Is Improv Hard to Learn? (NO!)

Is Improv Hard to Learn?

When people think about improv, they usually imagine a bunch of wild, quick thinkers getting big laughs on stage, and it can feel kind of scary—like you need to be naturally hilarious or super outgoing to even try it. Honestly, many people think the same thing. I think that’s because — at least in the United States — most people think that improv is only what they see on “Whose Line is it Anyway?!”. But that’s not true.

The truth? You don’t need any special talent to get started with improv, and learning it isn’t nearly as hard or intimidating as it might seem at first. Honestly, all it takes is a willingness to play, a gift all humans have at birth.

The thing that makes improv seem tough is the idea of having to be clever and spontaneous all the time. In reality, improv is more about working together, listening, and giving everything a shot—even if you’re not sure it will work. The key philosophy in any improv class is known as “yes, and”. This of this like you’d think of The Golden Rule: improv works best when we listen to other people’s ideas and then add something to it.

That’s it. No complicated rules. This approach creates a safe, supportive space where everyone’s in it together and no one is expected to carry the whole scene. In fact, our Foundations level improv classes in Portland don’t even emphasize scenes or acting: they focus almost completely on play and learning how to communicate verbally and non-verbally.

Of course, like any skill, improv takes a bit of practice and a sense of adventure. The first time you try it, it might feel weird or awkward, and you’ll probably worry about messing up or looking silly. Everyone does! But improv actually welcomes mistakes and turns them into awesome surprises. In classes, you start with fun group games and simple exercises that help you loosen up—no memorizing scripts, just jumping in and seeing what happens. Most people find themselves laughing off their nerves within minutes, and it’s pretty great to realize nobody is judging if your line lands flat.

The real trick is letting yourself play, instead of pressuring yourself to be clever all the time. Improv is all about doing, not overthinking. As you let go and join the fun, it gets way easier, and suddenly those “hard” parts don’t seem so bad. You learn to trust yourself, enjoy being silly, and work as a team.

So, is improv hard? Nah—not really. The hardest part is just showing up and giving it a try. After that, you’ll probably find yourself hooked, laughing, and growing more confident week after week. Everyone’s welcome, and if you ask me, the journey is more fun than you’d ever expect.

And, hey… if you’re not ready for improvising in a class with others, you can learn improv at home, online, on your own schedule. David’s online improv course is a fanTAStic place to start!