Improv 101: Intro to Improv (10/11 & 10/12 weekend intensive)

Details

Discover the art of improv comedy in this beginner-friendly weekend intensive! Register here.

Looking for the perfect improv comedy class in Sacramento? Designed for adults of all experience levels—especially those new to improv—this fun and supportive class helps you build confidence, improve public speaking, and connect with others through short-form games and on-the-spot creativity. Whether you're looking for a new creative outlet, a way to step out of your comfort zone, or just something fun to do in Sacramento, this improv class is the perfect fit. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and sense of humor!

Class Session:
October 11th and 12th, 10 AM - 5 PM both days. See full schedule below.

During this class, students will learn to:

Revisit and embrace the powers of playfulness and joy in a supportive environment
Work collaboratively with scene partners to establish, contribute to, and sustain a shared reality through the power of “yes, and…” and "yes, because..."
Frame “failures” or “mistakes” as opportunities rather than avoiding them
Proactively and compassionately support their partners through listening, humility, and compassion
Understand basic story structure and use it as a framework for building improv scenes
Think outside the box, stretch creative thinking “muscles,” and practice thinking quickly on your feet
Collaboratively justify any idea within the reality of an established scene
Commit to ideas with your scene partner(s), even if it seems silly
Convey emotions during a scene and explore spontaneous emotional reactions
Construct basic scenes with others, including adding specific details to scenes
Prepare for our next class level: Improv 201, Foundations of Scene Work
Have fun and be gentle with yourself and others!

Important Details:
Tuition is nonrefundable. You must be at least 18 to register. Register here.

Class schedule:

DAY 1:
10 AM – 1 PM: Part 1
1 PM – 2 PM: Lunch
2 PM – 5 PM: Part 2
There will be 5 minute breaks every hour.

DAY 2:
10 AM – 1 PM: Part 3
1 PM – 2 PM: Lunch
2 PM – 5 PM: Part 4
There will be 5 minute breaks every hour.

We are happy to accommodate any requests to sit or take additional breaks for those who need them. You are encouraged to take care of yourself and your body’s needs! Students are welcome and encouraged to bring snacks and water and should bring their own lunches. Students may make their own lunch plans or join us for lunch at Kupros (1217 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95811) which is a 1 minute walk from the venue.

About the instructor:
Andy Sarouhan has been a professional improviser and improv instructor for 25 years. His improvisation journey began in 1992 when he joined his high school improvisation team. That event started a chain reaction that eventually resulted in a BA in Theatre from UC San Diego and an MFA in Creative Writing from UC Riverside. From 2003-2019, Andy performed, directed, and coached extensively in San Francisco through BATS Improv, ImprovWorks, and Un-Scripted Theater Company.

In 2019, he relocated to Sacramento and has been active in the local improvisation scene as an instructor at B Street Theatre and a performer and producer at STAB! Comedy Theater and Haus of Comedy, where he is a co-owner.

For 15 years, Andy has taken the practices and philosophies of improvisation to settings outside the theatre, facilitating skill-building workshops and corporate role-playing experiences for countless professional entities, ranging from public school districts to Fortune 500, and pretty much everything in-between. The dude just likes his work!

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Haus of Comedy offers improv classes, live improv comedy shows, and team-building in Sacramento, CA. We believe that comedy is more than just entertainment—it is a catalyst for happiness, connection, and community.

To stay posted on improv classes, shows, auditions, and more, you can follow Haus of Comedy here: