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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.

11 classes have spots left

Tuesday Improv - Night Time Special (Class + Coaching)

Kissin Improv @ ​210 Central Park S, 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.

(66) All levels 16 and older

Sunday Afternoon - Performance Improv

Kissin Improv @ ​210 Central Park S, 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.

(66) All levels 16 and older
Laughter Starts Here: Intro to Improv Comedy Deal

Laughter Starts Here: Intro to Improv Comedy

New York Improv Theatre (8 Improv) @ 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY

Unlock your creativity, boost self-confidence, and become a master of storytelling with laughter as your guide. Join us at the New York Improv Theatre and embark on a journey of fun, games, and meaningful character development. Learn the art of improv comedy and discover the power of teamwork, leadership, and communication skills along the way.

(72) Beginner 16 and older
Now:
$225
Was:
$300

8 sessions

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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 for 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.

(72) All levels 16 and older

Improv 4 Teens Times Square NYC

New York Improv Theatre (8 Improv) @ 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY

Unlock your creativity, strengthen public speaking skills, and build self-confidence in this dynamic Improv Comedy course for teens. Join us in the heart of Times Square NYC and get ready to have a blast while developing valuable life skills. No experience is necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to say "YES! And..."

(72) All levels 13 - 17 years old
$300

11 sessions

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Level 1: Core Improv

Improvolution @ 115 MacDougal St, New York, NY

Unlock your creativity and unleash your inner performer with Improvolution's foundational course in improvisation. Discover the philosophy behind improv as you engage in drills, exercises, and games, all designed to cultivate your skills and confidence. Experience a supportive and personalized learning environment tailored to your unique development.

(65) Beginner 18 and older
$495

12 sessions

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Improv Level 2: Intermediate

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

Deepen your improv skills in Improv Level 2 at Brooklyn Improv Training. Elevate your ensemble techniques with a focus on character development, status dynamics, and mastering medium to long-form scenes. Embrace the spirit of "strong and wrong" as you navigate improv challenges together, leading to a free showcase where you can demonstrate your newfound skills to friends, foes, and family.

(1) Intermediate 18 and older
$320

8 sessions

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Intro to Improv

Improvolution @ 115 MacDougal St, New York, NY

Unleash your creativity and build strong connections through the art of improvisation. Join Improvolution's introductory course and discover the power of teamwork, fun-filled games, and a character-based approach to unlock your inner improviser. Get ready to be amazed as you effortlessly dive into the world of improv and witness its transformative impact on your life.

(65) Beginner 18 and older

Launch Into 'Yes!' Improv

Improvolution @ 115 MacDougal St, New York, NY

Discover the basics of improvisation through fun games and simple scene work in this engaging and supportive 4-session class at Improvolution. Explore the key components of improv, from connecting and communicating to building scenes, emotions, and characters. Join us for a ton of noncompetitive fun!

(65) Beginner 18 and older
$195

4 sessions

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Summer Improv Intensive: Levels 1 & 2

Brooklyn Comedy Collective @ 137 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Unlock your improv potential this summer with an intensive program at Brooklyn’s premier comedy theater. Develop your skills, overcome self-doubt, and embrace the thrill of live performance in a supportive environment. Join us for a transformative journey into the world of improv!

(4) All levels 16 and older
$425

5 sessions

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Summer Improv Intensive: Levels 2 & 3

Brooklyn Comedy Collective @ 144 Boerum St, Brooklyn, NY

Elevate your improv game with fearless play and advanced scene techniques in this intensive course. Embrace artistic freedom, surprise yourself, and master the vocabulary of long-form improv. Join us for an unforgettable journey to enhance your improv skills and perform for a live audience.

(4) All levels 16 and older
$425

5 sessions

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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!

(65) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$295

6 sessions

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Stand-Up Level 1: Finding Your Voice

Brooklyn Comedy Collective @ 137 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Unleash your comedic potential and discover the power of your voice in the world of stand-up comedy. Join us for a transformative journey where you'll learn to craft your own material, develop confidence, and deliver it with style.

(4) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$375

7 sessions

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Improv Intensive for Professionals and Educators

The Engaging Educator @ 244 W 54th St, New York, NY

Remember how we said our classes are like going to the gym for your brain? In this 3-week class, we’ll practice what we preach, focusing in on flexing the skills that make us a bigger, faster and stronger US. Improv is all about communication, and we understand the importance of creating a safe space to work listening skills, focus, public speaking, presence, flexibility, and confidence. We’ll zoom in on the idea of building a team, remaining...

(401) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$109

3 sessions

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Improv Level 2: Free Your Mind

Brooklyn Comedy Collective @ 144 Boerum St, Brooklyn, NY

Elevate your improvisational skills to new heights, expand your creativity, and unleash your comedic potential. Join us for a transformative journey to challenge your mind and push your comedic boundaries.

(4) Intermediate 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$375

7 sessions

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Stand-Up Level 2: Solidifying Your Set

Brooklyn Comedy Collective @ 137 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Join us at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective to strengthen your set and refine your comedic voice. Refine your performance skills, develop original material, and gain the confidence to command the stage.

(4) Intermediate 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$375

7 sessions

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Improv Comedy 4 Teens Times Square NYC

New York Improv Theatre (8 Improv) @ 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY

Our #1 Rule: HAVE FUN but never at another's expense! Improv and Stand-Up Comedy help students discover their best selves building self confidence, creative writing, critical thinking and public speaking. We offer weekly classes Winter, Spring and Fall, plus Summer Camps. We also have teachers at schools, camps and community centers on weekends and after school. Each session starts with Improvisation, playing games that are a ton of fun while teaching...

(72) All levels 16 - 19 years old
No upcoming schedules
$300

10 sessions

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Master Class for All Levels

Chicago City Limits @ 39 W 29th St, New York, NY

Inspired by classes taught by improv legend Del Close, this mixed level Master Class brings together beginner, intermediate and advanced students to create a dynamic class for improv lovers of all kinds. In doing so, new students benefit from learning by example and working with more experienced improvisers. More seasoned students step up their game as they learn to support and facilitate the work of new students and expand their skill sets with...

(10) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$395

8 sessions

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Improv & Stand-Up Comedy for Teens

New York Improv Theatre (8 Improv) @ 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY

“COMEDY” is “COOL”. “COMEDY” refers to our favorite TV shows, movies and comedy talent. We teach the same valuable skills as any theater program, but simply by using the term Improv “COMEDY” we reach the widest possible audience. Students from the inner most city and highest ranking private schools equally love and respond to comedy. We all use COMEDY to deal with stress and hardship. We open the door with COMEDY and teaching...

(72) All levels 13 - 17 years old
No upcoming schedules
$1,250

25 sessions

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5-Week Improv for Professionals + Educators

The Engaging Educator @ 244 W 54th St, New York, NY

Have the time and don’t want to join a class of actors? We’ve got the class for you! We take our three-week program and raise the bar in this intensive six week program. We got the request for a longer class, and we listened! How is this different than our three week class? We’re diving deeper into taking initiative, connecting with each other and the audience and enhancing active listening skills. We’ll check in three times on goals: in...

(401) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$180

5 sessions

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Reviews for Improv Classes in NYC

Improv Classes in NYC are rated 4.7 stars based on 684 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Tuesday Improv - Night Time Special (Class + Coaching)

    Reviewed by Katelin T. on 1/22/2024
    Carl is beyond wonderful! This is the best class I've ever taken. He is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. I was a novice to improv and he made me feel comfortable yet pushed me to the next level. Cannot recommend highly enough!!
  • Intro to Improv

    Anonymous review on 7/15/2023
    Great foundational course in that it introduces the concept of improv: history and evolution of the practice and then propels you right into practice. The instructor was compassionate, inclusive and fun. She fostered a support amongst the group so we could relax and have fun. Definitely recommend!
  • Laughter Starts Here: Intro to Improv Comedy

    Anonymous review on 6/25/2023
    Great environment!
  • Laughter Starts Here: Intro to Improv Comedy

    Reviewed by CINDY A. on 1/29/2023
    Class was great! The instructor was super helpful and I had a lot of fun
  • Laughter Starts Here: Intro to Improv Comedy

    Anonymous review on 1/8/2023
    Excellent instructor and lots of fun!
  • Intro to Improv

    Reviewed by Lou S. on 11/16/2022
    This was so much fun! Great class!
  • Intro to Improv

    Reviewed by Charlotte O. on 8/26/2022
    Michael was incredible. If you’re unsure whether or not improv is for you - definitely take this class. It’s less daunting than you think in your head. Everyone else is just learning too and the structure of the class is really fun and engaging and puts you out of your comfort zone just the right amount! 100% get out of your head and take this class :)
  • Laughter Starts Here: Intro to Improv Comedy

    Reviewed by Akhilesh M. on 7/7/2021
    I met Walt and many others in this class. The class is great, Walt is great, funny, energetic, and knows what he is doing. The class has good number of students - not too little to be too boring, not too much to not get any chance. The students and Walt shall bring the best out of you, even if you are breaking a sweat. I shall go here again, if I have time.
  • Master Class for All Levels

    Reviewed by Monica V. on 5/21/2019
    Joe DiGise is a great teacher who can work with a diverse range of students. The mix of improv games and exercises was interesting, challenging, and lots of fun!
  • Improv 4 Teens Times Square NYC

    Reviewed by Ryan F. on 1/6/2019
    I had a great time and learned a lot at the class. I am looking forward to coming to another class. I live over two hours from the class, but it was so worth the drive!

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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