Improv for beginners

Where to start improvising with us

Where should I start?

Heard about improvisation and want to know a bit more? Think it sounds fun, but are not sure where to start? Want to know what to expect in your first class? Wondering if it is right for you?

And Also’s improv classes don’t require any previous training or knowledge. You don’t need to be an actor or an extrovert, and you certainly don’t need to be funny. Our students range from teachers to doctors, homemakers to students, coaches, therapists and those between work. Our classes are accessible to everyone and give you the skills and opportunities to make it up, make each other laugh and perhaps even surprise yourself.

Scroll down for our drop in and sample classes, as well as dates for or next level 1 course.

What is Improv?

Although you can improvise just about anything, our improv classes are centred on improvising theatre and comedy, first for your classmates and then for friends and family.

Improv classes can look like many things, but most will have a balance of games and exercises in small groups and as a full class. Some might be physical, some verbal, some will feel more like acting, and some more like games. It might be silly, or more serious, or (more likely) a combination of both.

Our Core Principles

‘Yes and’ – We accept our partner’s idea and add something to it.

Listening – We listen fully to what is being said.

Cooperation – We work together rather than compete.

Creativity – We let go of our expectations to follow what is happening.

Team and a group – We work to understand each other in order to work better together.

Why Do Improv?

Improv is like going to the gym for your brain, with different exercises working different skills and different people finding different benefits.

Apart from being a lot of fun, improv can help you to be calmer and more responsive under pressure and more comfortable in groups of people, as well as help you build empathy and compassion and work better cooperatively. It can help with public speaking and networking, as well as make you more creative and flexible.

Which class to take?

The core of our improvisation training is our course pathway, which will take you from beginner to confident performer. Our levels are twelve weeks long, with level 1 split into two six-week parts. Courses start in September, January and after Easter, and there are occasional intensive weekends if you miss our start dates. All courses end with a voluntary ‘showing’ for friends and family.

Or if you just want to try it out, why not come along to either our Thursday Open Drop In, or one of our sample classes, both of which are low-pressure, friendly environments run by our expert teachers. See the links below.

And if money is tight, we have generous concessionary and scholarship programmes. You can read about these on our policies page.