Improv is a theater technique that does not use a script for performance. Most of the time the audience throws out an idea for a scene and the actors act out that circumstance or build a scene from just a word. Improv classes aren't just for actors, however. Improvisation is a tool that sharpens the mind, enhances wit and speeds up reaction time and the thought process. The skills that people learn in improv classes have been known to improve their skills in business, arts, entertainment and various aspects of their personal lives.
Instructions
1. Enroll in a workshop at The Groundlings School. This famed school has served as the training grounds for some of today's biggest comedic stars such as Will Ferrell and Lisa Kudrow. The Groundlings School has its own special technique for improv training. Those who wish to enroll in classes at the school must audition for admittance and people are only allowed to audition three times in their entire lives. These classes lead to acceptance in the Groundlings Comedy Troupe and the writing workshops which have long wait lists but have catapulted many television writers' careers.
2. Take a class at Second City in Los Angeles. This improv superstar school has launched the careers of comedy superstars such as Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch. Second City offers classes for actors, beginners, and advanced improvisers (those who have had training).
3. Enroll in classes or workshops at IO West, or Improv Olympics West, also a well-known training ground for improv in Los Angeles. Improv Olympics originally started in Chicago, and opened in Los Angeles in 1997. Improv Olympics concentrates on long-form improvisational comedy. Mike Myers and the late Chris Farley are alumni of this school.
