Even if you end up not pursuing improv, taking a class can be a great way to gain self confidence, improve your communication skills, meet new friends, and spark your other areas of creativity. Improv classes can be found in almost every city, so look online to find a class near you. If you decide that you’re serious about pursuing improv, you should consider moving to a city that is known for it’s comedy scene. Some of these cities are Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. Take a free class with a friend. Some theaters offer free classes to help promote their new classes or their upcoming season. Go to classes as often as you can and practice regularly.

If your scene partner starts the scene by stating that you two are pirates, then you must embrace that you two are pirates. If you deny that you’re a pirate, you will discredit your scene partner and cause tension in your scene.

For example, if you start a scene by saying “Nobody likes you at school, they think you’re so weird,” there isn’t much that can be done with that scene besides an argument. However, if you say “Everyone at school thinks you’re so weird, but in a cool way,” the scene has room for growth. You can talk about how your character is different, what makes it cool, etc. Make positive statements to allow your scene partners to embrace their characters. [1] X Research source

Focus on the overall scene as opposed to your role in the scene. If everyone wants what’s best for the scene, they’ll be more willing to share the spotlight and let each character have their shine.

Going to local comedy shows will also help people become familiar with you. Immersing yourself in the scene is a great way to meet other improv actors and comedians. Most big cities have at least one improv comedy club, but if you’re looking for an amazing local comedy scene, you may want to consider relocating to Chicago, LA, or NYC. Some well known improv comedy clubs include Second City, Acme Comedy Theater, ComedySportz, Brave New Workshop, The Bad Dog Theater Company, and Groundlings, just to name a few.

Some good improv and sketch comedy shows to watch are Saturday Night Live (SNL), Whose Line is It Anyway, Wild ‘N Out, In Living Color, Mad TV, and Chappelle’s Show. Keep in mind that most of these performers started on a local level as well. They got better over time, and so will you if you apply yourself. [3] X Research source

Advanced improv classes often come with other perks, such as workshops with successful actors, discounted or free tickets to professional improv shows, and assistance with head shots and resumes. [5] X Research source Head shots are professional photos that actors submit to casting directors when auditioning for roles. Resumes list all of an actors experience and are turned in with their head shots at auditions. When you are ready to start auditioning for different roles, be sure to get your own head shot and resume.

Volunteer often in class to show that you enjoy participating. Attend your teacher’s comedy shows outside of class. Ask your teachers what additional things you can do to practice, perform, and immerse yourself in the improv scene.

This can be as simple as playing playing a game of charades with a group of loved ones. It will be a fun time and will allow you to exercise your improv and teamwork skills.

Teaching people is a great way to improvise. Whether you’re teaching students, your children, or your friends, try to teach them something new. Each person learns differently, so you’ll have to adapt to them as you teach them. Believe it or not, you can practice your improv skills while working with customers or coworkers. Learning how to interact with your customers and pitch a product is all part of acting and improvising, as is working with difficult coworkers. [6] X Research source