If you’ve seen an improv comedy show, or have ever thought you’d like to try something new, challenging and fun, improv classes might be a good option for you. But what can you expect to learn in an improv comedy class? Here are some of our best answers to that question and others you might have about improv classes in Columbus, Ohio.
Improv Classes: What to Expect
There are several options for improv comedy classes in Columbus, Ohio and you can expect some of the same general things from each of them. Here’s what you can expect for your first improv class.
You Won’t Need Acting Experience for Your Improv Class
For your first improv class, you’ll be working with anywhere from 8-14 other folks who have little to no improv or acting experience of their own. So most of you will be starting off on the same foot and learning the same things about improv together. Occasionally, you’ll have someone in your course who has taken improv classes before, or who has some stage experience. But most schools of improv teach a little bit differently, so even if they know the basics, they’ll be learning a new style right alongside you.
You’ll Move in Your Improv Class
Like many theater or performance classes, you’ll move around quite a bit in your improv class. In fact, there will be lots of jumping in, feet first, and doing. If you’re very shy or haven’t done much public speaking or stage work, this might feel intimidating or awkward at first. But we promise that you’ll quickly get used to the “jump right in” mentality of your improv classes (and it’s a lot more fun than how adults are typically expected to learn).
You’ll Work as a Team in Your Improv Class
Unlike other comedy forms or performance disciplines (like stand up or public speaking), you’ll be working very closely with your classmates throughout your improv class. While there will certainly be times that you will need to individually contribute to an exercise or activity, improv is very much a “team sport”. One of the key components in improv is mutual support, so be prepared to participate in exercises and activities that encourage you to meet and bond with your classmates quickly.
You’ll Laugh a lot in Your Improv Class
This point should go without saying, but you’re going to laugh a lot in your improv class! What we’ve found however, is that the laughter doesn’t necessarily come because one person is hilariously funny (and we tell our students on night one that they don’t have to be funny). The laughter tends to come from a place of real enjoyment. Improv classes are designed to be fun and interactive and to encourage you to embrace a sense of play. You’ll find yourself laughing a lot through the process, just because you’re having so much fun.
You’ll be Challenged in Your Improv Class
While improv is a “team sport” it still relies on each individual bringing something of themselves to the table. Improv tends to challenge people in ways that are unique to them. For someone who is already outgoing and talkative, improv might challenge them to learn to give space to others. For someone who struggles with confidence in group settings, improv might challenge them to take bold steps and to speak up more often. It truly is the rare student who goes through an improv class and doesn’t feel like they learned anything about the art form or themselves.
What Else to Expect from Your First Improv Comedy Class
Every improv class will teach you the core improv principle of Yes, And almost immediately. But beyond that basic principle, every school of improv will be a bit different. You’ll learn a slightly different style of performance or improv philosophy depending on the company, the instructors and how subsequent courses are structured.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $160-$200 for five to eight weeks of improv instruction n Columbus, Ohio, depending on the company. Most companies offer weeknight options for beginning levels, while others only offer weekends. Some offer a combination of both. Either way, classes tend to average out to around 12-15 total hours of instruction per course.
Some companies offer a showcase for friends and family after the course, some don’t. Some companies use a studio space for their classes. Others will have you learning right in the theater. Again, it will vary from company to company.
Ultimately, when we talk to potential students, we want them to make a decision about their first improv class that feel like an easy “yes.” We want your improv class(es) to feel like a good investment of your time and money, and that you’ll be learning in a safe and supportive environment with your new classmates.
We’re not always the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay! If you’re interested at all in improv classes, our answer is ALWAYS to take a class, even if it’s not with us. That’s how much we believe in improv and how much it can positively affect your life. So we can’t wait to meet you in class, or see you on stage sometime after you’ve taken someone else’s class.
Improv Classes and Workshops in Columbus Ohio
Hashtag Comedy offers adult improv classes and workshops in Columbus, OH. Our goal is for students to experience immediate and long term takeaways that positively affect their lives, both on and off stage. Take a look at our upcoming improv classes right here in Central Ohio, or contact us with any questions.