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Improv Classes NYC

Unleash your creativity and quick thinking with a variety of improv classes in NYC. Learn the art of improvisation, develop your comedic timing, and gain confidence in a supportive and fun environment.

16 classes have spots left

Improv I: Fundamentals

The Barrow Group Acting School @ 520 8th Avenue, New York, NY

Unlock your imagination, develop spontaneity, and enhance collaboration skills with The Barrow Group Acting School's improv training. Discover the joy of playfulness and gain confidence as you explore the fundamentals of improvisation in this exciting class. No experience is needed, just a willingness to have fun!

Tuesday Jan 9th, 11am–2pm Eastern Time

 (6 sessions)

$295

6 sessions

Drop-in Improv

Brooklyn Comedy Collective @ 137 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Looking to enhance your improv skills? Join the dynamic Drop-in Improv class at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective and receive expert guidance from the hilarious Micah Sterenberg. With a focus on specific themes and plenty of scenes and notes, this class offers the perfect opportunity to fine-tune your abilities. All experience levels are welcome!

Saturday Dec 9th, 1–3pm Eastern Time

Sunday Afternoon - Performance Improv

Kissin Improv @ 131 W 72nd St, 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.

Sunday Dec 3rd, 3–5pm Eastern Time

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Explore Improv & Storytelling Private Group Events

Explore private group events and team building activities ranging from cooking to art, escape rooms, trivia, and more

Explore Improv & Storytelling Private Group Events
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IMPROV COMEDY 4 BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS

NEW YORK IMPROV THEATRE(8 Improv) @ 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY

Develop essential communication and team-building skills while having fun at New York Improv Theatre. This course is designed for business professionals seeking to improve public speaking, self-confidence, and more. Join corporate clients like HSBC, UBER, and Twitter in learning the art of improv comedy for maximum impact in your career.

Saturday Dec 9th, 12–2pm Eastern Time

Tuesday Improv - Night Time Special (Class + Coaching)

Kissin Improv @ 131 W 72nd St, 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.

Tuesday Nov 28th, 7–9pm Eastern Time

Next Level Sh*t: Scene Studies

Brooklyn Improv Training @ 126 10th St, Brooklyn, NY

Take your improv skills to new heights with Next Level Sh*t: Scene Studies. Dive deep into specific improv concepts and explore different improv forms in a supportive and trusting environment. Taught by a seasoned improv veteran, this workshop is for the seasoned improviser looking to fine-tune their skills. Ages 18 and up.

Wednesday Dec 6th, 7–9:30pm Eastern Time

Drop-in Stand-Up

Brooklyn Comedy Collective @ 137 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Improve your stand-up comedy skills in a supportive environment with expert guidance from renowned comedian Shalewa Sharpe. Hone your material, receive valuable feedback, and take your comedy to the next level at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective's exclusive drop-in class. This course is open to all experience levels.

Saturday Dec 16th, 1–3pm Eastern Time

Advanced Film Acting 210

Acting School for Film and Television @ 440 Lafayette St, New York, NY

Unlock your full potential as an actor in the world of film with this advanced course at the renowned Acting School for Film and Television. Dive deep into challenging audition and scene work, expand your range through improv exercises, and perfect your performances under the guidance of industry professionals. Gain invaluable insights into the business of film acting, from headshots to networking, and elevate your craft to new heights.

Thursday Nov 30th, 6:15–9pm Eastern Time

Advanced Film Acting 210 (For Returning Students)

Acting School for Film and Television @ 440 Lafayette St, New York, NY

Take your film acting skills to the next level with Advanced Film Acting 210 at the prestigious Acting School for Film and Television. This course is designed specifically for returning students, providing advanced techniques and professional development opportunities. Sharpen your audition skills, expand your range, and master the business side of film acting in this intensive program.

Thursday Nov 30th, 6:15–9pm Eastern Time

Beginners Acting II: Getting Specific

The Barrow Group Acting School @ 520 8th Avenue, New York, NY

Delve deeper into the Barrow Group approach and tools in this dynamic acting class. Explore ensemble-building games, script analysis, monologues, and scene study. Enhance your spontaneity, human behavior, and stage presence.

Wednesday Jan 3rd, 6:30–9:30pm Eastern Time

 (10 sessions)

$545

10 sessions

Beginners Acting I: The Basics

The Barrow Group Acting School @ 520 8th Avenue, New York, NY

Discover the secrets of natural and spontaneous acting in this introductory course for adult actors. Learn the Barrow Group approach to enhance your performance through ensemble-building games, script analysis, and scene study. No experience necessary – embark on your acting journey today!

Monday Dec 4th, 6:30–9:30pm Eastern Time

 (10 sessions)

$495

10 sessions

2-Hour Group Evaluation Class Deal

2-Hour Group Evaluation Class

Edge Studio Voice Over @ 115 West 45th Street, New York, NY

Begin with a Group Evaluation Class, and then review a Personalized Plan, Train, Receive Guidance along the way, and 3 industry Guides. The evaluation class is is the most recognized class for people starting or exploring Voice Over – perfect if you’re new to VO and want to find out if it’s for you – and what steps you should take. The evaluation is honest, the personalized plan is practical. We’re here to help. And that’s why this...

Wednesday Dec 6th, 6–8pm Eastern Time

Now:
$85.50
Was:
$95

Introduction to Stand Up Comedy

Comic Strip Live @ 1568 2nd Ave, New York, NY

Unleash your inner funny bone and learn the art of stand-up comedy in this eight-week course taught by comedy veteran D.F. Sweedler at Comic Strip Live. Get hands-on instruction, free admission to shows during class enrollment, and a free DVD of your graduation performance. Take the stage at the legendary Comic Strip and make your audience laugh like never before!

Monday Jan 8th, 5:45–7:45pm Eastern Time

 (8 sessions)

$400

8 sessions

3-Week On-Camera Commercial with Angela Mickey

Actors Connection New York @ 500 8th Ave, New York, NY

From one of the TOP commercial casting offices in New York, Actors Connection welcomes Angela back to teach her new online On-Camera Commercial class. This 3 week commercial class is an extended version of Angela's all day intensive. Week 1 will cover the business of commercials, interview and testimonial type auditions, and getting to find "your voice". Week 2 will cover tips and techniques for dealing with commercial copy and how to break it down...

Monday Jan 8th, 6:30–8pm Eastern Time

 (3 sessions)

$249

3 sessions

ATNY's Advanced Broadway Performance Prep NYC

Actors Technique NY Kids & Teens @ 519 8th Ave, New York, NY

Discover the unparalleled world of Broadway performance at ATNY's immersive program in NYC. Learn from industry professionals, engage in intense scene work and choreography, and culminate in a powerful final Performance Presentation. Rise higher in your performance journey and unleash your true potential.

Sunday Jan 28th, 11am–12:30pm Eastern Time

 (11 sessions)

$645

11 sessions

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Discover the Best Improv Classes in NYC

Improvisational theatre, better known as improv, is a form of ensemble theatre that is spontaneous. The performance itself is both unplanned and unscripted. The dialogue, actions, storyline, and characters are all developed as the scene unfolds. It is not always comedic but often is, making improv popular among comedians. 

Improv in the West can be traced back to ancient Rome, in 391 BC, where it was performed as part of the Atellan Farce. These comedy performances involved masked performers who improvised dialogue using pre-planned characters. Improv continued to develop as street performers used it to show off their quick, comedic thinking to earn money. 

In the 20th century, improv was professionally developed. Styles like improv games (short form), improv scenes (long form), and improvised plays (narrative form) were developed. Improv-focused comedy clubs formed and in the later 20th century and early 21st century, improv-based television shows began airing. Improv is now a desired skill among theatre actors, so it has become a part of many drama curriculums.

Today improv remains a popular form of live entertainment. It is an accessible activity due to the low barriers of entry, making it an activity enjoyed by many. You can take in-person or online improv classes to learn the basic principles, or you can turn to free resources online. There are plenty of on-demand tutorials that teach you the basics of improv like listening and spontaneity. Television shows where hosts engage in improv games in front of a live audience are available online that you can watch as a form of demonstration. 

Why You Should Learn Improv in NYC

Whether you’re looking to learn improv because you want to begin theatre acting or because you would like to improve your interpersonal skills, there are many benefits to taking an improv class in NYC. 

Improv is a great activity for anyone dealing with stage fright or a fear of public speaking. It requires you to create a storyline and character in front of a live audience in real time, encouraging quick thinking. Since there is no script or pre-planned dialogue, you must rely on yourself to come up with ideas that fit the scene. This can all seem intimidating at first, but with enough practice, you’ll grow to be more comfortable and confident in performing in front of others. 

With improv, you’ll learn to face failure. This may come from not knowing how to continue a scene or not creating a character that works well within the scene. It’s okay to fail in improv. In fact, instances of failure will only help you improve your improv abilities as you learn from your mistakes. Once you move past your fear of failing, you can focus more of your attention on the principles of developing an entertaining scene. 

Improv also provides mental benefits. It has been shown to reduce social anxiety by reducing uncertainty intolerance. When you’re uncertain about a situation, it can cause anxiety. By engaging in improv, you’ll be working on becoming more comfortable in uncertain situations. As you become accustomed to reacting to uncertain situations, you’ll begin to feel less anxiety when placed in them in the future. 

In-Person Improv Classes & Schools in NYC

In-person improv classes are offered at schools across New York City. They are typically open to learners of all levels, from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced. These classes can introduce you to others with an interest in improv and allow you to work with an experienced instructor who will guide you through the principles of improv and scene work.

In Manhattan, just blocks from Madison Square Park, is The Magnet Training Center, which offers several improv classes. If you’re just getting started with improv, you have the option of taking their Principles of Improv class. Principles of Improv throws you right into gaining improv experience, as you work your way through warm-up-style improv games. You’ll then work on two-person scenes, before advancing to group scenes, group games, and even monologues. 

Another beginner class at The Magnet Training Center is their Improv Intensive. This level-one class puts you onstage immediately, making it perfect for fearless learners. You will explore the fundamentals of improvisation with a partner while working on exercises based on the concepts of agreement, commitment, spontaneity, and listening. This class is particularly focused on turning you into a confident performer. At the end of the class, you will perform in front of friends and family at a class graduation performance. 

If you take the first two level improv intensives, you can move on to the Improv Level Three Intensive. This advanced-level class teaches the fundamentals of long-form improv, also known as the Harold format. Once you’ve mastered this fun and simple format, you’ll perform a Harold in your class graduation show in front of friends and family. If you have a teenager that you’d like to enroll in an improv class, The Magnet Training Center has a class called Improv for Teens. This is a fundamental course for teens aged 12 through 17. 

You can take classes in a variety of acting and theatre techniques at the Barrow Group Acting School in Hell’s Kitchen. They often update their schedule with adult improv classes that teach the fundamentals of improv. Their more advanced improv classes teach long-form improv basics and techniques. If you’d like to learn how to improve character development in your improv scenes, consider taking one of their playwriting classes. 

The Barrow Group Acting School also holds classes for teens and tweens. If you’re looking to enroll your child in a class alongside your own, they have multiple options focusing on improv among other acting and theatre classes. These include introductory improv and sketch comedy classes as well as a summer camp. The last day of these classes is open to family and friends. 

Virtual Improv Classes & Schools

In-person improv classes are a great way to get hands-on instruction while also witnessing demonstrations up close. Attending in-person classes can also be a good way to socialize and make friends with other people that have an interest in improv. 

However, in-person classes are not always available in your area or may not fit into your schedule. If this is the case, consider checking out virtual improv classes. These remote classes can be attended from anywhere, including your own home. They are taught by an experienced live instructor and are focused on a variety of aspects of improv. Remote classes can also be more comfortable for some people because you are performing through a screen rather than directly in front of others. 

There are a few online improv classes available for you to take on CourseHorse. 

Beginners looking to learn improv while also socializing in a fun and friendly environment should check out the class Improvise, Socialize, Revitalize. This one-hour class, offered by Kissin Improv, is led by an instructor who will offer feedback as you practice your improv skills. If you’d like to take a longer course, this class is also offered in a four-session format. Not only will you be able to practice your improv skills, but you will work toward mastering the principles of improv that can help you in any work, performance, or social situation. 

Additional improv classes are offered online throughout the year. Check back on CourseHorse regularly to see their updated schedule of new and returning improv classes. Previously offered online classes have taught the principles of improv while also encouraging participants to work on improving their confidence and communication skills. 

Private Group Improv Classes in NYC

Are you looking to schedule a fun improv class for your business or organization? Does your team need a fun activity that will help them work on their communication and ability to collaborate? CourseHorse offers improv classes for private groups that they can deliver to you. 

Their virtual Team-Building Improv Workshop accommodates up to 40 participants looking to work on strengthening their abilities as a team to listen, collaborate, and problem-solve. You and your group will work through improv games and exercises and leave the workshop with a better ability to communicate with each other effectively and make quick decisions individually and as a team. 

Smaller groups of up to 20 people can sign up for the virtual Corporate Improv Workshop. This class encourages you to gain confidence in yourself as you work through comedic improv games and exercises. You and your group members will create funny scenes together as a way of practicing collaboration. 

CourseHorse also offers a class called Public Speaking through Stand-up. This online class is taught by a professional comedian and focuses on developing better public speaking skills. Your group will do this by working on creating funny jokes that can be told in a stand-up routine. 

If these classes don’t meet your group’s needs or interests, you can reach out to CourseHorse through the contact form on their website. They can work with you to determine what class does meet your needs and size. Their classes can accommodate varying group sizes. If you don’t know your group size when signing up for a class, you can select the minimum group size before updating the number before your class. 

CourseHorse classes may be delivered over a variety of platforms, but they recommend using Zoom. 

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