Carl Kissin

Teaches at Kissin Improv

Carl Kissin performed 4000 shows for one of this country's premier sketch and improvisational comedy groups, Chicago City Limits. He was the show's head writer and director of their National Touring Company. He has performed his own material on the syndicated sketch comedy show “Kwik Witz,” Comedy Central, The Joan Rivers Show, The Jackie Mason Show, and “The Today Show” (after which Katie Couric requested that Carl write special material for her speech at the White House Correspondents' Dinner). Carl developed and directed sketches for the pilot episodes of NBC's "Live On Tape," was an original staff writer and actor for the MTV show "Mouth to Mouth," and for VH-1’s "Mr. Eggman." In other acting venues, Carl has performed at the Public Theatre in Eric Bogosian's play Talk Radio and been in Oliver Stone's movie version of that play as the character Glenn. A three-time winner of the Manhattan Monologue Slam, Carl presented an evening of his monologues in the solo show “End of the Line” and put his day to day life on stage in “Carl Kissin: Reality TV- Live On Stage” at the Workshop Theater. In a brief stint as a copywriter, he won a Monitor Award for his commercials for Jamesway Department Stores. Carl is proud to have been invited to perform his Ed Koch impersonation for former Mayor Dinkins at Hizzoner's 60th birthday party and of being named the "Outgoing Phone Message King" in a Fox-5 News feature. In addition to commercials and voice-overs, his voice has been heard on National Public Radio, "As The World Turns", and ABC’s Olympic coverage dubbing foreign athletes. In the realm of musical theater, Carl wrote the book and lyrics for “Depressed, Depressed!” and has written and staged more than 300 song parodies. A member of the prestigious BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop, Carl has twice been honored in their Smoker (a greatest hits night).

(50 Reviews)

5/17/2023
Alice O.

Attended: Tuesday Improv - Night Time Special (Class + Coaching)

Alice O. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

9/9/2022
jessica d.

Attended: Tuesday Improv - Daytime Special (Class + Coaching)

I had a lot of fun making my wall hanging! It was a great way to spend a weeknight and I am planning to decorate my home with my creation.

4/6/2022
Kathryn O.

Attended: Tuesday Improv - Daytime Special (Class + Coaching)

Kathryn O. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

1/4/2022
Anonymous

Attended: Tuesday Improv - Daytime Special (Class + Coaching)

Anonymous gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

8/13/2021
Alek G.

Attended: Improvise, Socialize, Revitalize

Alek G. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

8/12/2021
Amanda I.

Attended: Improvise, Socialize, Revitalize

Lots of fun! Will be doing other classes with Carl again.

7/29/2021
Brendan B.

Attended: Improvise, Socialize, Revitalize (4 Session)

Brendan B. gave this class 4 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

6/10/2021
David M.

Attended: Tuesday Improv - Daytime Special (Class + Coaching)

David M. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

5/26/2021
David M.

Attended: Tuesday Improv - Daytime Special (Class + Coaching)

David M. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

1/13/2021
Victoria B.

Attended: Tuesday Improv - Daytime Special (Class + Coaching)

Victoria B. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

12/12/2020
Anonymous

Attended: Improvise, Socialize, Revitalize

Carl is a talented and encouraging instructor. He does a great job integrating students of all levels, and the drop-in model makes the atmosphere genuinely fun, creative, and non-competitive. This was my first time doing improv, and I hope to join another session soon!

12/8/2020
Cheyenne J.

Attended: zxTween Improv

Had an amazing time. A lot of fun. I was nervous because i didn't know what to expect and I got a little one on one attention as I was the only student. It definitely has sparked greater interest in me to want to learn more improv.

6/10/2020
Anonymous

Attended: zxImprov - Turn Stir Crazy Into Crazy Fun

It was a great experience.

3/23/2020
Bob C.

Attended: Musical Improv - Accompanied by a Professional Pianist

Bob C. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

3/16/2020
Ian B.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Carl and the class were absolutely amazing! I’m looking forward to working with them again.

3/11/2020
Judy G.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Judy G. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

2/25/2020
Steven P.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Steven P. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

2/13/2020
vicky f.

Attended: zxImprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups - UWS

vicky f. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

10/9/2019
Anonymous

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

So much fun!!!! Wish I could be there every week!!! Carrie

9/18/2019
Anne O.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Anne O. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

9/3/2019
Nancy C.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Very interesting and fun.

8/21/2019
Deborah G.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Had a lot of fun and it opened my eyes to understanding what it takes to really do improv. Carl runs a fabulous class.

8/14/2019
Ronni L.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Nice class very fun, easy and informative!

5/29/2019
Adam S.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Adam S. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

3/27/2019
Anonymous

Attended: zxImprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups - UWS

Anonymous gave this class 2 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

3/26/2019
Kruthika M.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

This was my first ever Improv class, I was attending to see if it will help me with my confidence and speech. I left the class feeling good about myself. Carl and all the students made me feel comfortable trying Improv. I'm looking forward to attend more of his classes.

12/19/2018
Anonymous

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Carl was incredible and the students were all so fun and welcoming. I hope to continue with many more classes.

8/22/2018
Anonymous

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Anonymous gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

8/14/2018
Sierra S.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Sierra S. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

8/1/2018
Anonymous

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Anonymous gave this class 4 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

6/20/2018
Anonymous

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Anonymous gave this class 4 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

5/26/2018
Anonymous

Attended: Musical Improv - Accompanied by a Professional Pianist

nice guy but ongoing group of experienced students not supportive

3/21/2018
Doreen L.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Had such a wonderful time in this class... the instructor is fantastic and the students were all fun and patient with me and so very welcoming, since it was my first time doing improv. Carl even met with me 30 minutes before class to introduce me to the format and some terminology so that I could jump right in and feel comfortable participating immediately. I definitely plan to take more classes from this instructor. Absolutely loved it!

3/1/2018
Michelle M.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Carl was absolutely wonderful! His class was everything we had hoped for and more. I would definitely recommend Carl's improv class- especially to other companies & organizations.

2/14/2018
Reena A.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Reena A. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

2/13/2018
Nataliya D.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Awesome class, felt like playing fun games. Teacher was very professional and supportive. Highly recommended.

1/31/2018
Steph M.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Highly recommended! I had the pleasure of taking Carl's class yesterday with a fantastic group of people. I was a little nervous about improv, as many actors are, but I was made to feel so welcome and at ease as a newbie to the game! I was instantly comfortable and ready to 'play' and felt that I began to conquer my inhibitions as the class progressed. I really learned a lot and left the class feeling super confident in myself as both an actor and a human, on a communicative level. Carl is a super teacher who really knows what he's talking about. He gave very constructive notes and also seemed like a genuinely good guy. So refreshing - Thanks Carl!

1/9/2018
Anthony B.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Anthony B. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

12/28/2017
TOM M.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

The instructor, Carl, provided a structured, methodical, approach to developing improv skills. His patient and humorous style made the time fly by. Overall, the course was a mind expanding,life enhancing experience. If I lived closer to the city, I would take more courses fraught by Carl.

12/28/2017
TERESA M.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Was very impressed with Carl. Though he was talented, he did make himself the focus of the class. Rather, he made opportunities for all participants to shine. Loved the progression of activities that built in one another to help us understand the process and build our confidence. As total beginners, he made us comfortable from the outset, which I really appreciated. Thank you for a great class, Carl.

12/26/2017
Gail W.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

What is amazing about this course is that, even on the first class, within a group it is taught to YOU!

10/10/2017
grace l.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

grace l. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

8/2/2017
Milo C.

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Milo C. gave this class 5 out of 5 CourseHorse stars.

6/25/2017
Maria E.

Attended: zxMusical Improv -Create Sensational Lyrics on the Spot

Got out of my comfort zone and had a great time! Carl was great. Highly recommend the class.

12/30/2016
Don Carlos

Attended: zxmprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups

Carl Kissin is one of the most supportive improv teachers around. Carl was my first improv teacher, and gave me the fundamentals I needed to make it through the curriculum at UCB, and then go on to teach a class there. Carl's classes are fun!

12/19/2016
Anna

Attended: zxImprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups (Package of 10)

Carl is a master teacher of improvisation -- thoroughly knowledgeable about craft, and maybe more important, he loves it! This labor of love translates into a class both challenging and fun. Students master basic improv techniques and learn how to go further, try new things, take risks. When you "fail" now and then, Carl teaches as much from mistakes as from home-runs, until one day the pieces fall into place and you're improvising! In a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere, Carl inspires great trust, which allows students to move past limits. With the humor and talent of a gifted performer and teacher, Carl gives 100% to students. I feel fortunate to have found this teacher. Anna

12/15/2016
Gary Comorau

Attended: zxImprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups (Package of 10)

Have done a lot of improv and think Carl's class and Carl are great. He's easy to work with, supportive and provides great insight. My improvisational skills have dramatically improved since I've worked with him. As an actor improvisation is tremendously important. I recommend him for anyone interested in learning or improving his improvisational skill.s

12/12/2016
Pamela Patur

Attended: zxImprov - Playtime for Grown-Ups (Package of 10)

Carl is a wonderful teacher. He explains everything very well, and is extremely positive, supportive, and funny. We play all kinds of interactional games and exercises and learn how to make up characters and do scenes without rehearsing, memorizing and stress. If you would like to have fun, use your imagination, get in touch with your "inner child " as well as meet terrific, interesting people, and laugh a lot, this is the class for you! Carl tailors his improvisational comedy instruction for different levels -beginners, intermediates, and older-than-millenials. I am old, but I'm not mature, so I know. Compared to other schools, his classes are not expensive and you receive plenty of personal attention and support. Do yourself a favor and try Carl's classes. [Da, this may have been hacked by the Russian government]