What we’re about
Let’s have fun with theater games and improv! We are a group of people who love improvisational theater and comedy. Whether you want to unleash your creativity or try something new, everyone is welcomed!
What We Do
We play interactive communication games that spark creativity through spontaneous ideas and unexpected reactions. Improv—short for "Improvisational Theater"—is all about unscripted acting and living in the moment. Curious about what that looks like? Check out some examples here.
Where & When
We meet monthly at public parks or community centers in Kyoto and Osaka.
Who Can Join?
Our group is open to anyone aged 18 and above. Minors are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
If you have any physical disabilities or special needs, let us know at least a week before the session so we can make sure everyone can participate and have fun.
No Acting Experience? No Problem!
Most of our members started with no acting background. We offer two levels to suit everyone:
- Relaxed: Easy-to-learn short form improv games. Icebreakers. Stress-free simple games that will allow you to enjoy having fun. Great for beginners, people wanting to learn more English, and those who get stress/anxiety easily.
- Advanced: A session particularly for those who have over 6 months of improv experience and understand all the basic games. There will be more opportunity to grow and develop your improv and theater skills. We will play a lot more scene work, character-building, object work, and long form games. Get ready to laugh and learn!
Not sure where to start? Join a beginner session and see how it feels—you can always level up later!
English Proficiency
Since our sessions focus on creative interaction, you’ll need basic English communication skills. Don’t worry about being perfect—mistakes often lead to the best laughs!
If you’re unsure about your level, check out our videos for a better idea. If you can handle an emergency exit row on a flight, you’re good to go.
What to Bring
Just bring your energy and creativity! Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. For outdoor meetups, consider bringing a hat, jacket, bottled water, and sunscreen. And don’t forget cash for the session fee!
How Much Does It Cost?
Each session costs between ¥500–¥1000 to help cover venue rental and organizer fees.
What Does It Look Like?
Want a glimpse of the fun? Check out photos and videos from our past sessions here.
Our Policy
- This group is all about enjoying theater games and improv. If you’re joining for purposes like political or religious campaigning, business promotion, or searching for a romantic partner, we may ask you to leave.
- Comedy sometimes walks a fine line, and you might hear the occasional inappropriate or risqué joke (let's face it, a bit of cheekiness can be funny!). That said, if something crosses the line or you notice a slur targeting someone, please don’t hesitate to let the organizers know. We want everyone to feel safe and welcome as we share laughs together.
More questions?
Feel free to email the organizer!
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players..."
(updated on 2025/1/2)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Theatre Games and Improv Day in Kyoto!Higashiyama Ikiiki Center, Kyoto¥800.00
### The Grounded Improv Day!
📅 Date: Sunday, June 29th
🕑 Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Sanjo Kyoto Higashiyama Ikiiki Center, room 103, room 301
💰 Fee: ¥800
🗣 Language: English
🎭 Level: For improvisers with a little bit of prior experienceImprov isn’t just about quick jokes and fast-paced scenes, it can also be deeply emotional, personal, and even serious. What happens when we slow down, connect, and let our real emotions guide our characters?
In this workshop day, led by both guest leaders Daniel and Emily, we will once again explore the world of slow, grounded and authentic improv through emotional awareness and personal connection.✅ Slow Down and Feel instead of overthinking a scene
✅ Be Guided by Intuition instead of getting stuck in your head
✅ Develop emotionally rich characters that feel real and compelling
✅ Explore the balance between comedy and sincerity in improv scenes
✅ Practice slowing down, listening, and reacting truthfully
✅ Gain confidence in bringing your own emotions into your charactersThis session is designed for improvisers who want to expand their range and explore a more long-form, character-driven approach to improv. Whether you want to add depth to your comedic scenes or explore dramatic improv, this workshop will give you tools to bring more meaning and nuance to your performances.
🔹 Limited spots available (max 19 participants)!
🔹 Sign up now to secure your place!### Estimated Schedule:
10:00-10:30 Morning Warmup
10:30-13:00 Grounded Improv Excercises
13:00-14:00 Lunch Break
14:00-16:45 Character and Scene Work
16:45-17:00 Reflection & Discussion
17:00 Leave the venue***
[Important Notes]
- If you are a first-timer, read our group policy and understand our purpose and the rules.
- We will take photos and videos during the meetup for PR purposes. If you feel uncomfortable with that, please let us know before the event starts so that we can put you out of the camera.
- If you need to cancel, please update your RSVP status accordingly so that other people can join. If you’re absent without notice twice, we may need to remove you from the group.
***
- 🏕️ Improv Summer Camp!! 🌲🦌🐿️🦨🐇🐗🌳Niwa Hiroba, Kyoto
RESGISTER CONFIRMED ONLY IF YOU PAID!!!
[Register👉 HERE!!!] *We've extended early bird for 2 weeks!*
🏕️ Improv Summer Camp: Laugh, Dance, Eat, Drink, and Connect! 🎭
Join us for an unforgettable weekend at our Improv Summer Camp, where creativity and fun come together in the great outdoors! Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in laughter, relaxation, and connection. We'll kick things off with a BBQ feast, followed by a cozy bonfire under the stars.Throughout the weekend, we'll dive into improv games and exercises that will unlock your creativity and help you laugh like never before. There's no better place to express yourself and meet new friends.
We'll also take time to unwind with guided meditation, ensuring you leave feeling refreshed and recharged. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to spend a weekend filled with laughter, creativity, and new connections. We can't wait to see you there!What to Expect:
- BBQ, bonfire, and delicious food + s'more
- Improv games and exercises for all skill levels
- Dance, sing, and let loose with fellow campers
- Meditation sessions to center yourself in the moment
This adults-only event is all about letting go of your inhibitions, connecting with others, and having a blast!
Venue: Kyoto YMCA Retreat Center
Itinerary:
[DAY1: Saturday, July 12th]
10:00 Meet at AEON MALL KYOTO near JR Kyoto Station South Exit, buy drink and food for the group ☀️
11:00 Bus departure from Kyoto Station 🚌
12:00 Arrive at YMCA Retreat Center, lunch (Bring your own) 🍱
13:00 Improv session 🎭
16:00 Room check-in 🔑
17:00 BBQ 🍖
19:00 Camp fire (In case of rain, a talent-show under the roof) 🔥
20:30 Shower 🚿
21:00 Drink at the Global Cabin (optional) 🍻
22:00 Dream 😴[DAY 2: Sunday, July 13th]
7:00 Meditation at the chapel in the forest (optional) 🌳
8:00 Breakfast, packing ☕️
9:00 Improv session 🎭
11:30: Pizza lunch 🍕
12:30: Check-out 🧹
13:00: Leave the camp 🚌
14:00: Arrive at Kyoto Station 👋Price: ¥20,000 per person
Early Bird Price: ¥16,000 until June 11th 23:59Accommodation Type:
- Cabin: Accommodates 4-8 people, with A/C, shared bathroom
- Lodge: Accommodates 2-4 people, with A/C, private bathroom
- Tent: Accommodates 2 people, shared bathroom
Rooms will be assigned with consideration for gender balance and overall group comfort. I’ll do my best to accommodate everyone’s requests—but no guarantees. Thanks for your understanding!
✅ What’s included
- Transportation between Kyoto Station <> Camp site (Micro bus)
- Recreation insurance
- BBQ dinner
- Soft drinks, snacks
- Marshmallows for bonfire
- Breakfast
- Pizza lunch
- *Vegetarian/vegan options are available for all meals
🎒What to Bring: List
💰 Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellation before June 21st: 100% refund
- Cancellation before July 4th: 50% refund
- Cancellation after July 4th: 0% refund
*In case of severe storm or a possible suspension of public transportations, we will cancel the camp and offer a full refund.
⚠️ Important notice:
- This meetup gives a priority to those who have attended to our improv session in the past. If you haven't attended our meetup yet but hope to join the camp, please message the organizer. We will create a waitlist and open remaining spots from June 14th.
☝️ Group Policy & Camp Guidelines 🤝
We want this camp to be a space where everyone feels safe, included, and inspired. To help make that happen, we ask all participants to:- Be respectful to others—including fellow campers, staff, and other guests at the lodge
- Join activities with an open mind and a positive spirit
- Keep drinking moderate and behavior considerate, especially in shared spaces
- Communicate any concerns or needs with the organizer
We rarely have issues, but just so it's clear:
If someone behaves in a way that puts others at risk or disrupts the group atmosphere, we may ask them to leave the event. We hope it never comes to that—but the safety and well-being of the group comes first.
Thanks for helping us create a fun, welcoming, and memorable camp together!🌿Thanks for being part of the community—we hope to make our summer memorable with you all!
🏕️**RSVP here!!** (Please fill in the Google Form to secure your spot!) 🔥
- Theatre Game and Improv Session in Kyoto Sanjo (Relaxed)Kyoto City Higashiyama Ikiiki Citizen's Activity Center, Kyoto¥700.00
Join the world of improv and sketch comedy! Dive into the basics of acting, improve your comedic timing, and unleash your creativity in a supportive and fun environment. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore the world of performing arts or a seasoned artist searching for new inspiration, this workshop is perfect for anyone eager to learn and have fun. Check out some of our past sessions here.
[Level: Relaxed] This session is focusing on having fun in relaxed atmosphere. We will play easy-to-learn short form improv games. Great for beginners, people wanting to learn more English, and those who get stress/anxiety easily.
--
DATE: Last Sunday of the month
PLACE: Kyoto-shi Higashiyama ikiiki Shimin Katsudo Center
(MAP)
ACCESS:
7 minutes walk from Keihan Sanjo Station Exit #1/#3
7 minutes walk from Subway Sanjo Keihan Station Exit #2
5 minutes walk from Subway Higashiyama Station Exit #2
COST: ¥700 (*Cash only)TIMETABLE:*Subject to change
2:00 Door Open
2:15 Meet & Greet
2:30 Session Start
3:30 Break
3:35 Resume
4:30 Wrap-up
4:45 Group photo, Restore the room layout
4:50 Leave the venue[Important Notes]
- If you are a first-timer, read our group policy and understand our purpose and the rules.
- We will take photos and videos during the meetup for PR purposes. If you feel uncomfortable with that, please let us know before the event starts so that we can put you out of the camera.
- If you need to cancel, please update your RSVP status accordingly so that other people can join. If you’re absent without notice twice, we may need to remove you from the group.
Come join us for a session filled with laughter, creativity, and a chance to connect with other like-minded individuals. Let's create some hilarious and memorable moments together!
Chiyo
- Theatre Game and Improv Session in Kyoto Sanjo (Advanced)Kyoto City Higashiyama Ikiiki Citizen's Activity Center, Kyoto¥700.00
Join the world of improv and sketch comedy! Dive into the basics of acting, improve your comedic timing, and unleash your creativity in a supportive and fun environment. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore the world of performing arts or a seasoned artist searching for new inspiration, this workshop is perfect for anyone eager to learn and have fun. Check out some of our past sessions here.
[Level: Advanced] This session is for those who have over 6 months of improv experience and fair English proficiency. There will be more opportunity to grow and develop your improv and theater skills. We will play a lot more scene work, character-building, object work, and long form games. Get ready to laugh and learn!
--
DATE: Last Sunday of the month
PLACE: Kyoto-shi Higashiyama ikiiki Shimin Katsudo Center
(MAP)
ACCESS:
7 minutes walk from Keihan Sanjo Station Exit #1/#3
7 minutes walk from Subway Sanjo Keihan Station Exit #2
5 minutes walk from Subway Higashiyama Station Exit #2
COST: ¥700 (*Cash only)TIMETABLE:*Subject to change
2:00 Door Open
2:15 Meet & Greet
2:30 Session Start
3:30 Break
3:35 Resume
4:30 Wrap-up
4:45 Group photo, Restore the room layout
4:50 Leave the venue[Important Notes]
- If you are a first-timer, read our group policy and understand our purpose and the rules.
- We will take photos and videos during the meetup for PR purposes. If you feel uncomfortable with that, please let us know before the event starts so that we can put you out of the camera.
- If you need to cancel, please update your RSVP status accordingly so that other people can join. If you’re absent without notice twice, we may need to remove you from the group.
Come join us for a session filled with laughter, creativity, and a chance to connect with other like-minded individuals. Let's create some hilarious and memorable moments together!
Chiyo
