Are you ready to get started learning Improv or continuing on your improvisational journey? Here are some of my highly recommended teachers, coaches, gurus and schools of improv, in no particular order. Make sure you tell them Paul Vato sent you!
IMPROV TEACHERS, COACHES & GURUS
The Improv Trick: Founder Bill Chott (The Ringer / Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place) offers celebrity masterclasses and workshops for corporations and other organizations wanting to explore creativity and build better teams. Find out more at: TheImprovTrick.com
Bill Chott on Paul Vato Presents: PaulVatoPresents.com/BillChott
ImprovWizards.com: Eric Artell and Lincoln Hoppe are here to teach YOU how to become Improv Wizards. They help you build your confidence and unleash your creativity in any walk of life! Together they have been performing and teaching Improv Comedy for over 40 years combined. Learn improv anytime, anywhere with their revolutionary online improv course training system! Find out more at ImprovWizards.com
Eric Artell on Paul Vato Presents: PaulVatoPresents.com/EricArtell
Lincoln Hoppe on Paul Vato Presents: PaulVatoPresents.com/LincolnHoppe
Joe Bill Teaches: Joe Bill is widely regarded as one of the best teachers of Scenic, Long Form, Duo Improvisation, and Improvised Storytelling in North America today.
He is one of the founding members of Annoyance Theater Chicago where, for 12 years, he performed in and/or directed more than 60 different shows. Find out more at bit.ly/JoeBillTeaches
Jimmy Carrane Honest Comedy: Making improv as easy as having a conversation. Real Heart. Real Easy. Real Funny.
Jimmy is an accomplished storyteller and stand up, who's put up five one-person shows, including his cult hit "I'm 27, I Still Live at Home and Sell Office Supplies." Jimmy's shows have appeared at The Second City and The Annoyance Theater in Chicago.
He believes that coaching can make a difference. In fact, he works with a coach himself, and he wants to bring you the same support and encouragement he's gotten over the years. Find out more at JimmyCarrane.com
PVImprov: Paul Vaillancourt is a writer, actor, director, producer but most of all an improvisor who has been teaching and performing improv across the country for more than 30 years.
PAUL is a graduate of the Comedy Sportz Training Program in Virginia, the Second City Training Center in Chicago as well as the legendary Improv Olympic in Chicago where he had the rare opportunity to study under the legendary Del Close. He is the author of "The Triangle of the Scene" (available on Amazon). Find out more at linktr.ee/whatsupwithpv
THEATERS, SCHOOLS & INSTITUTIONS
The Second City Training Center: Chicago, IL - It’s time to let your story unfold! Whether you’re interested in meeting new people, trying something new, or forging a creative career path, The Second City Training Center has the perfect class for everyone. Check out their overview for more information.
Online classes and immersion and intensive programs have allowed students from countries all over the world to study with The Second City Training Center, including Australia, Brazil, China, England, France, India, Israel, Italy, Nova Scotia, Russia, and Sweden. The Immersion program typically welcomes 1,000 students each summer to take week-long classes in improv, writing, and more. Find out more at: bit.ly/SecondCityTraining
The iO Training Center: Chicago, IL - iO is the home of long form improvisation, where comedy legends such as Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Chris Farley, Tim Meadows and so many others launched their careers . Whether you are new to improv, or looking to advance your skills, they have a ton of great classes to choose from.
iO is committed to creating an inclusive environment where performers can practice the art of long form improvisation through various forms. Join them in this thrilling endeavor to create something that has never been seen before and will never be seen again. Find out more at: iOImprov.com/training-center/
The Annoyance: Chicago, IL - The Annoyance provides excellent quality training in improvisation. Based on Artistic Director and Founder Mick Napier’s book Improvise: Scene From the Inside Out, the Annoyance philosophy focuses on the individual; giving students feedback and support to allow them to find and enhance their personal point of view and creative voice.
Annoyance classes challenge the conventional wisdom of the rules of improvisation, examining what’s behind them and how they came to be in the first place. Simply put, they make you the best improviser YOU can be.
All of their teachers are ensemble members who have learned and performed with The Annoyance, and thus have first hand experience with the way they approach improvisation. Find out more at: TheAnnoyance.com/training
Upright Citizen's Brigade (UCB): New York, NY - Whether you’re looking to learn the craft of improv or just want to get started in comedy, their improv program is a great place to start! Students will be introduced to the UCB concept of “game” in comedy and develop their scenework over the course of our program. Find out more at: UCBComedy.com/trainingcenter
The Groundlings: Los Angeles, CA - One of the leading improv training programs in the country, offering structured classes taught by teachers trained in the Groundlings program. New ONLINE classes are posted every Monday. Groundlings.com/school/online-classes
Players Workshop: Chicago, IL - Since 1970 Players Workshop has been teaching how to think faster, be creative, and build confidence in the moment and teaching you to perform at your best, onstage and in life. Discover why successful people from all walks of life value their proven approach to the life skills of improvisation at the Players Workshop, in-person & virtual.
You want to be confident and perform your best, so consider this: Players Workshop has taught over 10,000 students to perform fearlessly and in the moment!
Alumni include: Bill Murray, Amy Sedaris, Bonnie Hunt, Matt Walsh, Bob Odenkirk, creators, entrepreneurs, educators, writers, humanitarians, parents, college students and hundreds more.
Players Workshop is the original school of improvisation with over 50 years of experience! Find out more at PlayersWorkshopOnline.com.
ColdTowne Theater: Austin, Tx - ColdTowne Theater is the premier venue for alternative comedy in Austin. In addition to shows from Thursday through Monday, they also teach improv and sketch comedy and offer corporate team-building. And they are in love with you!
This underground comedy club features local and national acts in improv, sketch and stand up, with a laid-back, social vibe. They have hosted notable acts, such as founders of the Upright Citizen's Brigade, and numerous writers and performers from TV. Catch the next big thing in comedy. BYOB and walkable to public transportation and nearby restaurants (Tapas, Sushi, Tacos). Find out more at ColdTowneTheater.com
ComedySportz: Nationwide - Their Allied Improv companies bring training, entertainment and creative services to businesses of all shapes and sizes. Anywhere. Any time.
From Talent Development solutions based in Applied Improvisation, to improving your meetings and events with the blazingly fast and hilarious ComedySportz®, to using their network of 25+ creative teams to fuel your interactive marketing campaigns, we can help make you look like a genius. Find out more at: ComedySportz.com/applied-improv
Hoopla Impro: London, UK - The most fun & friendly place to learn improv in the UK! Fun & friendly improv classes and shows at London’s 1st improv theatre and biggest improv comedy school.
Their improv classes and courses are open to everyone, no previous experience of impro, acting or comedy needed. Complete beginners are welcome. Improv is for everyone!
They have the most experienced teachers in the UK who create a warm & supportive atmosphere where you are free to play and be yourself.
Hoopla have been running for over 14 years and are the UK’s biggest improvisation training school, teaching 1000s of people every year. Find out more at HooplaImpro.com
The Free Association: London, UK - The Free Association knows that everyone has an inner comedy genius just waiting to be unleashed. Their classes will take you from "Oh, Boy…What the heck am I doing?" to "Wait…Did I just become a freakin’ comedy wizard!?" in no time.
So leave your inhibitions at the door and dive headfirst into the wonderful world of improvisation - you'll love it! (and 1000s of students a year will back that up)
Learn the art of quick thinking, unleash your creativity, grow in confidence, and discover a whole new level of camaraderie with classmates and castmates. Find out more at TheFreeAssociation.co.uk.
Improv Asylum Training Center: Boston, MA - Whether you’re trying improv for the first time, or are a professional actor looking to add to your repertoire of skills – Improv Asylum can help you achieve your goals. They've been named Boston’s Best Comedy Classes for years. Find out why!
- To learn how to think faster
- To be a better, more confident public speaker
- To tap into your comedic voice
- To think more creatively
- To perform better in auditions
- To work with top professionals of improv in New England
- To laugh and have fun
Find out more at ImprovAsylum.com
Improv Boston: Boston, MA - Improv Boston offers an array of comedy classes that are guaranteed to have you rolling on the floor with laughter. Their options include Improv Comedy, Stand Up, and Sketch Writing.
Their classes run on a rotating schedule which means that you can register every four weeks for one of their classes. Improv Boston makes sure that every participant feels comfortable in the classroom and that everyone is given the opportunity to shine. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to comedy or have been performing for a while; their classes cater to all levels of experience. It’s never too late to start laughing! Find out more at ImprovBoston.com.
The World's Greatest Improv School: Los Angeles, CA - WGIS is a boutique improv school with classes both online and in person in Los Angeles. They focus on game of the scene and small class sizes. WGIS loves long-form improv, and wants you to be the best improviser you can be. Get in the flow and find your voice. The name is ridiculous on purpose.
Will Hines, a longtime teacher and performer who trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in both New York and Los Angeles, founded the school in April 2020. Find out more at https://www.WGImprovSchool.com
Vegas Improv Power: Las Vegas, NV - Improv for being a human.
Improv is actively listening, being fully present in the moment, adapting to change, and connecting with people. They bring this training to life through improv classes, workshops, coaching, and training at their Functional Improv® events.
Improv Comedy Training in Las Vegas, NV and now, worldwide via Zoom! Find out more at VegasImprov.com.
Bleach Improv Training (BIT): Las Vegas, NV - Improv Training is used in corporations around the world in addition to helping sharpen acting and performing skills. Learning the art of improvisation can help improve literally every aspect of your life – whether you’re a performer or not.
There are plenty of reasons to take improv classes. Maybe you’re already a performer and you were told that improv classes might help your craft or you’re wanting to be a better public speaker and communicator. Maybe you’re getting back into the world and looking for ways to connect with people. Maybe you took improv classes somewhere else and you want to continue. Maybe you’re into sketch writing, you love SNL, you have thought about trying comedy, you want to make new friends, you’re trying to mix up your hobbies… truth be told, whatever your reason, it’s the right one.
Improvisational training has endless benefits and their team has learned from some of the best instructors available in Los Angeles, Chicago, Kansas City, and from Las Vegas. Whether you’re looking to perform or simply want new tools in your human-toolbelt, you’re in the right place! Find out more at BleachImprov.com
Brooklyn Improv Training: Brooklyn, NY - BIT Teaches Ensemble Improv: the skills of spontaneously creating, as a group, a single piece of work. Drawing from the wisdoms of Viola Spolin, Keith Johnstone, Del Close, B.I.T.’s approach is experiential, on your feet, and full of joy. They will teach you how to let go of judgment, how to stay present, and many other practical strategies to create hilarious and delightful scene work with an ensemble of players. Their goal is not to teach you how to be the funniest person in the room, it’s to make the whole room funnier.
Brooklyn Improv Training is captained by long-time collaborators and friends, Scarlet Maressa Rivera and Nolan Kennedy with more than 40 years combined teaching experience. Scarlet and Nolan are performers, Co-Artistic Directors, Producers, and the best damn theater parents you could hope for! Find out more at LOMTheater.org.
Bit Improv: Aurora, IL - Hailing from my hometown! Thinking about trying improv, but not sure where to start? Their weekly drop-in class is a perfect way to begin your improv journey in a low-risk, supportive environment!
Each Tuesday night, this one-hour Drop-In Improv Class gives you an opportunity to get stage time with some professional guidance and coaching. Every week, they explore a different facet of performing improv and work on an exercise to practice a skill.
Improvisers at ANY level are welcome to join. If you're wondering what to expect at this workshop, check out this article.
If you want more improv, check out our Basic Skills Workshops, their Intermediate Workshops, and their Fast Track show, your fastest path to making people laugh onstage! Find out more at BitImprov.com.
The Radical Improv Project: Virginia Beach, VA - The Radical Agreement Project is currently offering free beginner-level improv workshops online.
Learn a new improv comedy exercise each and every weekday at 4 PM ET. With any luck, you'll be left with enough knowledge of the exercise to lead it yourself for your friends and colleagues!
Held over Zoom, only 30 Minutes, Free for your first 20 visits! After 20 visits you can pay $10 a month for a monthly subscription for continued acess to these workshops or the daily intermediate workout. Find out more at The Radical Agreement Project.
Planet Ant Training Center: Hamtramck, MI - The Planet Ant Training Center provides the highest quality instruction possible while fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment to students from any and all backgrounds and identities.
Planet Ant offers classes in Improv Comedy, Sketch Writing, Acting, Burlesque, and more while offering a supportive space where everyone can be free and safe to explore, learn, and grow as an artist. Find out more at PlanetAnt.com.
Improv Cincinnati: Cincinnati, OH - Improv Cincinnati is a comedy club and acting academy with the mission to lift spirits and inspire personal growth. Their 7-week classes are a fun way to make new friends, cultivate a happier lifestyle, and become a more confident and creative person. Consider taking an intro workshop to dip your toes in the water. It’s a great place to make new friends, or it can be a fun experience with a companion.
They offer a variety of comedy styles and formats: long-form improv, games, sketch, musical, murder mysteries, stand-up, and scripted holiday shows. Shows are every Friday and Saturday at Clifton Comedy Theatre, a cozy subterranean black box theatre in the heart of Clifton’s gaslight district. Find out more at ImprovCincinnati.com
Mockingbird Improv: San Diego, CA - Improv is a fun and engaging way for anyone to develop quicker reflexes, build self-confidence, foster creativity, and increase spontaneity, not to mention a great way to make friends! Mockingbird Improv has classes for improvisers of all levels of experience and for people of all ages. Say YES to life and take an improv class today. Find out more at MockingbirdImprov.org.
Finest City Improv: San Diego, CA - Laugh, learn, and play with the largest and most supportive improv school on the planet! They've helped over 1,000 people (and counting) find more joy in their lives with their 6 levels of classes and lots of great workshops, electives, drop-ins, and student shows. They guarantee more courage and joy in your life! Find out more at FinestCityImporv.com.
Sea Tea Improv: Hartford, CT - Sea Tea Improv’s course instructors have completed improv training programs from world-renowned comedic improvisation theaters like the Upright Citizens Brigade, BATS Improv, ImprovBoston, and The Second City. They pride ourselves on bringing high-quality improv instruction and performance to Hartford, CT. Find out more at SeaTeaImprov.com
Springfield Improv Training: Springfield, MO - Springfield Improv’s Training Center offers a full course in improvisation whether you are looking to gain some skills for interacting with people more effectively in social or work settings, building better teams for success, or nailing that audition for a spot on a regular Improv Show, they offer it all.
Classes are designed and taught by the highly trained staff at Springfield Improv. Their instructors have traveled the country learning the art of Improv and the skill of teaching it from some of the top theaters and performers in the country. Find out more at SpringfieldImprov.com.
Acting Out Studio: North Carolina - Believe. Inspire. Create. Acting Out Studio is an award winning acting studio that brings Hollywood to the Southeast. Classes are offered year-round for kids to adults at all experience levels with 4 convenient studio locations in Charlotte, Fort Mill, Cornelius, and SouthPark.
Improvisation isn’t just performing without a script; It’s the art of embracing the moment. The art of listening and responding positively to the world around you. A.O.S. Improv takes great pride in its training and performance program as it not only prepares the actor for the audition, but they are teaching their students life skills to better themselves in the classroom, at the workplace, and at home. Find out more at ActingOutStudio.com.
Hudson Valley Improv: Ulster Park, NY - Hudson Valley Improv is an award-winning improv training center that primarily offers classes, private workshops and live shows in improvisation. They also do specialized private coaching for solo performers. Hudson Valley Improv provides a home base for your creativity.
At HVI anyone can learn how to improvise. Their training center is based in Ulster Park, N.Y. and currently offers in-person improv classes for adults as well a specialized acting and writing classes geared toward performance. When you step into one of their classes you become a part of a tight, supportive and creative community.
Their method of improv is based in in a method evolved by Samantha Jones called Improv Empowerment. Her method involves personal empowerment and a unique blend of actor training techniques that they find imperative for a skilled improvisor. Find out more at HudsonValleyImprov.com.
IMPROV & SKETCH COMEDY SUPER COACHES
Frank Caeti: Los Angeles, CA & Online - Frank teaches / has taught at the California Institute Of The Arts School of Theater, The Second City Conservatory, and comedy theaters/training centers all over the country. He's coached for UCB, Second City Hollywood, iO West, and The Pack.
He is an alumnus of the world famous comedy theater The Second City, performing for their National Touring Company and resident companies in Las Vegas and Chicago. He continues to write and direct for The Second City, most recently co-writing and directing The Revolution Will Be Improvised at the Kennedy Center and Hits Home at Kansas City's Starlight Theater.
Frank was a series regular and contributing writer on the long-running FOX show MADtv. Other television credits include: Modern Family, Key and Peele, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Adam Ruins Everything, Chicago Fire, Reno 911, NCIS, and over three dozen commercials.
Connect with Frank Caeti at: facebook.com/frank.caeti.
FREE / NEARLY FREE IMPROV WORKSHOPS & RESOURCES
Players Workshop: Chicago, IL - Taste of Improvisation FREE Workshops.
Players Workshop is the oldest independent school of improvisation in the U.S. Thousands of their alums apply improv principles to perform fearlessly and in the moment to heighten their life and work experiences. They have taught over 10,000 Players including Bill Murray, Bonnie Hunt, Amy Sedaris, Matt Walsh, Bob Odenkirk, creators, entrepreneurs, educators, writers, humanitarians, parents, and college students.
Replace the urge to fight, flight or freeze with the tools improvisers have successfully used onstage—and off—for years. Feel confident and creative, no matter what the situation. Find out more at bit.ly/PlayersWorkshopFreeWorkshop.
Planet Ant Training Center: Hamtramck, MI - Get a Taste of Improv!
This FREE 2-hour experience will get you laughing, moving, and connecting with others. While giving you a chance to learn what improv is all about.
Jump into their monthly improv workshops for absolutely free. Whether you're getting back into improv, checking out our style, or just want to see what improv is all about you're welcome to join them on the 1st Saturday of every month for hilarious games and exercises taught by a rotating roster of Planet Ant instructors.
They have been teaching Improv since 1999. Since its inception Planet Ant has taught and been a home to thousands of Detroit's funniest people. They do classes, and weekly shows and are home to Monday Nights With The Home Team, one of the longest-running improv shows in the country. Find out more at PlanetAnt.com.
Las Vegas Improvisation Players: Las Vegas, NV - Come stretch your mind, body and funny bone! The Las Vegas Improvisation Players offer a great place to work on your comedic improvisation skills, whether you are brand new to improv or a seasoned veteran.
Set in a fun and supportive environment, LVIP workshops offer a comprehensive overview of the fundamental basics of improvisation.
Led by expert and experienced instructors, players are introduced to various exercises and improv games. It is an encouraging and supportive setting in which every player is given the stage time to learn and grow as an improviser. Also, each month, members of the workshop have an opportunity to show off their skills in a LVIP-sponsored showcase open to the public.
Workshops are held every Thursday from 6:30 – 8:30pm at the Grace Valley Church, located 1370 E. Robindale Road in Las Vegas. Workshops are only $10 each and are open to anyone 16 years of age and older.
SPECIAL: Get their special today for only $60 for 3 months with their monthly live show included for FREE!
Find out more at LVImprov.com.
Theater 29: Twenty Nine Palms, CA - EVERY 3rd SATURDAY OF THE MONTH. Join them for their workshops and masterclasses where you'll learn new techniques and skills from their expert performers. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, they have something for everyone. Only $5!
Instructors Graham Cooley and Jericho McNeltier lead attendees through all facets of improvisational performance and everyone has a blast along the way! Find out more at Theatre29.org.
Stand-Up Tokyo: Tokyo, Japan - Weekly Saturday Improv Comedy Workshop. They have Improv classes every Saturday from 11am-13pm. This is the perfect place for performers of various levels to experience Improv.
Each week the instructor, Jon Sabay (U.S.), will cycle through different Improv skills through games and exercises. ¥1,665 (≈ $11). Find out more at TokyoComedyBar.com/do-comedy
Springfield Improv FREE Lesson Plans: Online - Available at SpringfieldImprov.com.
NOTE:
Connect with Paul Vato if you would like for your program to be considered for inclusion in this prestigious list of improv resources. We will continue to update this list as time permits.
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PAUL VATO
Paul Vato is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur.
Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: PaulVato.com and check out his podcast at PaulVatoPresents.com.
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