6 Best Improv Classes for Beginners in NYC

Grab your microphone and find your spot on the stage with our list of the best improv classes for beginners in NYC.

If you are looking for a reason to take an improv class, then let us tell you that there are a lot of reasons for taking one, but the reasons will vary from person to person. Some do it because they want a fresh new perspective on life, others find it interesting and want to try it out for the sake of it, and you will also find some who are very serious about improv and want to take it up as a profession. Of course, the learning to act aspect is there as well. Any aspiring actor (or comedian) should take improv classes. Now, since you have shown interest in this particular article, we believe that you have your reasons for taking an improv class to begin with. All you now need is a little nudge to get started, and we intend to help that. Everyone must begin at some point, and if you are a beginner then please do not let it stop you from taking up improv classes. There are plenty of improv classes meant for beginners out there, all you need to do is just find the right one for you.

If you do not want to become an actor or an improviser, the skills you will pick up from these classes will provide you with some amazing qualities. For one, your level of confidence will get a substantial boost. Improv is all about problem solving, and after taking a few classes you will start noticing your newly acquired heightened problem solving skills take effect. If you do end up taking an improv class, then you can be sure that you will cherish the experience for a very long time. You will basically discover a better version of yourself at the end of it — that much we can assure you of. If you are looking for advanced improv classes, then we highly recommend that you check out 11 Best Improv Classes in NYC as well.

The most common misconception about improv classes is that they teach you to be funny there. Well, the thing is the humor comes naturally, all these improv classes are designed to do is make you think faster and think better and to the point. Being able to think faster makes you better at almost anything in life, not just humor. Being prepared for an anticipated event is good, but in life you will certainly face many situations that you could not have anticipated in your wildest dreams. Improv makes you better equipped for coping with unanticipated events like these. You will be amazed to discover the things that improv enables you to do. You will find to your amazement that you are able to comprehend things around you much faster and despite the lack of any prior knowledge. The ability to improvise is something that will do you good throughout your entire life.

If you are seriously considering the possibility to get involved with improv, then we have good news for you. Do not let your anxiety of being a beginner hold you back. There are plenty of improv classes in NYC that do a great job of accommodating beginners into their fold. We have gone through heaps of raw data in order to make this list, so that you don’t have to. We consulted the database of Class Curious an awesome website for everything pertaining to New York City, and also did a little research via a Google Search to come up with this list. The list contains the very best improv classes for beginners in NYC, and you will fit right in regardless which one you pick as the list is not ranked in any order.

Let’s get right into the list of best improv classes for beginners in NYC.

6. Chicago City Limits Improv Theater

Chicago City Limits Improv Theater has been in operation since the 80s. Since then it has been entertaining the people of New York City with great success. However, for our purposes today, we are more interested in their improv classes. They have amazing beginner improv classes for both adults and teens. So, regardless of which age group you may fall in, you can enroll in their classes with ease. As I mentioned, they have had a pretty successful improv show going for over three decades, and you will be trained by seasoned professionals. It is definitely a good pick if you just getting into improv.

5. Kissin Improv

If you follow the NYC improv scene, then there is no way you have not heard about Carl Kissin. Kissin Improv is his brainchild and to say he is serious about it will be an understatement. If you want to learn the basics of improv from a seasoned professional, then Kissin Improv is the place where you will be able to do it. Do not let the fact that you are a beginner hold you back for a second, although Carl primarily teaches professionals to be better, he is also open for custom classes where he personally teaches improv to beginners on Sundays. Otherwise, he also has classes on Monday nights and Tuesday Mornings, although we recommend that you enroll into the Sunday classes as these are geared toward beginners.

4. Soter Ink

Soter Ink is extremely flexible when it comes to classes. They even offer a drop-in option for their beginner improv classes. If you do not want to enroll for the full term of improv classes, you can just drop in during the class, and see for yourself how it goes. If things work out for you, then you can proceed to enroll or just take classes when you feel like it. Of course, the classes are for all levels, it does not matter whether you are a professional or a beginner, you will feel right at home in the classes or workshops you choose to attend. You will only have to pay $10 for each drop in class or workshop you attend. Which is a steal, in our humble opinion. So, don’t wait just make up your mind and go.

3. Life Lafter Divorce

This entry in our list, as you can gather from the title, is geared toward people who are dealing with a divorce. Now divorce can be a bit difficult to cope with. Of course it is always better to let go of a relationship if it is clearly not working, but the emotional aspect of it can be rather devastating. Now, improv can be a really good medium to deal with stress of any kind. Life Lafter Divorce offers improv classes specially designed for people going through a divorce. Everyone you will meet in the classes will be able to relate to your situation, and you will be able to relate to theirs. The environment is kept strictly positive, and you will love it there for sure, which is why it’s one of the best improv classes for beginners in NYC.

2. The Barrow Group Theatre Company and School

The Barrow Group Theatre Company and School has a lot to offer with improv classes. They offer improv classes for all levels including, but not limited to, beginners. The company has been in operation since the 80s, which tells you that they have made a name for themselves in the field of performing arts, otherwise they would not be here today in this highly competitive industry. We are interested in the Improv I : basics class, which is an 8-week course that will have you coached 3 hours per week. A substantial amount of coaching by any standards. If you want most value for your money, then we can easily recommend the Barrow Group to you.

1. Improvolution

Thanks for sticking around this long with us, Improvolution is our final entry into the list. If you are still confused about diving into the colorful and fun world of improve, then Improvolution is your best bet. We are talking about their INTRO TO IMPROV class. This class will have you visit the improv world and give you a feel for it in a mere three hour period. Yes, this is just a one time thing, you pay up and you drop in for the joyride to improv land. The ultimate experience for any beginner who is curious but not yet ready to fully commit to the world of improv. You will have 3 hours of coaching in this 1 single class, and you will definitely like what you experience in these 3 hours. Of course, if you like to continue your journey, you will have that option as well.

This was our list of the best improv classes for beginners in NYC. We sincerely hope that you liked our article, and if you did please let us know down below in the comments section. Also help us spread the word by sharing this article over social media.