What we’re about
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
32
TRIAL CLASS FOR ADULTS SPRING 2026
Courtyard Playhouse Dubai, 4B St - Al Quoz, Dubai, AE* Please note: RSVPing on Meetup does not guarantee entry. To secure your spot, kindly register through our website — priority is given to website sign-ups.*
Curious about our classes but not sure what improv is all about? Well, now is your chance to give it a test drive! Our Trial Class is an opportunity for you to come along and see what we do at the Playhouse for free! Participate in a workshop, meet the team, ask questions and find out about our new season of workshops.
Class spaces are limited, so please do arrive early to avoid disappointment as places are given on a first-come-first-served basis with priority given to those whose names are registered in advance.
Register Here2 attendees
IMPROV DROP-INS FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: STORYTELLING 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. *
In a working world that demands adaptability, clear communication and steady nerves, improv offers something practical: a way to train the mind to be more responsive, grounded and open.
##### STORYTELLING:
Clear, engaging communication is built on structure and attention — not theatrics. Using Johnstone’s story games, you’ll learn how to shape ideas, build narratives with others and express yourself with clarity and authenticity. Ideal for presenters, leaders and anyone who wants their message to land.
These sessions draw from Keith Johnstone’s Impro for Storytellers, translating foundational improvisation principles into everyday skills you can actually use at work and in life. They’re open to all experience levels. Join one session or attend all three for a deeper progression.
Drop in. Try it once. Or commit to the full journey.
Either way, you’ll leave with tools that travel with you.
Register here2 attendees
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE SCREENING: HAMLET SAT 24 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. *
Hamlet directed by Robert Hasti
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.
Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one
.
National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.
★★★★★ ‘Entertaining and compelling’ – Broadway World
Register Here1 attendee
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 Here3 attendees
Past events
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