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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Improv theatre drop in lesson
Buurthuis De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18 C, Utrecht, NLCome play improv theatre in English and kick off your Friday evening with laughter, creativity and new people. This drop-in workshop is open to everyone, whether you are trying improv for the very first time or you have played before and want to stay sharp.
You do not need acting experience and you do not need perfect English. Many people join us for the first time each week, alongside regular players who keep coming back. The atmosphere is open, playful and supportive, with a real focus on having fun together.
During the session you can expect:- Meeting internationals and Dutch players who enjoy playing in English
- Fun and accessible improv games inspired by shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway and De Lama’s
- Clear introductions to improv principles like listening, accepting ideas and playing together
- Plenty of laughter and a few moments where you surprise yourself
- A relaxed, social vibe rather than anything competitive or performative
We play from 20:00 to 22:00. Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00 and you enter together. Áfter that you need the door code. If you are late and you don't have the code, you can ask via the "drop in whatsapp group"for someone to open the door. After the workshop, many people head to De Hondekop nearby for a drink and a chat.
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.The workshop works on a Pay What You Thought It Was Worth basis. Suggested donation is €10 to €20, but you are always welcome regardless of what you can pay. Contributions help cover the room and the professional trainer giving up their Friday evening.
1 attendee
Improv theatre drop in lesson by Rutger Pull
Buurthuis De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18 C, Utrecht, NLCome play improv theatre in English and kick off your Friday evening with laughter, creativity and new people. This drop-in workshop is open to everyone, whether you are trying improv for the very first time or you have played before and want to stay sharp.
You do not need acting experience and you do not need perfect English. Many people join us for the first time each week, alongside regular players who keep coming back. The atmosphere is open, playful and supportive, with a real focus on having fun together.
During the session you can expect:- Meeting internationals and Dutch players who enjoy playing in English
- Fun and accessible improv games inspired by shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway and De Lama’s
- Clear introductions to improv principles like listening, accepting ideas and playing together
- Plenty of laughter and a few moments where you surprise yourself
- A relaxed, social vibe rather than anything competitive or performative
We play from 20:00 to 22:00. Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00 and you enter together. Áfter that you need the door code. If you are late and you don't have the code, you can ask via the "drop in whatsapp group"for someone to open the door. After the workshop, many people head to De Hondekop nearby for a drink and a chat.
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.The workshop works on a Pay What You Thought It Was Worth basis. Suggested donation is €10 to €20, but you are always welcome regardless of what you can pay. Contributions help cover the room and the professional trainer giving up their Friday evening.
1 attendee
Longform Toolbox 2 / La Ronde Advanced course
Buurtcentrum De Jager, Teun de Jagerdreef 1, Utrecht, NLGo further into shaping complete longform pieces and dive deeper into finding and heightening the game, building stronger thematic connections, and exploring more defined formats.
You can work on pacing, rhythm, and emotional range and on making bold, clear choices as a group.
For advanced participants. This group is called On Stage!Read the long descrition of this course at Longform toolbox 1 & 2 - Improv Utrecht
Teacher: Emma Holmes
Location: Buurtcentrum de Jager
Time: Tuesdays 18:45-20:30
Price: €308Course details
The course is taught by Emma Holmes and consists of 13 sessions: 12 lessons, followed by a show. The total cost is €308. Buurtcentrum De Jager, Teun de Jagerdreef 1, free parking and close to Overvecht stationTuesdays 15, 22, 29 SEP, 6, 13, 27 oct (holiday 20 oct, no lesson), 3, 10, 17,24 nov, 1,8 dec
lessons 18:45-20:30
Teacher Emma Holmes
Show date to be planned in the weekend 10 – 13 dec.
13 lessons including a show €308 incl BTWImprov Utrecht offers 2 funded courses with 20% discount for people with less finances. Send a message to Marieke van Laar.
Tickets: improv-utrecht.weticket.io1 attendee
Beginners improv course by Rutger Pull
Buurthuis Rosa, Malakkastraat 6, 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 Rutger Pull and consists of 13 sessions: 12 lessons, followed by a small show. The total cost is €325. The show date will be confirmed closer to the end of the course.
Classes take place on Tuesday evenings from 19:30-21:30 running from 15 sep – 9 dec 2026. There is no lesson on 20 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.
About the trainer
Rutger Pull specialises in short-form improv and Dutch Theatresports. He has a sharp eye for what a scene needs in order to work and excels at teaching players how to recognise and support that. His feedback style is positive, clear, and precise, helping players grow while staying playful and confident.
Rutger began improvising during his university years in Enschede and has been performing for many years with Iets Anders in Utrecht. His classes combine structure, insight, and enjoyment, creating a focused yet relaxed learning environment.
1 attendee
Past events
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