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What is improv?
Improv, or improvisation is a way to create something, usually with someone else, with little or no pre-planning. It could be a theatrical scene, a spoken story, a poem, a TV show parody or almost anything. In performance, improv is often played for laughs, but the skills involved are not about being funny. They are about exploring creativity, communication and collaboration in a safe and playful atmosphere, using a specific set of fun techniques to develop spontaneity and creative support. Why should I study improv with you? If you look on my bio page, you'll see that I have 25 years of improv teaching experience at places like The Second City, Marymount College, NYU and for dozens of organizations and corporations. If you look on the "What People Say" page, you'll see that many people find my classes enjoyable and worthwhile. |
What might I gain by studying improv?
Oh my, the list is long. It can improve your communication skills, collaboration skills, playfulness and creativity. It can help you tap into your imagination. It can make you more comfortable with giving presentations or just being in unfamiliar situations. It can help your writing. It can help your public speaking. It can help with listening skills and make you a better conversationalist. It can increase your energy and clear your mind. It's great for entertaining the children in your life. It can be useful in ways that are completely unique to you. Here’s what some current and former students say. What happens if I miss a class? There is no refund or credit for missed classes. I try to review material covered in the previous class so you have an idea of what you missed. |
What is a class like?
It is casual, but focused and professional. The overall theme of the class is to "Make your partner look good". It begins with several group games or exercises with everyone working together to develop a sense of teamwork and to get the mind and body activated. Then we usually do several exercises in smaller groups, all working simultaneously on a given improv skill. After each activity there is a moment for brief feedback and questions. In the last half hour or so, we usually do a scene or game with 2, 3 or 4 people while the rest of the class watches (usually everyone gets a turn). All feedback is constructive and supportive. Each exercise builds on previous exercises so you never feel like you're thrown into something for which you are not prepared. There are a lot of smiles and laughter although the purpose of the class is not to be funny, but to be spontaneous and collaborative. |
Can I miss the first class of a series?
No, unless you are a returning student. Anyone who is new to my classes must attend the first class of a series - I go over a lot of material in the first class that is difficult to “make up” if you are new. You’ll get much more out of the workshops and have much more fun if you are in the 1st class of a series.
If I register and then change my mind, can I get a refund?
No, sorry. If you haven’t started yet, you can delay your start date, but you cannot get a refund.
Can I pay for the classes one at a time?
Sorry, I cannot pro-rate the classes. Most classes in Manhattan are sold in 8 or 10 class packages and since these are in a 5-class series (occasionally a 6-class series), you're already getting a good deal (plus they are almost half the typical cost per class). Payment is due on or before the first class unless prior arrangements have been made.
When can I sign up?
You can register for a class any time up to the first class, HOWEVER, the longer you wait, the greater the chance that the class is full. I don’t recommend waiting until the last minute.
Can I observe a class before signing up?
No. Some students become uncomfortable if people are watching them in class. Plus, watching is very different from participating. I encourage you to sign up and try one session, that's really the only way to know if improv is for you. i also occasionally offer a drop-in class so people can see if they like it.
Are there different levels?
Yes. Level 1 is for all new students. Level 2 is by invitation only, usually after taking two Level 1 sessions, unless you have previous improv experience. I vary the games and exercises in the Level 1 sessions, so when you take Level 1 a second or third time, you will get some new games as well as get to revisit some you already know so you can track your growth.
How many classes are in each series?
Starting in January, 2025, there will be six classes in a series, You will purchase the workshops in groups of six. In the summer, I will reassess whether to continue with a six class series or go back to a five class series. There are usually 5 classes in a series. You buy the workshops in groups of 5.
What kind of people are in the class?
All kinds! We get adults from all walks of life and of all ages. Most of the people are between 25 and 45, but I've had a couple college students and a few retirees as well.
How many people are in the class?
Usually 10-15. There is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 18.
Is improv always funny?
No. The goal is to be spontaneous and collaborative. The games or scenes are often funny because spontaneity is surprising, and surprise is often funny. But the scenes or games can be anything: weird, funny, thought-provoking, touching, etc.
Is improv like stand-up?
Not really. Stand-up is usually written by the comedian beforehand, although there might be a few spontaneous moments, and stand-up is usually solo while improv is generally two or more people working together. Plus, stand-up is specifically about comedy and improv is not (see above). Many stand-up comedians, however, study improv to help them develop skills that they can use to create new material and skills that will make them more present and playful on stage.
I'm hearing a lot about "Mindfulness". Can improv help with that?
Absolutely. There's a lot of talk out there about mindfulness and I'm no expert, but one definition I found is "Being mindful is to have awareness, presence, focus and attention." These are all skills that are practiced in improvisation. Here's another definition: "a core component of mindfulness is learning to observe your own unique patterns of thought and behavior." Once again, improv is a great way to become more aware of how your individual brain works, particularly in creative pursuits.
Do I have to be a performer to do improv?
No. Many people from all walks of life find improv fun and useful.
Is there an age limit?
This is an adult class so we ask that students be at least 18 years old. If you're looking for a children's class, try here.
Are there performances?
We usually do one or two performances a year. They are completely optional, but are a fun opportunity to try your skills in front of a friendly audience.
The class is in the Unitarian Church, Is it somehow Unitarian?
No, I just rent space in the church community room. the class is open to everyone and is much like a class you would take at any of the improv schools in Manhattan.
longislandimprov[at]gmail[dot]com
No, unless you are a returning student. Anyone who is new to my classes must attend the first class of a series - I go over a lot of material in the first class that is difficult to “make up” if you are new. You’ll get much more out of the workshops and have much more fun if you are in the 1st class of a series.
If I register and then change my mind, can I get a refund?
No, sorry. If you haven’t started yet, you can delay your start date, but you cannot get a refund.
Can I pay for the classes one at a time?
Sorry, I cannot pro-rate the classes. Most classes in Manhattan are sold in 8 or 10 class packages and since these are in a 5-class series (occasionally a 6-class series), you're already getting a good deal (plus they are almost half the typical cost per class). Payment is due on or before the first class unless prior arrangements have been made.
When can I sign up?
You can register for a class any time up to the first class, HOWEVER, the longer you wait, the greater the chance that the class is full. I don’t recommend waiting until the last minute.
Can I observe a class before signing up?
No. Some students become uncomfortable if people are watching them in class. Plus, watching is very different from participating. I encourage you to sign up and try one session, that's really the only way to know if improv is for you. i also occasionally offer a drop-in class so people can see if they like it.
Are there different levels?
Yes. Level 1 is for all new students. Level 2 is by invitation only, usually after taking two Level 1 sessions, unless you have previous improv experience. I vary the games and exercises in the Level 1 sessions, so when you take Level 1 a second or third time, you will get some new games as well as get to revisit some you already know so you can track your growth.
How many classes are in each series?
Starting in January, 2025, there will be six classes in a series, You will purchase the workshops in groups of six. In the summer, I will reassess whether to continue with a six class series or go back to a five class series. There are usually 5 classes in a series. You buy the workshops in groups of 5.
What kind of people are in the class?
All kinds! We get adults from all walks of life and of all ages. Most of the people are between 25 and 45, but I've had a couple college students and a few retirees as well.
How many people are in the class?
Usually 10-15. There is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 18.
Is improv always funny?
No. The goal is to be spontaneous and collaborative. The games or scenes are often funny because spontaneity is surprising, and surprise is often funny. But the scenes or games can be anything: weird, funny, thought-provoking, touching, etc.
Is improv like stand-up?
Not really. Stand-up is usually written by the comedian beforehand, although there might be a few spontaneous moments, and stand-up is usually solo while improv is generally two or more people working together. Plus, stand-up is specifically about comedy and improv is not (see above). Many stand-up comedians, however, study improv to help them develop skills that they can use to create new material and skills that will make them more present and playful on stage.
I'm hearing a lot about "Mindfulness". Can improv help with that?
Absolutely. There's a lot of talk out there about mindfulness and I'm no expert, but one definition I found is "Being mindful is to have awareness, presence, focus and attention." These are all skills that are practiced in improvisation. Here's another definition: "a core component of mindfulness is learning to observe your own unique patterns of thought and behavior." Once again, improv is a great way to become more aware of how your individual brain works, particularly in creative pursuits.
Do I have to be a performer to do improv?
No. Many people from all walks of life find improv fun and useful.
Is there an age limit?
This is an adult class so we ask that students be at least 18 years old. If you're looking for a children's class, try here.
Are there performances?
We usually do one or two performances a year. They are completely optional, but are a fun opportunity to try your skills in front of a friendly audience.
The class is in the Unitarian Church, Is it somehow Unitarian?
No, I just rent space in the church community room. the class is open to everyone and is much like a class you would take at any of the improv schools in Manhattan.
longislandimprov[at]gmail[dot]com
