About us
The Courtyard Playhouse is Dubai's first and only improv theatre.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwI61VMauNI
By creating this unique space, we hope to give rise to a thriving improv community in Dubai.
This group is for comedy and theatre-lovers living in Dubai who want to connect with like-minded folk.
Anyone is welcome to suggest get-togethers.
We have improv shows every Wednesday evening from mid Sept to mid October. Entrance is free or by donation to help keep the community going.
Upcoming events
29
STORY – IMPROV FOR ADULTS SPRING 2026 TUE 7:30PM
Courtyard Playhouse Dubai, 4B St - Al Quoz, Dubai, AE*This is a paid event. RSVP on Meetup is not enough — to confirm your place, please complete your registration through our website. *
“The improviser has to be like a man walking backwards. He sees where he has been, but he pays no attention to the future. His story can take him anywhere, but he must still ‘balance’ it, and give it shape, by remembering incidents that have been shelved and reincorporating them.”” – Keith Johnstone
Improv that focuses on narrative tries to tell a story that has a complete arc from beginning to end, a story that elicits not only laughter, but an emotional response. This course will teach you how to create compelling narratives on stage. We will explore various techniques and formats that bring the audience to the edge of their seats in laughter, fear, expectation, and anticipation.
This course is for you if you have completed ‘Don’t Panic’ and you want to focus on how to create a narrative structure on stage with your fellow improvisors.
• Limited participants per class ensuring you get personalised attention from your instructor
• Over 14 hours of tuition including stage-time in a professional theatre
• A showcase performance at the Courtyard Playhouse open to your friends and family
Register Here4 attendees
DON’T PANIC – IMPROV FOR ADULTS SPRING 2025
Courtyard Playhouse Dubai, 4B St - Al Quoz, Dubai, AE*This is a paid event. RSVP on Meetup is not enough — to confirm your place, please complete your registration through our website.*
‘There are people who prefer to say ‘Yes’, and there are people who prefer to say ‘No’. Those who say ‘Yes’ are rewarded by the adventures they have, and those who say ‘No’ are rewarded by the safety they attain.’ – Keith Johnstone
Go on a journey of self-discovery with us to unlock your inner child and see how much we can still learn, even as adults, through play!
The aim of ‘Don’t Panic’ is to confront the fear associated with performing and improvising through a variety of fun exercises. Great emphasis is placed on failing happily and thus being emboldened to take risks and be adventurous.
This introductory course is great for performers wanting to sharpen their skills, business people needing confidence with public speaking or anyone who wants to be more spontaneous, creative, playful, open and present.
• Limited participants per class ensuring personalised attention
• Over 14 hours of tuition including stage-time in a professional theatre
• A showcase performance at the Courtyard Playhouse open to your friends and family
Choose a class time:
Tuesday: 7:30PM - 9:30PM
Thursday: 7:30PM - 9:30PM
Saturday: 17:15PM - 19:15PM
Sunday: 15:15pm - 17:15PM
Register here
*This is a paid event. RSVP on Meetup is not enough — to confirm your place, please complete your registration through our website.*2 attendees
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE SCREENING: THE FIFTH STEP SAT 31 JAN 2026
Courtyard Playhouse Dubai, 4B St - Al Quoz, Dubai, AE*This is a paid event. RSVP on Meetup is not enough — to confirm your place, please complete your registration through our website. *
The Fifth Step by David Ireland directed by Finn den Hertog
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.
After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend.
Finn den Hertog directs the provocative and entertaining production filmed live from @sohoplace on London’s West End.
★★★★★ ‘Raw, excruciating and often alarmingly funny’ – Daily Mail
★★★★ ‘Hilarious two-hander’ – Guardian
★★★★ ‘Two actors at the top of their game’ – Evening Standard
Register Here1 attendee
TECHNIQUE – IMPROV FOR ADULTS SPRING 2026 SUN 3:15PM
Courtyard Playhouse Dubai, 4B St - Al Quoz, Dubai, AE*This is a paid event. RSVP on Meetup is not enough — to confirm your place, please complete your registration through our website.*
‘In life most of us are highly skilled at suppressing action. Bad improvisers block action often with a high degree of skill. Good improvisers develop action.’ – Keith Johnstone
‘Technique’ will take you through the mechanics of improvisation with a focus on Keith Johnstone games and exercises, what they aim to achieve, and how to approach them technically on stage.
This course is for you if you have completed ‘Don’t Panic’ and want to learn more about improv theory and continue to develop your skills.
• Limited participants per class ensuring you get the personalised attention from your instructor
• Over 14 hours of tuition including stage-time in a professional theatre
• A showcase performance at the Courtyard Playhouse open to your friends and family
Register here
*This is a paid event. RSVP on Meetup is not enough — to confirm your place, please complete your registration through our website.*2 attendees
Past events
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