Classes

Improv Education Program

Ever wanted to learn how to improvise like our ensemble members do?

The Improv Centre has been educating people in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland for over 44 years. We want to give YOU the same improv training!

We have a 3 Level Program, which will give you a firm grasp of the improv basics, confidence at the intermediate level, and a mastery of advanced techniques. Our classes take place over two days, usually on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

We ask that students complete our 100 Level Improv classes in a linear order; so students who complete 101 will enroll in 102, etc. Students can then take any available 200 Level Improv classes when available. All improv courses of a previous level must be completed for a student to advance to the next level. Classes are not graded, but we will recommend repeats for those who require more practice. All students need to be 18 years or older.

100 Level Improv

Improv 101 offers actors and new performers a peek behind the improv curtain. We go over improv fundamentals, good improv habits, and show you how to build a scene from nothing but a simple suggestion. Come and dip your toes in, or jump off the deep end! Every answer is the right answer!

Cost: $195
8 hours
Next Class:

August 17 & 18
10am to 2pm

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September 21 & 22
11am to 3pm

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October 19 & 20
11am to 3pm

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November 16 & 17
11am to 3pm

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This course builds on the basics of story from Improv 101 and uses it to create short scenes with a focus on characters and settings. We want to explore what creates a strong narrative while learning tips and tricks of what makes scenes more successful and rewarding for both the improviser and the audience. Must have successfully completed Improv 101.
Cost: $195
8 hours
Next Class:

November 2 & 3
11am to 3pm

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To continue education in simple short form games and scenes, incorporating the lessons and take-aways from Improv 101/102. We will build on the ability to “make a scene matter” as well as explore simple game handles that can add fun twists to regular scenes!
Must have successfully completed Improv 102.
Cost: $195
8 hours
Next Class:

December 7 & 8
11am to 3pm

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200 Level Improv

Here at TIC, we play a LOT of short form games – IN FACT, Theatresports™, a staple of our programming for the last 40+ years, consists of entirely short form games! This course is a chance to learn how to play some our most beloved and celebrated games while telling a great story! Come learn how to handle the handles of games!

Must have successfully completed Improv 102.

Cost: $195
8 hours
Next Class:

August 3 & 4
11am to 3pm
Instructors: Ed Witzke &
Riley Hardwick

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Consistency is cool. In this 8 hour course, we will learn how to consistently bring in strong offers and advance scenes in a helpful way! With a focus on short form, open scenes that raise the stakes, tug the heartstrings AND tickle the funny bone, this course is exactly what an improvisor needs to level up their skills!

Must have successfully completed Improv 103.

Cost: $195
8 hours
Next Class:

TBA

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300 Level Improv

This class is for actors and improvisers to prove themselves as true storytellers. We explore character archetypes, story archetypes, storytelling beats, as well as study different genres, moods and tones. It’s not just a scene, it’s the whole movie!
Cost: $195
8 hours
Next Class:

TBA

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In Improv 302, we continue to explore different genres from Improv 301, and how to tell full complete stories, using classic storytelling tropes.

It’s so fun, you may even sing….
Cost: $195
8 hours
Next Class:

TBA

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Workshops

Community Jam (1080 × 1080)

Community Jam!

Saturday, July 27th
3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 18+

Have a craving for the stage? Come and improvise with professionally trained performers at our FREE community jam session where you can walk up, drop in, and learn from the pros. If you’ve been itching to get involved in the improv community, this is for you!

No sign up needed!

drop-in workshop

Improv for Beginners

Saturdays
3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 18+ 

Are you interested in the art of improvisation? Come learn with us! You’ll be taught the basics of improv in this two-hour workshop that’s geared toward beginners. Come enjoy a fun, friendly and supportive environment to learn the magic of “Yes, And!”

Registration opens one week before, on Saturdays at 6pm.
20 spots available.

We also offer a limited amount of free spots for folks who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, or any other marginalized group. Please email boxoffice@theimprovcentre.ca to inquire.

Register now
drop-in workshop

LGBTQIA2S+ Improv for Beginners

Saturday, July 20th
3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 18+ 

This free workshop for people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community requires no experience to join!

Looking to explore the world of improvisation? Join us for an engaging workshop for LGBTQIA2S+ participants, regardless of prior experience! Dive into the fundamentals of improv during this two-hour session designed specifically for beginners. Experience the joy of “Yes, And!” in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

This workshop will be taught by ensemble member Holly Collis Handford with assist by Madeleine Humeny.

Register to confirm your spot!

Register now

Special Workshops
with Kevin McDonald

kevin macdonald workshops_sketch from improv

Sketch from Improv

Saturday, August 24 | 10:30am-2:30pm

Ages 18+

In this 4-hour workshop, students explore the art of turning improvisational scenes into polished comedy sketches. With Kevin McDonald’s expertise, you’ll learn how to refine characters, build comedic momentum, and craft hilarious storylines. In the second half of this class, students will put their newfound knowledge to the test as they work independently to shape their own improv scenes into fully-fledged comedy sketches.

Cost: $150
4 hours
16 spots available

Register now
kevin macdonald workshops_one line premise

One Line Premise

Sunday, August 25 | 10:30am-2:30pm

Ages 18+ 

In this workshop, students will dive deep into the world of comedy writing, focusing on crafting hilarious sketches from one-line premises. Each student must bring their own one-line premise for a comedy sketch. Together, you’ll dissect each premise, exploring its comedic potential and brainstorming ideas to flesh it out into a full scene. With Kevin McDonald’s expert guidance, students will learn how to structure scenes, develop comedic characters, and build engaging storylines.

This workshop is a writing workshop – students will not be improvising or performing. 18+ only. Maximum capacity: 16.

Cost: $150
4 hours
16 spots available.

Register now
BIPOC Intro to Improv (1080x1080px)

BIPOC Intro to Improv

Saturday, June 1st
3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 18+

This free workshop for BIPOC identifying folks requires no experience to join.

Looking to explore the world of improvisation? Join us for an engaging workshop for BIPOC participants, regardless of prior experience! Dive into the fundamentals of improv during this two-hour session designed specifically for beginners. Experience the joy of “Yes, And!” in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

This workshop is for people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Colour. The class will be led by BIPOC ensemble member, Emily Schoen, with assist from Raf Rogers.

 All spaces booked!

Get details on the next workshop

School Bookings

Are you looking to book a fieldtrip for your class?

See our School Bookings page!

House Teams Program

Intake for the 2024-2025 House Teams Program is now closed.

The Improv Centre House Teams Program is a 6-month mentorship program consisting of both training and performance. The goal of the program is to build upon the improvisational skills of developing players in the community, and to create an accessible, professional, concentrated training program that focuses on the story-based short and mid-form style of our company. 

House Teams are created by the Artistic Team and consist of 6-8 performers who work together for the duration of their 6-month program. This enables the team to have consistency in their lesson plans, note sessions, and format-work. During this time the team is also welcomed to perform together, or with other improvisers, at other venues.

House Teams are assigned a Mainstage Coach who is responsible for the training and performance formatting of their House Team.

House Team members are expected to fully commit and attend all weekly rehearsals/performances. In order to participate in performances, House Team members must attend their team’s rehearsals. They can expect to spend 2 hours a week in either rehearsal or performance. The Coach will lead each rehearsal, as well as attend the performances, providing notes afterwards.

We are proud to be a company of working actors – if you book a role and it requires you to be unavailable for an extended period, let us know! We encourage outside work. If a Team member is unavailable for rehearsals on a regular basis for unexplained reasons, their position may be forfeited without refund.

*Please note: Although TIC hopes that the House Team Program will give many performers the skills and experience needed to become a Mainstage performer, being a member of House Teams DOES NOT guarantee the eventual graduation to Mainstage.

 

About House Teams:

The Improv Centre House Teams Program is a 6-month mentorship program consisting of both training and performance. The goal of the program is to build upon the improvisational skills of developing players in the community, and to create an accessible, professional, concentrated training program that focuses on the story-based short and mid-form style of our company. 

House Teams are created by the Artistic Team and consist of 6-8 performers who work together for the duration of their 6-month program. This enables the team to have consistency in their lesson plans, note sessions, and format-work. During this time the team is also welcomed to perform together, or with other improvisers, at other venues.

House Teams are assigned a Mainstage Coach who is responsible for the training and performance formatting of their House Team. A fee of $65/month per performer is required in order to pay their Coach. The fee will be collected monthly. If this hinders your ability to participate, please include this in your application and we will determine how to make the program accessible.

House Team members are expected to fully commit and attend all weekly rehearsals/performances. In order to participate in performances, House Team members must attend their team’s rehearsals. They can expect to spend 2 hours a week in either rehearsal or performance. The Coach will lead each rehearsal, as well as attend the performances, providing notes afterwards.

We are proud to be a company of working actors – if you book a role and it requires you to be unavailable for an extended period, let us know! We encourage outside work. If a Team member is unavailable for rehearsals on a regular basis for unexplained reasons, their position may be forfeited without refund.

*Please note: Although TIC hopes that the House Team Program will give many performers the skills and experience needed to become a Mainstage performer, being a member of House Teams DOES NOT guarantee the eventual graduation to Mainstage.

Applications for House Teams are open!

Applications for 2024 House Teams are open now! To apply, send a blurb about yourself and a copy of your headshot and resume and/or details of your improv experience to:

auditions@theimprovcentre.ca

The deadline to submit is July 18th, 2024. Audition Dates: July 25th, 28th, 29th, and 30th with potential callbacks on August 6th.

The Improv Centre strives to be accessible and inclusive. For performers who have barriers to access to any part of our process as laid out, please reach out to us and we will happily find a way to see your audition.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is Available!

If you’re interested in our courses, but cannot reasonably afford our fees due to reasons beyond your control, you can apply for financial aid.

We also offer special opportunities and discounts for folks who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, or any other marginalized group. Our community needs performers like you – we want to support you on your journey in comedy!

All financial aid awards are first-come, first-served, limited, and granted on a case-by-case basis. Examples of financial aid include free admission into our Improv For Beginners program, or a percentage off Improv Education Program fees.

To apply for financial aid, please fill out the following form. Outline your specific situation and/or the marginalized groups you identify with, and tell us why you require financial aid.

Financial Aid is made possible in part due to funding from:

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The Improv Centre – Student Financial Aid Application Form

Personal Application

To access the The Improv Centre’s Student Code of Conduct, please click here.

To read the The Improv Centre’s Student Consent and Release From Liability, please click here.