What we're about
In 2022 we're keeping it really simple...
Here at Monkey Butler we think you'll come for the improv and stay for the community.
Give it a try!
FAQ
What is Monkey Butler?
Monkey Butler is a comedy company that began in May ’07 which features improv, stand-up and specialized workshops. It began with seven people in a living room and turned into the fastest growing comedy organization in Los Angeles, along with weekly improv workshops and sketch comedy in Denver, Boulder, Boston, England, and Berrien Springs. After Monkey Butler closed its theaters in the Greater Los Angeles area in 2013 only the Colorado location remained in operation. Today, Monkey Butler workshops can only be found in Denver and Boulder. There are performances, pop- up shows, and workshop showcases year-round.
How are Workshops set up?
The improv workshops are set up to give each student the best possible training at the most appropriate level of instruction for their skill level. Currently there are five different levels of workshops: Foundations (Level 1), Intermediate Improv (Level 2), Advanced Improv (Level 3), Intro to Long Form (Level 4) & Mainstage Improv (Level 5). If it is decided you should be moved to a higher level of instruction, then you will not be made to take months of classes below your skill level. Every new student, however, must take at least one Foundations workshop. After that workshop, please ask your instructor to assess your performance and let you know if you should stay at Level 1 or move onto a higher level. Once you move into another level, the student begins a 3-Week Trial Period for the teacher to assess whether you should continue at the higher level or go back to the previous one for more training. Recommended reading: Improvise, by Mick Napier
When can I perform in an improv show?
The Foundations Workshops, Intro to Long Form & Advanced Workshops have a show at the end of each season of curriculum. Level One performs in the One Buck Butler show on Saturday night where tickets are unsurprisingly $1. The Level Two Team performs at the end of their season in the Two Buck Butler Show which is (you guessed it) $2. We could go on and let you know what the Level Three and Four shows are called, but we think you've got it by now. Every workshopper is encouraged to see as many shows as possible: the more shows you see the better you learn!
How do I get on an improv team?
Every MB Mainstage Team member started out in the workshops, so you must begin in the Foundations Workshop and work your way up. There is no set time frame when a student is ready to become a Mainstage performer, but we’ve found that roughly one year in workshops is a typical time frame for most of our current team members. How a student progresses depends not only on their natural talents, but on their commitment level, their ability to take notes from instructors, and their personal development in improvisation. Once in Level 4, every student joins The Barrel, which is the “up-and-coming team.” From there they are placed into Mainstage Teams due to individual progress as well as spots opening up on Mainstage Teams or new teams being formed.
Why are the Workshops free?
After having taken classes and graduating from the Groundlings, UCB, iO WEST programs, all the instructors at MB wished they could be a part of an organization that gives back to the community. So MB became that organization because it’s fun & it’s nice to give back.
Where else can I go to take a Workshop outside of Boulder?
Monkey Butler Denver
Thursdays at 7:00pm
Sewall Child Development Center
940 Fillmore St
Denver, CO 80227