Who Should Take an Improv Class?
Who Should Take an Improv Class?
We’re asked this question all the time. The TL;DR answer: anyone. Improv is ll about play and we believe that play is for anyone of any age. Because of that, anyone can benefit from taking an improv class — it’s not just for performers or comedians. Like other kinds of play, Improv develops creativity, communication, confidence, and adaptability, making it useful for people in all walks of life.
Professionals and Leaders
Professionals in business, education, and leadership gain teamwork, listening, and quick-thinking skills from improv. The practice of saying “yes, and” helps participants collaborate more effectively, build on others’ ideas, and handle unexpected situations with calm and creativity. Forbes called improv “a phenomenal resource for professionals of every type,” highlighting how it enhances communication and adaptability in the workplace. For these reasons and more, we think our customized business training and corporate team building modules are second to none.
Students and Young Adults
Students benefit by becoming more confident speakers and more agile thinkers. Improv exercises encourage spontaneity and help quiet perfectionism, making it easier to participate in class discussions or navigate social and career challenges. It also fosters mindfulness — training participants to focus on the present moment instead of over-preparing or self-editing. Our founder, David Koff, developed many of his unique improv games and exercises while working with middle schoolers at St. Andrew Nativity. A documentary was made about his work and he delivered a keynote address at the 2018 AIN Conference in Paris regarding his work there as well.
Creatives and Performers
For actors, comedians, and artists, improv sharpens instincts and emotional authenticity. It reconnects performers to play, spontaneity, and risk-taking — essential traits for anyone involved in creative work. Many acting instructors emphasize improv as foundational training that strengthens stage presence and audience connection.
People Facing Anxiety, Addiction, or Burnout
Improv attracts people seeking confidence or relief from anxiety. It’s also an incredible tool for helping addicts anchor their recovery. This isn’t just speculation. Our founder has delivered applied improvisation workshops to recovering addicts and seen the benefits with his own eyes. Our improv classes in Portland — and improv classes in general — create supportive, playful environment where mistakes are reframed as opportunities, helping participants handle fear, social pressure, or creative blocks more easily. Everyone should take a Level One class (we call those our Foundation classes) as they teach you to listen, build ideas, and be a better person.
Those Starting Fresh or Seeking Connection
People new to a city or looking to expand their social circle often find improv communities to be welcoming and inclusive. The shared vulnerability and fun make it easy to form genuine friendships. Many participants describe meeting friends “from every walk of life” through these classes. Wanna know how many couples I know who met in improv classes and then got married?!? A lot!
In short, improv is for anyone who wants to become more confident, playful, adaptable, or socially connected — not just performers, but everyday people looking to communicate better, think faster, and enjoy life more fully.
Don’t believe us? Check out some of the photos from our recent events.