Improv Essentials: Core Training

Our Improv Essentials (ie) are the perfect way to explore improvisation in a fun, engaging, and supportive setting. The program features five levels that build upon each other to give students the skills and confidence to do great improv. Through expertly crafted lessons and lots of hand-on practice, students develop valuable skills for both performing on stage and navigating life.

All Improv Essentials classes feature:

  • Thoughtfully-designed, professional lessons.

  • Veteran teachers who are more than just great performers.

  • Growth in confidence and creativity.

  • Free admission to all our shows!

If you're new to Improv, you'll begin in ie ONE: Introduction to Improv. You can also try it out in our FREE Intro workshop before each session.

If you’ve had prior improv training, please contact info@mockingbirdimprov.org to discuss your eligibility to begin at a higher level.

COVID-19 Precaution Policy See full health and safety policy.

IE 1: INTRODUCTION TO IMPROV

In ie ONE you'll discover that improv isn't just about getting on stage, it's about embracing the unknown, taking risks, expanding your world and collaborating with others learning to do the same while having a ton of fun.

We teach you the foundations of improvisational comedy in an environment that encourages trying new things and letting go of your fears.

  • When: Classes meet weekly for six weeks. There are two options for classes:

    • Sundays 4:00 - 6:00 PM, April 7 - May 19 (no class April 28)

    • Sundays 4:00 - 6:00 PM, May 5 - June 23 (no class May 26 and June 9)

    • Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 PM, May 6 - June 17 (no class May 27)

  • Where: Liberty Station Art District: 2590 Truxtun Rd

  • Who: This class is for anyone interested in learning more about improv comedy and connecting more readily with the world around them. No experience is necessary.

  • Instructor: Sundays - Cory / Mondays - Nick and Taran Meet Instructors

REGISTRATION CLOSES 24 HOURS BEFORE FIRST CLASS

IE 2: SHAPING CHARACTER AND RELATIONSHIP

In ie TWO students explore why character is essential to good improv, and how to bring new, full-color personalities to life through improvisation. You'll discover how character work and relationships go hand-in-hand to create memorable, honest, and entertaining scenes.

  • When: Classes meet weekly for seven weeks. There are two options for classes:

    • Sundays 11am-1pm, April 21 - June 23 (no class May 12, May 26 and June 16)

    • Tuesdays 7-9pm, April 30 - June 18 (no class May 21)

  • Where: Liberty Station Arts District: 2590 Truxtun Rd

  • Who: This class is for anyone who has completed ie ONE or has permission from our education team. Contact jackie@mockingbirdimprov.org to discuss your eligibility.

  • Instructor: Sundays - Jeff / Tuesdays - Taran and Belle Meet Instructors

REGISTRATION CLOSES 24 HOURS BEFORE FIRST CLASS

IE 3: THE ART OF SCENEWORK

In ie THREE students will apply skills acquired from ie ONE and TWO to create strong scenes that are easy and fun to play. By developing instincts for making bold choices and clear offers in scenes, students learn to navigate scenes with ease by simply existing and being present on stage.

  • When: Classes meet weekly for seven weeks. There are two options for classes:

    • Wednesday 7-9pm  May 1 - June 19 (no class May 22)

    • Saturdays 11am-1pm  April 27 - June 15 (no class May 25)

  • Where: Liberty Station Arts District: 2590 Truxtun Rd

  • Who: This class is for anyone who has completed ie TWO.

  • Instructor: Wednesdays - Whitney and Andrew / Saturdays - Sean Meet Instructors

REGISTRATION ENDS 24 HOURS BEFORE FIRST CLASS

IE 4: EXPLORING PATTERNS


In IE 4 students build on their ability to construct stable scenes by learning to play games and find patterns within those scenes. You’ll learn how to identify the patterns and games that make scenes easy to play and fun to watch. IE 4 explores types of scenes, heightening moves, and playing “game” in a way that illuminates the art form of Improv comedy.

  • When: Classes meet weekly for seven weeks. There are two options for classes:

    • Thursdays 7-9pm April 25 - June 13 (no class May 23)

    • Saturdays 4-6pm  April 27 - June 22 (no class May 25 and June 8)

  • Where: Liberty Station Arts District: 2590 Truxtun Rd

  • Who: This class is for anyone who has completed ie THREE.

  • Instructor: Thursdays - Sean / Saturdays - Adam Meet Instructors

REGISTRATION ENDS 24 HOURS BEFORE FIRST CLASS

IE 5: Centering On Play

In IE 5, the final level of the Improv Essential series, we find the balance between integrating all the skills we've learned in levels one through four and having a sense of play. We explore ways to lean into easiness and flow while also practicing the skills that lead to solid scene work and engaging performance. Now that you have a shiny new set of technical skills, let's get back out of our heads and into your imagination!

  • When: Classes meet weekly for eight weeks on Monday 7-9pm April 29 - June 24 (no class May 27)

  • Where: Liberty Station Arts District: 2590 Truxtun Rd.

  • Who: This class is for anyone who has completed ie FOUR.

  • Instructor: Lennie Meet Instructors

REGISTRATION ENDS 24 HOURS BEFORE FIRST CLASS