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 with Burgert Kirsten
Buurthuis De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18 C, Utrecht, NLJoin us for a fun Friday night of improv theatre in English. Play, laugh, and meet new people in Utrecht during this welcoming drop-in workshop led by Burgert Kirsten, one of Improv Utrecht’s professional trainers.
Everyone is welcome. You do not need any acting experience, and you do not need to be fluent in English. Many participants are not native speakers. Each week, several people join for the very first time, alongside regulars who come back again and again. Expect a group of around 12 to 22 people in total.
What to expect
Meet a mix of international and Dutch players
Learn the basics of improvisation, a valuable modern skill
Play fun and accessible theatre games
Laugh a lot and surprise yourself along the wayPractical information
Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00. Please enter together with the group.
The entrance is on the side of the building, via Troelstralaan.
Workshop time is from 20:00 to 22:00.
Full details and route description can be found at www.improvutrecht.nl/drop-in-workshops. After the workshop, people usually head together to the pub De Hondekop for a drink and a chat.How to sign up
Please mark yourself as attending via our website at at www.improvutrecht.nl/drop-in-workshops. If you can no longer attend, remember to remove your signup so someone else can take your spot.Price
Suggested donation €10 to €20, payable in cash or via Tikkie.
If you are not able to pay much, you are still very welcome. Pay what you can or what you felt the workshop was worth. Your contribution helps cover the room rental and the professional trainers.Curious about more?
Check out our improv courses at https://www.improvutrecht.nl
Tickets for courses via https://improv-utrecht.weticket.comFollow Improv Utrecht
Meetup https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater
Instagram @improvutrecht
Facebook https://facebook.com/ImprovUtrecht1 attendee
Improv for Life Weekend workshop 2 Polarities, Stories & Meaning
Het Pakhuis, bankastraat 116, Utrecht, NLImprov for Life Weekend workshop
Improv for your personal development. Playful. Powerful. Transformative.
What if real life could feel more like improv—full of joy, connection, creativity, and flow?
Improv for Life is a one-of-a-kind course that blends the magic of improvisation with personal development. It’s not about being funny or performing on stage (though that might happen too!)—it’s about learning to navigate life with more presence, courage, and flexibility.In this course, you’ll uncover the hidden wisdom in improv games and exercises, and apply it to real-life challenges in a way that’s light, energizing, and deeply impactful.
You’ll practice life-changing skills like:
Being fully present
Listening deeply
Relating authentically
Acting with courage
Finding meaning in the moment
And explore rich, human themes.Whether you’re a professional, a creative, or a curious human navigating change, Improv for Life offers a safe, playful space to shift stuck patterns, unlock your creativity, and reconnect with what makes you feel truly alive.
Course Structure:
Four full days, split into two independent weekend workshops — join one or both!
If you are new to improv it is recommended that you do Workshop 1 before you do Workshop 2.#### Workshop 1: Play, Presence & Relationships (16-17 May)
Saturday: We’ll explore the playful side of being human — how we learn and grow through curiosity, experimentation, and even failure. At the heart of this is presence: being fully in the moment, responding to what is actually happening rather than what we think should happen.
Sunday: We’ll focus on the relational side of being human — how our identity is shaped and revealed in connection with others.#### Workshop 2: Polarities, Stories & Meaning (13-14 June)
Saturday: We’ll explore the inner tensions we all carry — the different pulls, needs, and paradoxes within us. Instead of fixing them, we’ll practice holding them with presence and curiosity, and see what wisdom emerges.
Sunday: We’ll explore how we create meaning through stories — how patterns form in our lives, and how shaping or breaking those patterns can lead to more honest and life-giving stories.Sign up by clicking the blue button on Improv for life - Improv Utrecht or go to improv-utrecht.weticket.io
### Pricing:
- €279 per workshop
- Early bird*:* €209 per workshop (until 1 month in advance)
- Both workshops: €379
- all prices are including 21% VAT, ask Marieke for a specific invoice
What previous participants say:
“I feel more resourceful, more playful—and more me.”
“Before, I thought my life was a mess. Now I know—that’s just a story I tell myself.”
“It helped me see that I can choose my story, embrace both the good and the bad, and stay open to possibility.”
“I used to think I had no control over anything—but now I know that with awareness, I can influence a lot of outcomes.”
More about the facilitator:
Burgert Kirsten is an Organizational Psychologist with a passion for unlocking adaptive, innovative, and integrated ways of working in teams and organizations. His Master’s research—focused on using improvisational theatre practices to spark workgroup innovation—was published in the South African Journal of Industrial Psychology.
He holds multiple certifications in individual and team coaching, accredited by the International Coach Federation, and has facilitated leadership, team innovation, and creative collaboration workshops for top South African business schools, leading companies, and international conferences.
Burgert Kirsten trained in improv at the renowned iO Theater in Chicago and performed for many years with Lagnes, South Africa’s longest-running Afrikaans improv group, which toured nationally and even had its own TV series.
1 attendee
Past events
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