About us
Hey, welcome! I teach improv and sketch comedy writing classes through various Community Parks & Rec departments around the San Francisco Peninsula.
A couple of practical things first. RSVPing here on Meetup is a great way to keep tabs on what's coming up, but it won't actually enroll you. To do that, you'll need the specific Parks & Rec link in each event listing, where you'll also find the cost. FYI I'm terrible at knowing whether Meetup notifications actually reach people, so I have a simple email list for when new classes open. If you'd like to be on it, message me here at meetup with your email, or send me a message at info@doncolliver.com and I'll add you.
If there are no classes listed right now, don't worry. New classes go up as soon as registration opens, so check back, or just sit tight here and I'll post as soon as something's live.
These classes are for anyone curious, whether you've never set foot on a stage or you've been doing this for years. We build a room where it's safe to try something, fail at it, and discover what's actually funny (or just true) about yourself in the process. Yes, and. Come play.
Outside of these community classes, I also work as a corporate communication trainer and speaker coach, leading public speaking, meeting facilitation, and improv-based team training for companies and technical teams.
Learn more about your instructor here.
Testimonials:
Read hundreds more class reviews at my Google page here.
“Don's improv class was so much fun! He turned a group a nervous beginners into a confident group of performers in just a few classes. I learned so much about communicating that will help me in my everyday life. I will definitely take another class ASAP!”
-David B., San Carlos
“Don is a fantastic instructor. I took a Sketch Comedy writing class, and have truly enjoyed it from the very first class to the last. It was so much fun and was so motivating that almost the whole class decided to continue writing as a group 😃 …”
-Yuce B., Palo Alto
“Don is an exceptional improv teacher. His class felt welcoming, thoughtful, and genuinely fun from day one. He creates a space where people feel safe taking risks, which made it much easier to step on stage, experiment, and grow quickly. Don emphasizes listening, presence, and generosity with scene partners, not just getting laughs. That focus made a noticeable difference in my confidence and performance over just a few weeks.”
-Hakan O., Stanford
“Great improv instructor - you get not only the fun and silliness of improv games, but also clear conceptual frameworks about how to construct funny scenes. He creates a safe space to try things out and iterate as you build understanding and confidence.”
-K. TT, San Carlos
Upcoming events
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Better Business Communication: Public Speaking
San Carlos Community Center, 601 Chestnut St, San Carlos, CA, USWhether you want to feel more confident giving presentations, communicate more effectively with leaders and colleagues, think faster on your feet, or simply become a more engaging speaker, this 6-session public speaking class is a great place to start!
Enroll and pay for this 6-session class through the San Carlos Parks & Recreation Department. Please note, this is not a free class. Fee depends on city residency.
Sign up here!
Through hands-on exercises, short presentations, and supportive feedback, we'll work on:
• Managing stage fright and building confidence
• Speaking clearly and concisely
• Vocal variety, body language, and presence
• Organizing presentations for maximum impact
• Understanding and engaging your audience
• Thinking on your feet and handling Q&A
• Executive communication and getting to the point
• Storytelling and persuasive communication
• Using slides and visuals effectively
This is a highly interactive class, so you won't just learn about public speaking. You'll actually practice it in a supportive environment and receive specific feedback to help you identify what already works for you and what you can strengthen.
Your instructor, Don Colliver, has spent years teaching public speaking and communication skills to professionals and brings an unusual performance background that includes Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, and competitive public speaking. The goal isn't to turn everyone into the same kind of speaker. It's to help you become a more confident, effective version of the speaker you already are.
No prior public speaking experience is required.
Please note that RSVP'ing through Meetup will NOT enroll you in the class. You must enroll and pay through the San Carlos registration page:
Register for Better Business Communication
Cost depends on city residency. Sign up today!1 attendee
Past events
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