Welcome to the AndAlso improv community. We are glad to have you, wherever you are, whatever your aims and background. Thank you for joining us. We look forward to sharing the delights and benefits of improv with you.

This handbook answers practical questions and explains a little of what and how we teach. It is a large document and we are constantly adding to it, so don’t try to read it all at once.

Every effort has been made to reduce unnecessary jargon, but sometimes there is no way to avoid it. We also have an improv glossary here, which covers some of the words that might be new to you, or which are used in specific ways in improv.

If you can’t find what you need, please email us. We’ll answer the question and, where appropriate, add it to the handbook.

Jules Munns – Director

Before your first class (Brighton)

What will the class be like?
Our classes are experiential, so most of the time, you will be participating in games or exercises. These may be in pairs, groups, or as a full class. There will also be opportunities to reflect on and discuss what you have been doing. The exercises themselves will differ a lot from week to week, but will all centre around cooperation and building ideas together. 
What do you have to prepare?
  • Nothing at all. That’s the great thing! Just turn up and your teacher will look after you.
  • What do I need to bring?
     You don’t need very much for an improv class. We suggest a bottle of water and maybe a snack for the break. Some people bring a pad for notes, but there is no obligation. 
    What shall I wear?
    Something you will be comfortable in. Improv requires some movement, so think casual Friday, or non-uniform day at school. Some people bring tracksuit trousers to change into. Avoid high heels, short dresses, or anything that will make it harder to move. And bring some layers depending on the season. 
    What time should I get to class?
  • Please arrive a few minutes before class to make sure we can start on time. Your teacher will normally be there 10-15 minutes before the class starts to set up. 
  • How big will the class be?
  • Our Brighton courses normally have between eight and sixteen students. Not everyone is there every week, so the number of people in the room is lower than that. If there are fewer than five people present, your teacher may cancel the class. If this happens, we will be in touch with you about making up the time. 
  • What if I am late?
    We encourage students to arrive on time as much as possible. However, if you can’t avoid being late, we would rather you come than just go home. If you can, let your teacher know, and do remember that you may have to wait until a suitable point to join in. 
    Will there be a break?
    We normally take a ten-minute break around the middle of each class. 
    Will my teacher give me feedback?
    During our classes, depending on the level and aim of the class our teachers may give you feedback on what you are doing. This is to help you improve and to play better with your classmates.
    What happens after the class finishes?
    Lots of people (including your teacher) may head to a pub or cafe. This is not a part of the course, but it can be a great opportunity to chat, hang out and bond with your classmates.
    What if I get nervous?
     Lots of people feel nervous when they improvise, whether it’s for the first, second, or hundredth time. That’s a normal part of what we do and your teacher will have lots of advice on it. In the end, you might even get to enjoy the nerves a little.

    Please don’t drink alcohol before class, or take any drugs which will impair your ability to listen and react to others. 

    How can I contact other students?
    Your teacher may invite you to join a Whatsapp group for the course, which will allow you to contact others on your course. Joining this group is entirely optional and all official communication will be done by email. You won't miss out on anything! Please be aware that by joining such a group, you make your phone number visible to other students.

    Class locations (Brighton)

    • Location Address Special information Parking
      BHASVIC (Maths Corridor) 205 Dyke Rd, East Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 6EG Come in through the main entrance (Junction of Old Shoreham Road and Dyke Road). Turn left after reception, then go down the spiral staircase to the maths corridor.  There are two car parks we can use. One at the junction of Dyke Road and Old Shoreham Road, and one further along Old Shoreham Road next to the games fields.  Bear in mind that they can get busy. 
      Open Space Studios Studio 7, Rear of, 64 Davigdor Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 1RF This space has a no shoes policy, so consider bringing slippers or an extra pair of socks. There is on-street street nearby.
      The Lantern Theatre 77 St James's St, Kemptown, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1PA There is on-street street nearby.
      Ralli Hall 81 Denmark Villas, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 3TH Go down the slope to the left of the main building past the nursery to the entrance in the car park.  There is on-street street nearby. Parking in the car park is reserved for staff. 

    Before your first class (Online)

    What should I expect in an online class?
    Our classes are experiential, so most of the time, you will be participating, in pairs, groups, or as a full class. Some of this will be in the 'main room', and some in break-out rooms, which are for smaller group and pair exercises.
    What equipment do I need?
    Our classes can be taken on any laptop or tablet which can run Zoom. Classes can be taken on a phone, though we do not recommend it for reasons including sound quality and screen size. The picture quality doesn't need to be high quality, so most of our students use the webcam built in to their device. For some classes, it may be possible to take the class without turning on your camera. Please contact us if you are thinking about doing this. External microphones and headphones are optional, though make a big difference for musical improv classes.
    What else do I need for the class??
    Not much at all! It's a good idea to have a pen and paper handy and a glass of water to keep yourself hydrated.
    What do you have to prepare?
    For the improv part of the class, nothing. That's the beauty of making it up! However, we do recommend checking your tech set up before class. This includes your internet connection, microphone, camera and lighting. Solving problems with these during the class can be frustrating and time-consuming for you, your teacher and classmates.
    What if I get nervous?
    Lots of people feel nervous when they improvise, whether it’s for the first, second, or hundredth time. That’s a normal part of what we do and your teacher will have lots of advice about how to reduce your nerves.
    How does Zoom work?
    Zoom is a very simple video conferencing platform which we have been using since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. You will click on a link to join a 'meeting' or class. Before joining the class, we recommend ensuring you are set to 'gallery view', so you can see the whole class. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the buttons for turning on and off your camera and microphone.
    How big will the class be?
    Our online courses normally have between six and ten students. Not everyone is there every week, so the number of people in the room can be lower than that. If there are fewer than five people present, your teacher may cancel the class. If this happens, we will be in touch with you about making up the time.
    Where should I be to take the class?
    improv classes can involve all kinds of things. Some of them are silly, some loud, and some involve concentrating. For this reason, you will need to take our classes in a private room where you will not be interrupted.
    What time should I get there and what happens if I am late?
    The room for the class will normally open just as the class starts. It is good practise to be in the waiting room a couple of minutes before. Please try to be on time and bear in mind that if you are late, the teacher may have to wait until a suitable point to let you in. If you are more than a half hour late, it may not be possible to bring you into the class. This is at the discretion of your teacher and will depend on the content.
    Will there be a break?
    Yes. In a two-hour class, we will normally take a five-minute comfort break.
    Can I have a drink while I am improvising?
    Please don’t drink alcohol before class, or take any drugs which will impair your ability to listen and react to others.
    Will my teacher give me feedback?
    During our classes, depending on the level and aim of the class our teachers may give you feedback on what you are doing. This is to help you improve and to play better with your classmates.

    Our Syllabus

    • Improvisation can be many things. It can be comedic, dramatic, surreal, musical, or whimsical. It can be all of these things, or something different altogether. 'Improvisation' can refer to dance, music, theatre, cooking, or an afternoon with a friend. But you can’t do all of those things at the same time. It helps to give some edges to the sandbox. 

      At AndAlso, we make improvised theatre and comedy. We play games, make scenes and then join them into shows in front of an audience. Some of these shows have a story, but many do not. This kind of improvisation is called 'longform'. Longform shows connect scenes through theme, location, character, and whatever else we are inspired by in the moment. Our syllabus aims to create a community of improvisers with a shared skillset and vocabulary around longform. Although, we do teach specific formats and techniques, the improv we teach is flexible and accessible to anyone.

      The AndAlso style of improv is not the only way of improvising, but it is one we love, and one that we love to teach.  

    • Our levels
      Our courses are twelve weeks long, with a break in the middle. They roughly follow the school year, with starting points in September, in the New Year, and after Easter. Only level one is formally split into two halves, but all levels have a difference in emphasis between the first and the second six-week sections.

    Levels

    Level 1 - Let's just see what happens
    This is our introduction to improvisation. Suitable for anyone, this class gives an introduction to improv thinking and techniques and teaches the basics of scenes and performance games. This course ends with a showing of ‘short-form’ games, some of which you might recognise from ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’. This course is great for confidence, communication skills and creativity and can be taken as many times as you like. Learning objectives for level 1 are: - Making and letting go of offers - Accepting and building on others' offers - Reincorporating ideas - A basic understanding of characters and scenes - Playing in front of an audience
    Level 2 - Boldness and Confidence
    This level teaches the skills necessary to make play great characters and make great scenes. these are the basis of the longform we teach in higher levels. This course is perfect for those wishing to challenge themselves and deepen their understanding of improvisation. Learning objectives for level 2 are: - Initiating scene - Accepting and building on others' initiations - Playing Characters unlike yourself - Embracing points of change - Group physical work
    Level 3 - Collective Creativity
    This course introduces you to longform improvisation through a format called the ‘Armando’, which involves true monologues and scenes which 'deconstruct' them. This course introduces skills including editing and connecting scenes together and gives the opportunity to work on the rhythm of the show and team dynamics. Learning objectives for level 3 are: - Performing and using monologues - Responding to more complex initiations - Understanding theme - Reusing characters and scenes - Thinking about the whole show
    Level 4 - The Harold
    This course is an introduction to the ‘Harold’, an improv form based on sets of three scenes, interspersed with ‘games’. This format allows you to improve your group work and improv performance skills, experimenting with different forms of inspiration. Learning objectives for level 4 are: - Playing openings and games - Creating contrasting scenes from an opening - Connecting scenes into streams and beats - Understanding the rhythm of the show - Understanding your role in the team

    The Showing

    • At the end of twelve week courses, there is a ‘showing’ for your friends and family, either in a theatre or online. The showing is not the final exam or graduation. You will not be assessed or graded. It is an opportunity to share your new skills with an audience of your friends and family. In Brighton, two classes perform per evening, with the less experienced going first. We encourage you (and your guests) to watch both shows.
    • Participating in the showing
      People do improv for different reasons and not everyone wants to perform, so if you don't want to do the showing, you don't have to. If you decide not to perform, just tell your teacher and we will give you a ticket to come and watch. The showing is not a precondition to move to the next course. If one of your classmates decides not to perform, please respect their decision. After all, that’s more stage time for you.
    • Schedule
      6 pm Performers arrive. 
      6.30 pm Warm-ups
      7.00 pm Bar open for the audience
      7.25 pm Theatre open for audience
      7.30 pm The first group performs
      8.15 pm  Interval
      8.30 pm The second group performs
    What should I wear?
    For your showing, wear comfortable clothing that makes you feel good. Try to avoid patterns and logos and bear in mind that it can get quite warm in a crowded theatre.
    Do my friends and family need tickets?
    Yes, they do! These will already be on sale before your course starts and we advise you to invite people sooner rather than later. They often sell out and we hate turning people away!
    What if there is someone there with a camera?
    For some events, we will have an AndAlso photographer and/or videographer. They are always an improviser themselves, so they will not be surprised by the strange things we do. We will check with you before we use anything we record.
    Should I give suggestions during the other group’s performance?
    Please let the ‘real’ audience give the suggestions. It’s part of the fun, and makes it feel less cliquey.

    Feedback

    • Although we have been doing this for a (very) long time, we are always looking for ways to improve. So if you have feedback or comments on any of your experiences with us, send us an email by clicking on one of the addresses below. Or use the form below if you prefer to be anonymous. We don’t promise to follow every suggestion, but we read and discuss everything.   
      Heather Urquhart (Director) heather@andalsoimprov.com
      Jules Munns (Director) jules@andalsoimprov.com
      Lel Daniels  (General Manager) lel@andalsoimprov.com
      Debby Norris (Accounts) accounts@andalsoimprov.com
       

    Course and Financial Policies

    When I finish a course, can I automatically move to the next one?
    In our syllabus, each level builds on the previous, and levels two and above have skill requirements which match what is taught in the previous course. Most people move from one course to the next automatically, but if you are not demonstrating the skills expected, we may advise you to retake a course or, in exceptional circumstances, drop down a level. The skills in your course are explained in your course introduction video and will be frequently referenced by your teacher during the course. We appreciate these conversations can be difficult, this system ensures the best experience for everyone in the class.
    What if I can no longer make my course?
    Life gets in the way of improv sometimes and work, health, and personal circumstances change. If you are unable to make the rest of your course, we may be able to transfer you to another suitable course on a different night of the week or to the next term. This is entirely at our digression and will depend on our schedule and how far through the course you are. Email us on the address below if this is something you need to discuss. .

    Will I have the same teacher every term in Brighton?
    In Brighton, probably not. To give you a variety of perspectives, we aim to rotate teachers for our core courses every term. However, we are a small team, so sometimes this is not possible.
    Can I repeat a course?
    Absolutely! People have different aims and learn at different speeds. Improv is not a race. And sometimes you might just want to do the fun thing again.
    What if I miss some classes?
    To move to the next level, we normally expect you to attend a minimum of nine sessions of your course (75%). This includes the showing, though you do not have to perform. We understand that people want to stay with their classmates, so talk to us if this is a concern. We try to balance keeping classes together wherever we can.
    Do I have to perform at the showing?
    Absolutely not. everyone is different. Many students have no interest in being in front of an audience and whether or not you perform has no bearing on you moving on to the next course. Watching your classmates counts as attendance.

    Accessibility

    We believe improv is for all and make every effort to ensure our classes are as accessible as possible. When you book your course, you can tell us about anything we can do to make the class work better for you. However, if you would like to add something or give us more details, please let us know via the email addresses at the bottom of this page. Any information will only be shared with your teacher. 

    Below are some of the ways we have adapted our classes and exercises. This is not a comprehensive list, just some examples. 
    • Taking extra breaks or playing games sitting down
    • Dimming or otherwise changing the lighting
    • Naming people or pointing rather than making direct eye contact
    • Saying ‘clap’ rather than clapping, ‘click’ rather than clicking and so on
    • Avoiding physical contact

    Sensitive Topics and our Code of Conduct

    Improv is a complex, vulnerable thing. We aim to create an environment where any improviser can be their full self, but we also accept that sometimes scenes and games cause reactions we weren’t expecting, and sometimes we say things we don’t mean or regret.

    At AndAlso, we work from the assumption that people rarely aim to be offensive and we prefer to educate rather than punish. However, we also believe that no one should be in a scene or game they are not enjoying. Rather than having a list of banned topics, our teachers will give opportunities for students to discuss topic areas they would like to to avoid and will guide conversations when these areas come up accidentally. 

    Sometimes the above will not be sufficient and we have a comprehensive Code of Conduct to deal with this. This procedure includes measures up to and including a permanent ban from all AndAlso events. If you have a concern about something that happens in class, talk to your teacher in the first instance. If you would prefer not to do this, or your teacher is unable to resolve the issue, you can also email one of our directors, or contact us anonymously through this form below. 

    You can read the full text of our Code of Conduct and Crisis Communications Policy here. Unless it concerns criminal activity, we will never pass on anything you tell us or take any action without your express permission.

    How can we help you