What we’re about
Improv Utrecht is the international community for improvisation theatre and comedy.
We offer:
- Free* drop-in lessons on Fridays (except some school holidays)
- Improv courses for students of all levels of abilities.
- Corporate training for team building, introduction week and learning events. We cover themes such as:
- Laughing & learning mindset
- Dealing with Change
- Failure fitness
- Creative thinking in the 21st century.
- Improv shows for all to enjoy!
More information can be found at www.improvutrecht.nl
Drop in
*Free = Pay What You Thought It Was Worth. Suggested donation: €10-20. We appreciate that some can offer more than others, you are always welcome no matter what you can share. We use the donations for the rent of the training room and for the guest trainers who dedicate their Friday evening.
We come together on Fridays to play improv theatre in English. We are internationals (expats, students) and Dutch people who like to play in English. All levels are welcome. There is always a healthy mix of beginners and regular experienced players. Please sign up via https://bit.ly/iudropin
We play games that you may know from"Whose line is it anyway?" and "De Lama's" alongside some more serious improv scenes too.
The trainers are organised by Marieke van Laar (marieke@improvutrecht.nl). Our regular trainers include professionals such as: Emma Holmes (IR), Steven Morgan (UK), Burgert Kirsten (SA), Guus de Ruiter (NL), Ramona Harrison (UK), Marieke Van Laar (NL), Suzan Lemont (USA), Rutger Pull (NL), Sjoerd Provoost (NL), Iwan Dam (NL).
Courses & shows
See www.improvutrecht.nl, www.facebook.com/ImprovUtrecht, Instagram @improvutrecht or contact Marieke or the administration at info@improvutrecht.nl
Tickets are sold at https://improv-utrecht.weticket.io/
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Improv theatre drop in lesson with Sjoerd Andreas ProvoostBuurtcentrum Lion, Utrecht
Join us for a fun session of improv theatre in English! A great opportunity to meet new people in Utrecht and learn something new with Improv Utrecht. Everyone can partcipate, you don't need any experience in theatre nor fluency in English.
In this session you will:
- Meet fellow international and local players.
- Learn the basics of improvisation, a 21st-century skill that is useful in many aspects of life.
- Get out of your head.
- Enjoy failing.
- Play funny and moving theatre games.
- Laugh a lot, while surprising yourself and others.
Doors open: 19:50-20:00, come in with the others (SIDE entrance, at the Troelstralaan). After 20:01 the door may be closed, but you may find a participant who knows the door code.
Workshop: 20:00-22:00
Every Friday except in school holidays
Afterwards we have drinks at O'Leary's pub together### How to sign up
Full details about how to sign up and any other questions you may have can be found on our website.
An RSVP in this Meetup event is not enough! We track attendance by counting the attendants in GrasshopperSignup. If you flag yourself as attending and can no longer make it, please delete your x in the sheet so that someone else can take your spot.
If you leave your contact details at the Signup form we will contact you if there is a problem with a drop-in you are scheduled to attend.
We also have a WhatsApp group with a variety of members from across Utrecht where we share events and updates.
You can find our courses and shows on our website.Participation is pay-what-you-can, but we suggest a donation of €10-20 by cash or Tikkie to help cover costs (location, travel) and show your appreciation for our professional trainers who dedicate their Friday to promoting improv.
- Improv & Science Festival - 3 days of FREE learning & laughingTheaterhuis De Berenkuil, Utrecht
Utrecht Improv & Science Festival
👉Free tickets & registration: https://www.utrechtimprovfest.com/utrechtimprovfest.com
👉Full schedule & workshop info: improvutrecht.nl/festival2025📍 Theaterhuis De Berenkuil, Biltstraat 166 Utrecht and De Snijzaal behind De Berenkuil
📅 Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September 9:30-21:30
📅 Sunday 28 September 10:00-17:00The Utrecht Improv Festival 2025, subtitled “Improv & Science: A Festival of Play, Insight & Connection,” bring three days of creativity, experimentation, and collaboration to Theaterhuis De Berenkuil from 26–28 September.
👥Who it’s for:
This free-to-attend festival celebrates the intersection of improvisational theatre and scientific thinking, inviting researchers, students, artists, educators, and curious minds to explore new ways of thinking, communicating, and connecting.👥Organised by who:
Produced by Merrill Multimedia, pioneers in immersive storytelling.
In collaboration with Improv Utrecht, an improv school that offers courses, shows and teambuilding training.
Sponsorship from the Utrecht Municipality, ZIMIHC Connect, and Improv Utrecht highlights the city’s engagement. commitment to innovation-driven cultural engagementWhat to expect
the festival features world-class workshops, interactive sessions, and live performances.## Festival Highlights & Programme
Over three days, participants can experience:
- Keynote: Improv and the Dialogue Between Science and Society with Dr. Frank Kupper – exploring public engagement, dialogue, and playful approaches to science communication.
- Interactive Workshops: Featuring Michel Verheijden (MiEr Impro), Frank Paats (De Ontsaaiers), Burgert Kirsten (SA), Nina Saunders (USA), Suzan Lemont (USA), Marieke van Laar (NL), and more, covering topics from storytelling, body language, and mindfulness to scientific communication and creativity in organizations.
- Theatresports Tournament: Utrecht’s best improv troupes compete in live, high-energy matches.
- PowerPoint Karaoke: Led by Marieke van Laar, participants create spontaneous presentations with unexpected slides.
- Evening Shows & Open Sessions: Including improvisational longform performances, audience participation jams, and laughter-filled interactive experiences.
The festival is free and inclusive, with advance registration required to secure spots for workshops and sessions.
Inspired by Utrecht Science Week, the festival embodies experimentation, dialogue, and discovery.## Featured Trainers & Speakers
- Dr. Frank Kupper: Biology, philosophy, and theater expert; founder of Mens in de Maak; associate professor at Vrije Universiteit.
- Michel Verheijden (MiEr Impro): Improviser, comedian, and change management trainer.
- Joost Augusteijn (Popprofessor): Connects innovation lessons from pop music to organizational strategy.
- Frank Paats (De Ontsaaiers): Creative trainer leading fun, interactive team-building sessions.
- Burgert Kirsten: Organizational psychologist and improv trainer from South Africa.
- Nina Saunders: Theatre and wellness expert, guiding participants in embodied storytelling and personal growth.
- Marieke van Laar: Founder of Improv Utrecht; leader of PowerPoint Karaoke and creative workshops.
- Suzan Lemont: Dance-theatre maker and expressive arts therapist.
- Kevin Miller: U.S.-based improviser, performer, and director.
- Iwan Dam: Actor and theatre maker, teaching authentic stage presence and confident presentations.
- Dr. Aniek Ivens: Evolutionary ecologist integrating improv into science communication.
- Sjoerd Provoost: Coach for beginner improvisers.
- Matthijs Meulblok: Experienced Theatresports judge and coach.
- …and many more local and international improv talents.
## Quotes from Organizers
“Improv and science both rely on creativity and adaptability,” say the festival organizers. “By combining them, we create a playful environment where complex ideas become accessible, and participants build confidence in communication and collaboration.”
Marieke van Laar, Director of Improv Utrecht, adds:
“This festival showcases the broad value of improvisation as both a skill and a mindset. It supports personal and professional growth while fostering curiosity, connection, and creativity.”“Thanks to the Utrecht Municipality, ZIMIHC Connect, and our local improv community, the festival enables curiosity-driven art forms and creates a foundation where science, art, and education intersect,” the organizers conclude.
## About the Partners
- Merrill Multimedia: Multimedia studio creating immersive, interactive experiences spanning film, theatre, and live events.
- Improv Utrecht: Inclusive improv community offering lessons, workshops, shows, and corporate training in Utrecht.
### Hire our trainers!
This festival is a showcase of what our network of professional trainers can do. What we all have in common are: learning by doing, humor and new insights. Entertainment & training! You can book them for
- small or big events: interactive theatre shows, interactiev lectures, big group workshops, onboarding events, hosting/MC
- team training: teambuilding, presentation training, communication, personal development, professional development.
- personal learning and entertainment: join an improv course, go see our shows
For more information:
Marieke van Laar
Cultureel programmaproducent
marieke@improvutrecht.nl
+31 (0) 6 44 72 0580
https://www.improvutrecht.nl/festival2025/
ticket app
https://utrechtimprovfest.com/ - Improv theatre drop in lesson with Burgert KirstenBuurtcentrum Lion, Utrecht
Join us for a fun session of improv theatre in English! A great opportunity to meet new people in Utrecht and learn something new with Improv Utrecht. Everyone can partcipate, you don't need any experience in theatre nor fluency in English.
In this session you will:
- Meet fellow international and local players.
- Learn the basics of improvisation, a 21st-century skill that is useful in many aspects of life.
- Get out of your head.
- Enjoy failing.
- Play funny and moving theatre games.
- Laugh a lot, while surprising yourself and others.
Doors open: 19:50-20:00, come in with the others (SIDE entrance, at the Troelstralaan). After 20:01 the door may be closed, but you may find a participant who knows the door code.
Workshop: 20:00-22:00
Every Friday except in school holidays
Afterwards we have drinks at O'Leary's pub together### How to sign up
Full details about how to sign up and any other questions you may have can be found on our website.
An RSVP in this Meetup event is not enough! We track attendance by counting the attendants in GrasshopperSignup. If you flag yourself as attending and can no longer make it, please delete your x in the sheet so that someone else can take your spot.
If you leave your contact details at the Signup form we will contact you if there is a problem with a drop-in you are scheduled to attend.
We also have a WhatsApp group with a variety of members from across Utrecht where we share events and updates.
You can find our courses and shows on our website.Participation is pay-what-you-can, but we suggest a donation of €10-20 by cash or Tikkie to help cover costs (location, travel) and show your appreciation for our professional trainers who dedicate their Friday to promoting improv.
- Movement-based Improv & Skills for life - by Suzan LemontBuurtcentrum De Jager, Utrecht
## More than Words: Movement-based improv & Skills for life
## Thursdays, 2 Oct- 13 Nov | 20:00–22:00 | 7 lessons | Buurtcentrum De Jager
In this course, we explore how stories, emotions, and connection can come to life, using your body, connection, and imagination.
Everything we experience in the material world comes through the senses, which are embedded in our bodies. Sensing happens first, before the intellect can make language out of it. In this course, we explore how stories, emotions, and connection can come to life without necessarily using words. Using your body, breath, and imagination, you’ll discover new ways to express yourself and connect with others—on stage and in life.We will do exercises that originate from Viewpoints, physical theater, some Contact Improv, and various other forms of improvising; even some principles from the practice of Dutch Mime. You’ll learn to work with space, timing, stillness, gesture, and rhythm, finding expression through the body rather than through dialogue. We will also play with music, props, images, poetry, and sometimes even weave some text into the practices.
This is a playful and welcoming course. You do not need any experience in theater, dance, or improv—and you don’t need perfect English. This class is about exploring together in a supportive, creative atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re curious about movement, love physical storytelling, or just want to try something new.
What you’ll learn and experience:
• How to use movement and physical awareness to express ideas and emotions
• Non-verbal communication and physical presence on stage
• Tools for ensemble work: listening with your body, sharing space, and responding in the moment
• A greater sense of awareness, creativity, freedom, and joy through movement
• A fun, energizing way to explore improvisation beyond wordsRead this article (click here) about Suzan’s workshops, with an interview, some pictures and reference links
About the trainer:
Suzan Lemont is a dance-theater maker, expressive arts therapist, and educator who has worked with movement improvisation for over 40 years. She brings a wealth of experience, warmth, and playfulness to her teaching. Suzan creates a safe space where participants feel free to move, explore, and surprise themselves.Whether you’re an experienced mover or a complete beginner, this course offers a unique and fun way to dive into physical improvisation. Come join us—and let your body tell the story.
Details
Thursdays 2 Oct- 13 Nov 2025, 20:00-22:00, 7 lessons, Buurtcentrum De Jager (free parking and close to station Utrecht Overvecht). We need a minimum of 7 participants to start the course. Bring non-slippery socks, maybe a knee protection (the trainer will bring some extra) and a water bottle. Price €175 (inc 21% BTW)
