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 & 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
đź“… 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.đź‘ĄOrganised 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/ - Festival: Improv and the dialogue between science and society by dr Frank KupperTheaterhuis De Berenkuil, Utrecht
#### Improv and the dialogue between science and society by dr Frank Kupper (keynote)
Interaction and dialogue between science and the public: how do you do that?Public engagement is becoming increasingly important for researchers. This requires a change in mindset: thinking from outside (society) inwards, listening instead of talking, seeing possibilities in the interaction between the audience and the researcher. Frank Kupper takes you on an interactive lecture about involving the public in research, where he encourages you to think about the possibilities of public engagement and prompts you to engage in open and playful discussions with each other.
Fri 26 Sep 10:00-11:00
Frank Kupper has a background in biology, philosophy, and theater to facilitate conversations about science. With his own company Mens in de Maak, he develops theatrical interventions for reflection and dialogue on societal issues. At the Vrije Universiteit, he works as an associate professor of engagement & dialogue, focusing on the dialogue between research and society in the context of open science. His TedX
👉 Register free for the festival: utrechtimprovfest.com
đź“– Full program: improvutrecht.nl/festival2025 - Festival: Improv theatre try out lesson by Sjoerd ProvoostTheaterhuis De Berenkuil, Utrecht
Do you want to try out what improv theatre is all about? This is your chance! In this short workshop you learn the basic techniques and mindset of improvisation, through fun and easy games.
Friday 26 Sept 10:15-11:15👉 Register free for the festival: utrechtimprovfest.com
đź“– Full program: improvutrecht.nl/festival2025Sjoerd Provoost is an improv coach and performer with a talent for guiding beginners through their first steps on stage. His playful approach makes improv accessible to all. He is playing shows as part of the cast of The Big Mo.
Sjoerd is teaching a Beginners course improv theatre from Monday 13th of October: Beginners improv theatre - Improv UtrechtYou can also admire Sjoerd at the Improv Utrecht Drop in lessons on some Fridays.
- Festival: Improv Your Dutch: learn Dutch while playingTheaterhuis De Berenkuil, Utrecht
#### Improv Your Dutch by Jenny Hasenack
In improvisation, we love making mistakes. Improv is all about having fun in failing, having permission to be silly, to laugh at yourself. It is the perfect tool to get more comfortable with the Dutch language.
Jenny Hasenack, improv teacher, scientist and language enthusiast.
Look at videos of her Improv your Dutch courses here. https://improvyourdutch.nl/workshops/Jenny will give a workshop in Improv Your Dutch on Sat 25th of January at Improv Utrecht
👉 Register free for the festival: utrechtimprovfest.com
đź“– Full program: improvutrecht.nl/festival2025
