About us
Improv Utrecht is a lively, welcoming community for people who want to play, create, laugh, and meet others through improvisation theatre and comedy. We are proudly international and everything we do is in English. You will find expats, students, locals, creatives, introverts, extroverts, and plenty of people who just want to try something new in a friendly space.
What we do
Every Friday evening we host an open drop-in improv workshop in Utrecht. No experience needed, no pressure to be funny, and no long-term commitment. Just show up, play games, tell stories together, and see what happens. Some people come once, some come every week, and many friendships start here.
Alongside the drop-ins, we run improv courses at different levels, from complete beginners to advanced longform players. We also organise improv shows and offer corporate workshops focused on creativity, collaboration, and communication.
Why people love it
Improv is a brilliant way to meet people without awkward small talk. You do things together straight away. You laugh, support each other, and surprise yourself. Many people join to build confidence, boost creativity, or simply get out of their head after a long week. Others come because they miss theatre or want a playful hobby that does not involve drinking or sitting behind a screen.
Our Friday drop-in
We come together on Fridays to play improv theatre in English. All levels are welcome and there is always a nice mix of first-timers and regulars. We play energetic theatre games you might recognise from shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway or De Lama’s, mixed with more story-driven scenes. After the workshop, people usually head to a nearby pub or café to hang out and chat.
The drop-in works on a Pay What You Thought It Was Worth basis. The suggested donation is €10 to €20, but everyone is welcome regardless of what they can contribute. Donations go towards the room and our professional trainers.
Our trainers
Sessions are led by experienced and professional improv teachers from different backgrounds and countries. Trainers include Steven Morgan (UK), Emma Holmes (IE), Burgert Kirsten (SA), Ramona Harrison (UK), Iwan Dam (NL), Rutger Pull (NL), Suzan Lemont (US), Guus de Ruiter (NL), Sjoerd Provoost (NL), and Marieke van Laar (NL), who also coordinates the programme.
If you are curious, nervous, excited, or just bored on a Friday night, you will fit right in.
You can find full details, courses, and tickets at www.improvutrecht.nl
Drop in sign up: https://bit.ly/iudropin
Tickets for courses and shows: https://improv-utrecht.weticket.io
Instagram: @improvutrecht
Facebook: ImprovUtrecht
Upcoming events
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Beginners improv course by Burgert Kirsten
ZIMIHC theater Wittevrouwen, Bouwstraat 55, Utrecht, NLWhat to expect
Do you want to experience what improv theatre is really about and see what it can add to your life? This beginners improv course is a playful, supportive introduction to improvisation, designed for people who are curious, open minded, and ready to try something new. You do not need any theatre or performance experience at all. Many participants join simply because they want to build confidence, meet new people, or reconnect with their creativity.
Improv is about much more than being funny on stage. It is about learning to trust yourself, listen properly, and respond in the moment. Through simple and enjoyable exercises, you will discover how freeing it can be to let go of overthinking and perfectionism. You will learn how to work with others, support ideas instead of blocking them, and stay present even when things feel uncertain.
Over the course of the programme, you will explore playfulness as a serious skill. You will practise listening with real attention, not just waiting for your turn to speak. You will learn to accept mistakes and use them as opportunities rather than problems. You will be encouraged to tap into your imagination and creative thinking, often surprising yourself in the process. As the weeks go on, many people notice their confidence growing, both on stage and in everyday conversations. Communication becomes clearer, more relaxed, and more authentic. Above all, the course is about enjoyment, connection, and having a lot of fun together.
The course is structured so that everyone can learn at their own pace. Each session builds on the previous one, gradually introducing core improv principles and techniques in a way that feels safe and achievable. There is no pressure to perform, and the focus is always on collaboration rather than individual brilliance. At the end of the course, you will take part in a small, informal show where you can share what you have learned with friends and family in a supportive environment.
#### Course details
The course is taught by Burgert Kirsten and consists of 13 sessions: 12 lessons, followed by a small show. The total cost is €300. The show date will be confirmed closer to the end of the course.
Classes take place on Wednesday evenings from 20:35-22:29 running from 23 sep – 16 dec 2026. There is no lesson on 21 oct, holiday.####
Tickets
Tickets are available via improv-utrecht.weticket.ioImprov Utrecht offers one or two funded places per course with a 20 percent discount for people with limited financial means. If this would help you, you can contact Marieke van Laar to discuss the options. It is also possible to pay the course fee in two instalments.
2 attendees
Friday Drop-in Improv Lesson (In English)
Buurthuis De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18 C, Utrecht, NLLooking for a fun way to start your weekend? Join us every Friday evening for a playful, welcoming improv theatre workshop in English. It is a fantastic way to laugh, try something new, and meet friendly locals and internationals in Utrecht!
Led by one of Improv Utrecht’s experienced professional trainers, these sessions are designed for everyone. No acting experience is needed, and you do not need to be a native English speaker. Whether it is your first time or you are a regular player, you will find a warm, supportive space.
Expect a lively group of around 12 to 22 people each week. Most attendees come on their own, so do not hesitate to arrive solo!
What to expect:
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A relaxed, supportive mix of international and Dutch players
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Fun, accessible theatre games and group exercises
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The core principles of improvisation: saying "yes, and!", listening, and spontaneity
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Plenty of laughter and surprises along the way
Practical details:
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When: Every Friday, 20:00 – 22:00
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Where: Buurtcentrum De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18, Utrecht
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Arrival: Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00. Please arrive during this window to enter with the group (after 20:01, a code is needed to enter).
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Social: After the workshop, we usually head over to Moos nearby for a casual drink and chat.
Price & Contribution:
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Suggested donation: €10 to €20 (payable in cash or via Tikkie on the night).
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Pay what you can: if your budget is tight, you are still very welcome. Your contribution directly covers room rental and trainer fees.
How to sign up:
RSVPing on Meetup is great, but to guarantee your spot please make sure you register directly on our website:
https://www.improvutrecht.nl/drop-in-workshops/(If you sign up and can no longer make it, please remember to cancel your spot so someone on the waitlist can join!)
More from Improv Utrecht:
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Main Website: https://www.improvutrecht.nl
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Courses & Workshops: https://improv-utrecht.weticket.io
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Instagram: @improvutrecht
1 attendee-
Past events
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