CLASS TYPES: IMPROV WORKSHOPS INTENSIVES IMPROV FOR KIDS UPCOMING SCHEDULE REGISTRATION
IMPROVISATION TRAINING CLASSES
LEARN THE ART OF IMPROVISATION FROM SOME OF THE BEST TEACHERS IN THE COUNTRY.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or you’ve just realized you can’t resist the call of the spotlight, our improv classes cater to all levels of experience. From rookies to improv veterans, we’re here to turn your comedic dreams into reality faster than you can say “Yes, and…”!
Led and curated by some of the most influential instructors in the field of improvisation of the past 30+ years, our structured curriculum is designed with both beginners and experienced people in mind and aims to provide you to with life-changing skills that are immediately applicable on and off stage.
Classes meet once a week for three hours. There are 7 class meetings per level. The average class size is between 10-14 people.
Term 7, 2025 runs the week of Nov. 10th to the week of Jan. 12th.
(No classes Nov. 24th to Nov. 30th and Dec. 22nd to Jan. 4th)
LEVEL 1 SPECIAL CLASS PRICES:
MONDAY – THURSDAY EVENING CLASSES: $225 – WEEKEND AND WEEKDAY CLASSES: $175
ALL LEVEL 1 CLASSES INCLUDE A ‘CELEBRATION ‘ SHOW AT THE END OF THE TERM
LEVEL 1 – $225 ($175 for weekend classes)
Whether you’re looking to hone your comedic craft, improve interpersonal skills, or simply looking to try something new and make new friends, this class is the perfect place to start your improv journey.
Using fun and unique exercises, in this class you will be introduced to our style and approach to improv and “longform” improvisation, learn new ways to improve essential communication and cooperation skills, creativity, and confidence in a very fun and supportive environment that fosters creativity, provides growth, and invaluable tools.
Tuesday – Nov. 11th to Jan. 13th
7pm to 10pm. – Instructor: TBD
(No classes Nov. 24 to Nov. 30 and Dec. 22 to Jan. 4th)
Saturdays – Nov. 15th to Jan. 17th
12pm to 3pm. – Instructor: Mike Johnson
(No classes Nov. 24 to Nov. 30 and Dec. 22 to Jan. 4th)
Sundays – Nov. 16th to Jan. 18th
3pm to 6pm. – Instructor: Cesar Jaime
(No classes Nov. 24 to Nov. 30 and Dec. 22 to Jan. 4th)
All Level 1 classes include a Graduation Show. (There are no prerequisites to begin at this level.)
LEVEL 2 – $225
Designed to help you discover your strengths as an improviser, this level will focus on character creation, object/environment work, and most importantly, working as an ensemble and building a “group mind”.
After completing this level you will have learned essential listening skills, team-focused collaboration skills, and exceptional support skills to help make you a more confident, supportive, and reliable player in any type of improvisational performance.
Mondays – Nov. 10th to Jan. 12th
7pm to 10pm. – Instructor: Eric Hunicutt
(No classes Nov. 24 to Nov. 30 and Dec. 22 to Jan. 4th)
LEVEL 3 – $225
The HOME Theater’s unique Charcuterie Board of Scenework Instruction. Our Level 3 curriculum puts emphasis on our approach to long-form improvisation and is designed to offer students insight, advice, and notes on long-form scene-work from a variety of veteran instructors and performers in a single 7-week term.
*Read Additional Info section below for pre-requisites on skipping levels.
Thursdays – Nov. 13th to Jan. 15th
7pm to 10pm. – Instructor: Liz Allen
(No classes Nov. 24 to Nov. 30 and Dec. 22 to Jan. 4th)
LEVEL 4 – $225
Building on the foundation of the first 3 levels, Level 4 will teach you “The Harold,” the Chicago-born signature long-form structure. The techniques and skills you learn from The Harold will prepare you for any other longform style you’ll ever encounter.
*Read Additional Info section below for pre-requisites on skipping levels.
Sundays – Nov. 16th to Jan. 18th
12pm to 3pm. – Instructor: Paul Grondy
(No classes Nov. 24 to Nov. 30 and Dec. 22 to Jan. 4th)
LEVEL 5 – $225
This is the advanced Harold level, where you will heavily explore this long-form signature piece, learn what the Harold is really all about, and work toward mastering it. (This class will culminate in a performance.)
*Read Additional Info section below for pre-requisites on skipping levels.
LEVEL 5 SCHEDULE COMING SOON
WHAT IS "THE HAROLD"?
In the vast landscape of improv, the “Harold” format reigns as a shining star, earning its stripes as one of the most innovative improv comedy performance pieces known around the world. This signature ‘long-form’ structure was created and perfected by the legendary Del Close and Charna Halpern right here in Chicago, whose work helped to make America’s “second city” the cool kid on the improv block.
CAN I SKIP A LEVEL IF I HAVE PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?
If your improv experience consists of having taken more than one level of improv classes from an improv theater (iO, CIC, UCB, etc.), exceptions could be made where you will be allowed to register for any level you think you will be comfortable in, given your prior experience.
Having said that…
We have a unique approach to improvisation and a progressive training center where each level is built upon the previous one.
In addition, although there could be exceptions made for one to start their curriculum at higher levels, our philosophy is that nothing builds ensemble like going through the trenches together, therefore we highly encourage all new students to start at level 1.
Additional class info:
Classes meet once a week for three hours. There are 7 class meetings per level. The average class size is between 10-14 people.
CONNECT & VISIT!
FOLLOW US FOR NEWS AND UPDATES!LOCATION: 2843 N. HALSTED ST.
(312) 488-9528
The Home Comedy Theater is within a short walking distance from the Halsted bus stop (Bus #8), the Diversey Brown & Purple line, the Wellington Brown & Purple line, and the Belmont Red, Brown, & Purple line train stops.
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