Improv Classes Chicago

Unleash your creativity and quick thinking with improv classes in Chicago. Learn the art of spontaneous storytelling, gain confidence in public speaking, and enhance your communication skills while having a blast.

1 class in-person in Chicago has spots left, and 7 classes live online are available.

Improv and Scene

Piven Theatre Workshop @ 927 Noyes St, Illinois City, IL 60201

In this class, students prepare and rehearse scenes from contemporary plays, utilizing improvisation and games to deepen characters and relationships. Students explore how Piven uses the impulsiveness of improvisation during the rehearsal process while being restrained by and respectful of the script. This class is taught by senior teacher Joanne Underwood. Best for students who have taken Improvisation, Games and Risk Taking or Games, Story and...

Thursday Nov 2nd, 6:30–8:30pm Central Time

 (6 sessions)

$325

6 sessions

Online Improv

Actor's Improv Studio @ Virtual Classroom

Our Tuesday night online class focuses on Improv as a tool for people to learn to trust their creative instincts, be spontaneous and make strong choices, whether auditioning on camera, in the v.o. booth, on stage, or tv. These are great classes for people who want to learn how to improvise and access their creativity.

Tuesday Oct 3rd, 7–9pm Pacific Time

Tuesday Improv - Daytime Special (Class + Coaching)

Kissin Improv

One of this country's most experienced and well-reviewed improv performers -- a veteran of over 4000 shows with Chicago CIty Limits -- can teach anyone to improvise! You do not need to be "fast on your feet" or "funny" or an extrovert, just someone who is willing to play. This class will help you at work with presentations and public speaking, socially, or simply provide laughs.  All levels welcome as Carl Kissin, whom the NY Times called,...

Tuesday Oct 3rd, 11am–1pm Eastern Time

ONLINE Fun with Improv class

Fun w Improv. Improv Now. @ Online Classroom, New York, NY 00000

This is for everybody, whether your a newbie or novice (experienced) improvisers, actor, people who have fear in public speaking and for anyone who is looking for (((FUN))). This will help actors and improvisers, to be ready on stage and to always be prepared to do different characters. It is great for those who are shy or just nervous. It is great if you have a fear in public speaking. This is great to do by yourself, with friends, family, or even...

Thursday Oct 5th, 8–10pm Eastern Time

3-Hour Group Evaluation Class - Zoom Class

Edge Studio Voice Over

Edge Studio’s 3-hour Group Evaluation Class is the first step in your voiceover education. In this interactive, three-hour long class you will work in a small group setting with one of our Edge Studio Instructors to: Get a brief overview of the modern voice over industry Read for a coach and receive live feedback Receive a follow-up call with a member of our team to discuss the areas of voice over where we think you would be most marketable,...

Saturday Sep 30th, 4–7pm Eastern Time

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Acting as a Craft (AAAC)

Chicago Actors Studio @ Online Classroom

The “Acting As A Craft” (AAAC) workshops are uniquely designed master class workshops incorporating a broad range of basic skills that an actor absolutely needs. Students will be given scene assignments from various film and stage plays and then paired up to work that particular scene as a homework assignment which will then be performed at the next scheduled class. These assignments are carefully designed to address whatever the students need...

Monday Nov 6th, 7–10pm Central Time

 (4 sessions)

$140

4 sessions

Level 2 Advanced Animation Voice-Over with Ned Lott

Actors Connection New York @ Online Classroom

Level 2 Advanced Animation Voice-Over 3 Weeks Online Class: Casting Exercises and Direct Yourself Techniques with Ned Lott, Casting Director, Voice Director and Producer Ned has a wide range of producing, voice directing and casting experience for animation. He was a Producer, Voice Director, and Casting Director with the Walt Disney Studios on seven Studio Ghibli titles, including Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar™ nominated theatrical release “Howl’s...

Wednesday Oct 4th, 7–8:30pm Eastern Time

 (3 sessions)

$249

3 sessions

Online 2-Week VO & On-Camera Intensive with Top NYC Casting Director Barry Shapiro

Acting & Voice Studios @ Virtual Classroom

Join us for our 2-Week ONLINE VO & On-Camera Intensive with Casting Director Barry Shapiro! This will be a live, interactive class with a Q&A and the opportunity to perform for and get feedback from Barry. You will be able to download the recordings of your performances for educational purposes only. You will also be able to send us your headshot, resume, acting reel and anything else you would want Barry to see. This class will be held...

Tuesday Dec 12th, 6:30–8:30pm Eastern Time

 (4 sessions)

$129

4 sessions

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Improv Intensive

The Engaging Educator @ 410 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 00000

This workshop will start to enhance your skills in public speaking, focused listening, responding and specificity – leading to not only greater confidence and lower inhibitions when teaching but also greater flexibility in your personal teaching style. Improvisation is not just something for actors and comedians. MBA Students are being asked to take improv classes. Why? The answer is the same reason why educators should be trained: the root is...

No upcoming schedules

Improv at Work: Comedy for Better Collaboration

General Assembly @ 150 N Wacker, Chicago, IL 60606

Full Course Name Improv at Work: Comedy for Better Collaboration, Communication & Creation Innovation comes from an intersection of art and commerce. It comes from creativity, which takes risk, saying yes to new ideas, and collaborating with those around you. Kick off 2019 with a hands-on improv workshop that will take you through a series of fun exercises and discussions designed to hone your skills in creativity, communication and entrepreneurship....

No upcoming schedules

Improvisational Technique

Chicago Actors Studio @ 2040 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Through a progressive series of exercises, students will learn how to:  access emotion construct environments craft original characters in the moment and structure performances  Improvisational tools can be effectively implemented by actors in their auditions, rehearsals, and performances, and will give performers the confidence to trust their instincts, receive with gratitude, and support their fellow performers, making them more...

No upcoming schedules
$345

8 sessions

The Year of Yes: Collaborate, Communicate, and Create

General Assembly @ 444 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Full Course Name: "The Year of Yes: Collaborate, Communicate, and Create better with Improv" Innovation comes from an intersection of art and commerce. It comes comes creativity, which takes risk, saying yes to new ideas, and collaborating with those around you. Kick off 2019 with a hands-on improv workshop that will take you through a series of fun exercises and discussions designed to hone your skills in creativity, communication and entrepreneurship....

No upcoming schedules

Improvisation for Beginners

Discovery Center @ Exact location will be
, Chicago, IL 00000

You play theatre games & exercises designed to develop spontaneity, communication, flexibility and awareness. Recommended for actors, comics, and non-performers interested in bringing more spontaneity and humor into their lives. A fun way to get to know others.

No upcoming schedules
$79

3 sessions

Improv Burlesque Performance Workshop

Vaudezilla Studios @ 3330 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618

Doesn’t it feel good to let loose? In this second part to Annie’s Improv Workshop, you’ll practice moving and trusting your instincts to create a completely unique improvised burlesque act for the stage. Imagine having all eyes on you while you captivate your audience with a truly original on-the-fly performance that is totally and unapologetically YOU. Drop those inhibitions at the door and let your inner queen come out to play. All levels...

No upcoming schedules

Take It On: Stage Presence Workshop

Vaudezilla Studios @ 3614 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

This sleek and sly workshop is designed to help you develop stage presence, find a performance style that works for you, and connect with an audience. Theatre and movement exercises will be used to guide you in preparing for stage work or just upping your public speaking confidence. These exercises draw from burlesque/cabaret tradition, acting styles, and improv techniques. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes. 

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Discover the Best Improv Classes in Chicago

Improvisational theater, or improv, is a form of ensemble theater. The spontaneous nature of improv makes it ideal for actors who’d like to learn how to develop characters, moods, and settings on their feet. Actors, also known as players, when engaging in improv, create a scene as it unfolds, with no prior planning. General parameters of a scene may be discussed before, like the setting, however, most improv scenes unfold in real-time through collaboration among the actors engaging in the scene. 

Improv dates to ancient Rome, where actors would partake in masked comedy performances. The characters were decided beforehand, while all dialogue was improvised. Improv as a form of art evolved. Today, it’s a popular form of live entertainment and has been highlighted through improv comedy clubs and improv television shows. With its low barriers to entry, improv has become not just an important skill for actors to have, but a form of entertainment among groups of friends. 

Why You Should Learn Improv in Chicago

Do you get nervous when making speeches or presentations in front of others? Do you wish you could think quickly on your feet? If so, learning improv may be a great way to get over your nerves. 

Improv requires you to come up with dialogue as you work through a scene. You also need to be able to work off what your scene partners are saying and doing. This can improve your ability to think on your feet and problem-solve. This can be intimidating at first, but with more experience you’ll grow to become comfortable working with others in front of an audience, ultimately improving your self-esteem and confidence. 

Improv will give you experience with failure. All improv players experience failure at some point, whether it’s because they can’t come up with dialogue quickly enough or because they simply don’t know how to continue a scene. This can be especially frustrating if you’re doing a solo scene and don’t have a partner who can help you move the scene forward. However, experiencing failure can help you improve your ability to act in the long run. The more experience you have, the more you’ll understand how to continue with a scene.

In-Person Improv Classes & Schools in Chicago

You can learn how to effectively partake in improv and how to get over the nerves you might feel acting in front of others by taking an in-person improv class in Chicago. These classes are taught at schools and theaters in and around the city. A professional will both instruct you and offer in-depth demonstrations to help you improve your technique and understanding of the principles of improv. These classes are also great for those with a casual interest in acting. 

New and returning improv classes can be found on CourseHorse. Classes are offered for people of all skill levels and focus on a variety of topics. For example, in the past, there have been beginner classes aimed at teaching the fundamentals of improv, classes for all skill levels focused on scene exploration, and improv intensives for advanced students listed on CourseHorse. 

Improv classes are not just offered for adults. The Chicago Actors Studio in Bucktown offers an acting summer camp for teens aged 13-17

Virtual Improv Classes & Schools

Virtual improv classes are an accessible learning option if you can’t attend in-person classes. 

Although in-person classes offer a greater degree of hands-on instruction, virtual classes are also taught by live instructors who will provide you with demonstrations and encourage you to find your footing with improv. Virtual classes are taken remotely, which means that you can attend them from any interruption-free environment with a stable internet connection. There are virtual improv classes available for you to take on CourseHorse. 

Actor’s Improv Studio offers an online improv class for all skill levels. In this class, you’ll learn how to use improv to make strong, spontaneous choices. You’ll also be encouraged to trust your creative instincts through improv. 

Check out Kissin Improv’s Tuesday Improv class if you’re interested in one-on-one coaching. Before starting your class, you’ll receive 50 minutes of either private or small group coaching in the fundamentals of improv. This can help you familiarize yourself with improv and become more comfortable before practicing in front of a class full of people. 

Private Group Improv Classes in Chicago

Are you interested in booking a private group improv class for your business or organization? These remote classes are fantastic for improving communication among teams and encouraging teamwork in a fun setting. You can book a class today through CourseHorse. 

Small teams of up to 40 people can sign up for CourseHorse’s virtual Team-Building Improv Workshop. Your group will work together through a variety of improv games and exercises. You’ll practice listening to each other, collaborating, and problem-solving as a group. All of these skills can then be effectively translated into the workplace. By the end of the class, your group should have a better understanding of how to effectively collaborate and the ability to make quick decisions as a team.

If your group is 20 people or less, you can book CourseHorse’s virtual Corporate Improv Workshop. Your group will be led through improv games during this 60-minute class. Participants are encouraged to loosen up as they work on collaborating through a series of games and exercises. 

You can contact CourseHorse through the contact form on their website to learn about what other private improv classes they can offer you. You’ll be able to discuss your group’s learning needs and goals to determine what type of class would best fit your group. 

CourseHorse classes accommodate a range of group sizes. If you’re unsure of your group’s size when booking a class, that’s okay. CourseHorse allows you to place a hold on a class by providing the minimum group size. You’ll simply need to update them with your final headcount later. 

CourseHorse does not charge booking fees and allows free cancellations up to two weeks before your class is scheduled. If you need to reschedule your class less than 48 hours beforehand, you will be charged a $150 rescheduling fee. Your class can be taken over Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, or WebEx. However, CourseHorse recommends using Zoom.