What are improv classes like?

Our core classes (Levels 1-4) consist of up to 16 students under the guidance of a single instructor for 2.5 hours per week. They are 8-weeks long, with at least one class show in front of a live audience. ​Our Core Curriculum consists of Levels 1-4.

 

In addition to our 8-week classes, we occasionally offer advanced workshops and advanced classes focused on specific scene skills or show structures. Check out our Curriculum Overview for more information.

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Students can expect to engage in a variety of creative (and silly) warm-ups, scenic exercises, and improvised scenes via both active participation and observation. You can expect to receive guidance and feedback from your instructor throughout.

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Our classes are designed to be cumulative, where each week builds on the last, so consistent attendance is imperative. Students with more than 2 absences may be required to retake a level before being able to move on to the next.

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While enrolled in our classes, students are able to see shows for free, and expected to see at least 2 shows throughout the 8-weeks of class.

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Do I need to prepare/bring anything to class?

Please wear clothing that is comfortable to move around in (especially footwear), since we never know where scene will take us. We don't want anything holding you back from miming activities, sitting on the floor as a duck, jumping around, etc.  Feel free to also bring a bottle of water/snacks, and a notebook to take notes.

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In addition, please bring a willingness & openness to try new things, participate, and get goofy and kinda weird. 

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What type of content should I expect to encounter in classes?

Due to the unscripted nature of improv, it is impossible to predict specific content, however our faculty does their best to foster a respectful, safe and socially conscious environment where everyone is able to feel free to express themselves authentically. We ask our students to be considerate of their peers' physical and emotional boundaries both onstage and off, and to be patient with themselves and others throughout the learning process.

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Union Comedy does not tolerate offensive content with the intention to harass any particular individual or group, to express hatred and/or intolerance toward a protected individual or group, such as gender, race, age, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression.

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I've taken improv classes before, can I skip to Level 2-4?

Our classes emphasize specific language and points of focus starting in Week 1 that make Level 1 an  essential foundation for the total 4-course program. For this reason, classes at other programs are not considered sufficiently equivalent to count as prerequisites and we do not allow students to skip levels, regardless of prior experience.

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Do you offer scholarships/internships for classes? 

We do not currently have any official programs, however we understand financial hardship and don't want that to prevent students from signing up. If this applies, fill out THIS FORM and we'll try to help you out.

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What are your class cancellation and refund policies?

Classes need a minimum of 8 registrants within 24 hours of their start date in order to run. Classes that do not meet this minimum will be canceled and all registrants refunded.

 

We do not offer refunds to registrants who withdraw from a class within 48 hours of its start date or after a class has begun. If you must withdraw from a class, you may transfer registration as a credit for a future class. Email us at school@unioncomedy.com with any questions.

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Do you offer custom workshops, classes, or rehearsals for groups or companies?

Yes! We would be happy to discuss booking private workshops and events for companies, teams, birthday or bachelorette parties, etc. Email info@unioncomedy.com for inquiries.

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