Classes

Improv Education Program

Want to learn how to improvise as well as our ensemble members do?

The Improv Centre has been educating people in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland for over 40 years. We want to give YOU the same improv training!

Our education programs 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 enrol in 102, and after 102 to will enrol 103. 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 must be 19 years or older to participate.

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
Ages 19+
Next Class:

June 21st & 22nd 11am to 3pm
Instructors:  
Will V & Raf R

Sold Out

July 5th & 6th
11am to 3pm
Instructors:
Riley H & Mary S

Register Now

August 23rd & 24th
11am to 3pm
Instructors:
Will V & Della H

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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

Ages 19+
Next Class:

July 12th & 13th
11am to 3pm
Instructors:
Rachel K & Maddy R

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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

Ages 19+
Next Class:

July 26th & 27th 11am to 3pm
Instructors:
Allen M & Cam G

Register Now

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 103.

Cost: $195
8 hours
Ages 19+
Next Class:

TBA

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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
Ages 19+
Next Class:

June 28th & 29th
11am to 3pm
Instructors: John V & Raf R

Register Now

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
Ages 19+
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
Ages 19+
Next Class:

TBA

Subscribe for Updates!

Workshops

drop-in workshop (13)

The Games Lab

Saturday, July 19th
  • Instructors: Alan P & Della H
Saturday, August 16th
  • Instructors:  Jeff C & Jenny R

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 19+

Explore a series of classic shortform games, giving you the space to play, play and play some more. Get key tips and tricks on how to be even more successful in your scene work as you learn about the different types of games and the “motors” that make them so much fun to play!

Level Required: some improv experience is required
Workshop Capacity: 14 people
Cost: $30

Register now
drop-in workshop (12)

Improv for Beginners

Saturday, July 5th
  • Instructors: Helen C & Mark S
Saturday, August 2nd
  • Instructors: Jenny R & Cam G

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 19+ 

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!”

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.

Level Required: no improv experience
is required
Workshop Capacity: 20 people
Cost: $20

Register now
Community Jam Social Post (1080 × 1080)

Community Jam!

Saturday, June 28th
  • Instructors: Riley H & Helen C 
Saturday, July 26th
  • Instructors:  Helen C & Alan P
Saturday, August 30th
  • Instructors:  Jeff C & Mark S

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 19+

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!

Level Required: all levels welcome
Cost: Free

drop-in workshop (15)

LGBTQIA2S+ Improv for Beginners

Saturday, June 21st
  • Instructors: Caitlin M & Alan P

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 19+

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.

Level Required: no improv experience
is required
Workshop Capacity: 20 people
Cost: Free!

Register now

Improv for Beginners

Saturday, Feb. 15th
  • Instructors: Alan Pavlakovic, Cam Grant

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 19+ 

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!”

20 spots available.
Cost: $20

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 (11)

Femmes Intro to Improv

Saturday, Mar. 8th

Instructors: Mary S, Helen C

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 19+

This FREE workshop for femme identifying people requires no experience to join!

Looking to explore the world of improvisation? Join us for an engaging workshop for femme 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.

20 spots available.

SOLD OUT!

Register now
Register now

The Games Lab

Saturday, Jan. 18th
  • Instructors: Rachel Kent & Maddy Rafter
Saturday, Feb. 8th
  • Instructors: Jacki Gunn & Jenny Rubé

*Takes place at Carousel Theatre for Young People

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 19+

Explore a series of classic shortform games, giving you the space to play, play and play some more. Get key tips and tricks on how to be even more successful in your scene work as you learn about the different types of games and the “motors” that make them so much fun to play!

*This class is for improvisors with some experience. If you are new to improv, check out our Beginner’s Classes!

14 spots available.
Cost: $30

Register now
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Make It All Make Sense

With Jeff Cooper

Date: Saturday, June 14th
Time: 2:00pm-5:00pm 
Workshop focus: The Art of Justification

Ages 19+

In this workshop, we’ll dive into the powerful art of justification, focusing on how to honor every choice as purposeful and intentional. Justifying is not about explaining strange facts or odd realities, but rather committing fully to them and exploring the possibilities they open up.

Through a series of targeted exercises, you’ll build the muscles needed to create logical, engaging scenes that stem from you and your scene partner’s imagination. We’ll explore how to respond to unusual offers in ways that deepen the scene without undercutting its potential. Participants will work through targeted drills to sharpen their ability to answer “why” in the moment.

The session will culminate in scenes where we’ll work on making even the wildest offers feel inevitable and grounded. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the stage, this workshop will enhance your ability to turn any improv situation into something rich and satisfying.

Level Required: Participants must have some improv experience, equivalent to Improv 101 (email education@theimprovcentre.ca if you’re not sure).

Workshop Capacity: 20 people

Cost: $60

Teacher Bio

Teacher bio:

Jeff Cooper is an actor, voice actor, improviser, and educator based in Vancouver. He’s a regular performer at The Improv Centre, with The Fictionals, and on various stages around the city.

As a passionate improv teacher, Jeff has worked with students of all levels—from children in classroom settings to adults at private events and corporate workshops. He teaches regularly at The Improv Centre where he leads core classes, introductory workshops, and hosts monthly community jams for performers of all experience levels. Outside of The Improv Centre, he teaches Improv for Voice Over at On the Mic Training.

Jeff also hosted the Adventures in Improv podcast, where he shares his love and insights into improv with a broader audience.

https://jeffcooper.net/

Register Now

Community Jam!

Saturday, Feb. 22nd
  • Instructors: Jacki Gunn, Dan Willows

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Ages 19+

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!

BIPOC Intro to Improv

Saturday, Feb. 1st
  • Instructors: Raf Rogers & Caitlin Maira

Ages 19+

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. 

20 spots available.

Register now

Specialty Workshops

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Acting in Improv 

With John Voth

Date: Saturday & Sunday, August 9th & 10th
Time: 11:00am-3:00pm (8 hours in total)
Workshop focus: Acting in Improv

Ages 19+

Acting in Improv – bring truth and energy to every stage and story. This workshop will help experienced improvisers to add another level of truth, energy and skill to their scenes by developing their understanding of the variety of tools readily available to them in their body and voice. 

The first day will focus on body and voice exercise, filling the stage with theatricality, and variety of movement. The second day will focus on acting out the truth in scenes, acting with emotion, and helping the audience see and understand what you are trying to display. 

Level Required: Improv 200 or equivalent or higher (email education@theimprovcentre.ca if you’re not sure).

Workshop Capacity: 20 people

Cost: $195

Teacher Bio

Teacher bio:

John Voth is an award-winning Actor and Director, and has been performing and teaching Improv for 20 years with a variety of companies. John’s desire is to enable his students to adapt their skills to any stage they perform on and to leave his classes with a clear understanding on how to take control of their own development.

Register Now

School Bookings

Are you looking to book a fieldtrip for your class?

See our School Bookings page!

House Teams Program

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.

Applications for House Teams are currently closed. Check back for information about the next season!

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.

 

TIC Diversity Scholarship

The Improv Centre welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities, and we are committed to increasing diversity and representation in our classrooms and on our stage. Creating space for diversity on stage allows for diverse stories to be told, reaching audiences in different ways and attracting new audiences who see themselves represented on stage.

TIC Diversity Scholarship is available for folks who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, people with disabilities or any other marginalized group. Our community needs performers like you – we want to support you on your journey in comedy!

Please note that priority is given to students who have not yet received a scholarship. Students who have previously received a scholarship are welcome to apply again and we ask that you fill out an application for each and every class that you would like to attend. 

To apply for the diversity scholarship, please fill out the following form and we will respond within three business days.

Apply Now!

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. The Improv Centre is committed to making comedy accessible to anyone who wants to take one of our classes and offers Financial Aid Scholarships to students where finances are a barrier.

Please note that priority is given to students who have not yet received a scholarship. Students who have previously received a scholarship are welcome to apply again and we ask that you fill out an application for each and every class that you would like to attend. 

To apply for financial aid, please fill out the following form and we will respond within three business days.

Apply Now!

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.