Intro to Improv Classes

Your complete introduction to the art of improv comedy.

Whether you want to learn improv for personal development, professional growth or performance opportunities, Garden City Improv's Improv Foundations program will help you unlock your creative potential.

By completing this program, you will have the foundation to participate in Victoria's thriving improv community, building meaningful and lasting friendships along the way!

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

CURRENT CLASSES

Improv classes at Garden City Improv in Victoria BC with students performing in an improv comedy show

Program Overview

Improv 101
Improv Foundations

Learn the basics and find your comedic voice in this beginner course. No previous improv or theatre experience is necessary!

What to Expect:

'Yes, And' philosophy fundamentals
Basic scene building and character work
Trust-building exercises
Supportive environment

Prerequisites: None

Improv 201
Character and Story

In this course, students will explore the heart of every great improv scene: characters you believe in and stories that stick.

What to Expect:

Build scenes using story structure
Create hilarious improvised characters
Class performance for family and friends

Prerequisites: Improv 101 or equivalent

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Improv 301
Short and Long Form

This class includes classic short-form games, open scenework and introduces longform improv techniques.

What to Expect:

Advanced short-form games
Open scenework
Performance preparation
Class performance for family and friends

Prerequisites: Improv 201 or equivalent

Current Intro to Improv Classes

Selling fast!
Garden City Improv: New Year's Eve!
Wed, Dec 31
Theatre SKAM
Ring in the New Year with a hilarious evening of improv comedy with Dan Bakkedahl and Kevin Matviw!
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Improv 301 with Claire Pollock
Tue, Jan 06
Theatre SKAM
Improv 301 includes classic short-form games and introduces longform improv techniques.
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Improv 101: Improv Foundations with Claire Pollock
Thu, Jan 08
Ocean Room, TheatreSKAM Studios
Improv Foundations is the perfect class for the complete beginner, no experience necessary!
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Musical Improv with Kevin Matviw
Thu, Jan 08
Theatre SKAM
This high-energy class is your chance to explore the joy of making up songs on the spot, without needing to be pitch-perfect!
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Sketch Comedy 201: Show Creation
Sat, Jan 10
Forest Room, TheatreSKAM Studios
Learn how to build a full-length show from the ground up in this advanced sketch comedy writing class!
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BROWSE ALL CLASSES

Meet Your Instructors

Garden City Improv classes are taught by industry professionals who have performed at The Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, Just For Laughs, and other premier comedy institutions.

Kevin Matviw, artistic director and lead improv instructor at Garden City Improv

Jen Yamasaki, improv instructor at Garden City Improv

Claire Pollock, improv instructor at Garden City Improv

Andrew Gardner, Improv Instructor at Garden City Improv

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS

Testimonials

"If you're thinking about exploring improv, GCI's classes are an excellent way to get started."

Eric W., Victoria BC

The cast of Garden City Improv performing in Victoria BC.

Ready to take your improv to the next level? Try an advanced class

In Garden City Improv's advanced improv classes, you'll learn techniques like Game of the Scene and formats like The Harold—skills that will make you a stronger improviser and help you think on your feet in work and life.

EXPLORE ADVANCED CLASSES