t know how to continue a scene, whether it’s because you’re stuck on dialogue or on how to physically maneuver through the scene. It’s ok to fail at improv; in fact, it’s expected that you’ll fail every once in a while. You’ll be able to learn from the mistakes you make and move forward with that knowledge as you work to improve your improv and performance abilities.
Improv is a creative outlet. Its spontaneous nature encourages you to use your imagination as you work to come up with an entertaining scene. When improvising, your brain relies more on its creative side. Additionally, improv helps reduce social anxiety. Once you become more accustomed to reacting to uncertain situations, your mind will begin to become more comfortable and less anxious in similar situations.
In-Person Improv Classes in Los Angeles
With its storied history in theatre and film, Los Angeles is a great place to take in-person improv classes. The city is home to some of the most famous comedy clubs in the country. There are a few in-person improv class options available to you if you’re in the Los Angeles area.
Los Angeles City College in East Hollywood offers beginner and intermediate-level improv classes. Off-the-Cuff: Comedy Improv is a beginner class that teaches the building blocks of comedic improv. Participants will work on improving their communication and teamwork skills through games, exercises, and scene work. You will leave the class with improved skills that can be used in work or social situations. The level-two version of this class focuses on the same skills in an intermediate style.
If you’re located in Burbank, California you can take Intro to Stand Up Comedy, a class offered by DBA Flappers University. This stand-up-focused class goes over the improv skills required in stand-up.
There are other improv courses offered throughout the year in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. Check back to CourseHorse periodically to see what new and returning in-person improv classes are offered.
Virtual Improv Classes
In-person improv classes are led by experienced instructors who can offer direct feedback and detailed demonstrations to participants. These classes also offer a great environment to socialize and share tips and techniques with others interested in improv.
However, in-person classes may not always be available to you due to location or schedule. If that’s the case, you can look into virtual improv classes. These classes are an option for anyone who can’t take in-person improv classes and would like to learn remotely from their choice of location with an internet connection. There are a few choices of online improv classes available for you to take on CourseHorse.
Kissin Improv hosts Improvise, Socialize, Revitalize online for beginners. In this one-hour session, you and other remote learners will practice the principles of improv. If you enjoy this class but would like to work toward mastering these techniques, you can sign up for the four-session class. These classes are great for meeting others in a fun and energetic environment.
CourseHorse regularly updates with new and returning improv classes. If none of the above options interest you, check back on CourseHorse frequently to see what other classes are being offered.
Private Group Improv Classes in Los Angeles
Are you interested in scheduling an improv class for your business or organization as a fun team-building activity? If so, check out the private group improv classes CourseHorse can deliver to you and your group.
CourseHorse offers small and larger group workshops focused on using improv to improve teamwork skills. In these workshops, your group will work on improving your listening skills and collaboration as you go through improv games and exercises. The Team-Building Improv Workshop can accommodate up to 40 people and the Corporate Improv Workshop can accommodate up to 20 people. These classes are also great for encouraging socialization among your team.
If your group has an interest in stand-up comedy and would like to improve their public speaking skills, you can also sign up for CourseHorse online Public Speaking through Stand-up class. A comedian will lead your group through joke writing while encouraging collaboration between participants.
If your group has interests that aren’t covered by these classes, you can reach out to CourseHorse for help in finding or creating a class perfect for your interests and needs through the form on their website. You’ll be able to discuss group sizes as well to help determine what class would best accommodate your team.
There are no booking fees when using CourseHorse, and you can cancel your class for free up to two weeks before it is scheduled. CourseHorse supports several online video conference platforms, but they recommend using Zoom for their classes.
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