Classes

Learn the foundational skills of improv through fun games, exercises, and scene practice. Get ready to move, laugh, meet new people, and explore your creative side!

Level up your tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) by learning & applying the same collaborative storytelling skills used in Roll Play: An Improvised Adventure!

Get your improv a la carte! Try a Free Intro Workshop, have some laughs with your partner at our Improv Date Night, and more!

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FREE Intro to Improv Workshops!

If you've ever been curious about the world of improv, this 90-minute free intro is just for you! This quick introductory session will give you a taste of what our core Improv 1 class is like in a welcoming, low-pressure, high-fun environment.

Meet new people, play some improv games, dip a toe outside your comfort zone – and have a blast doing so!  (Ages 18+ only)

Try a free workshop!

Should I take an improv class?

 

We are firm believers that people from ALL walks of life can learn and benefit from improv. Whether you’re looking to build your confidence & creativity, make new friends, or become a performer yourself, our classes provide a safe and welcoming environment to hone your skills!

1

Improv 1 with Josh Holober-Ward

Thursdays, 7-9:30pm | January 22–March 12 (8 weeks)

Learn the basics of improv through fun and accessible games, exercises, and guided scene practice! By the end of Improv 1, you and your classmates will be able to confidently improvise a 3-4 minute two-person scene– and have a blast doing so!

Register for Improv 1 (Jan-March)

About the Instructor

Improv 1B & RPGs A - Josh (1)

Josh Holober-Ward (he/him) has been performing & teaching improvisational theater professionally since 2015. He is the founder, director, and host of Roll Play: An Improvised Adventure, and a company member at CSz Philadelphia. He is a firm believer in the life-changing power of play, and is passionate about welcoming new people to the joyful & creative world of improv. To this date, he has taught over 300+ students who were completely new to improv, including dancers, farmers, nurses, parents, teachers, scientists, stand-up comics, social workers, news reporters, and two professional mermaids.

What Josh’s students say about him:

Taking Improv 1 with Josh was a game-changer for me. He is a fantastic instructor - kind, thoughtful, and encouraging. He's affirming but direct, and he creates a space for you to be yourself. The class was fun, invigorating, challenging, and hilarious all at once. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the gentlest way and helped me build stronger communication and facilitation skills that I regularly use in my work.

Elena R.

Josh is not only a fantastic Improv 1 instructor, he's an extraordinary human being. Taking those first steps into improv can be scary, but his character is tailor-made for leading new students in their journey. Josh is endlessly supportive, kind, and a master of improvisation. He lets his students explore in a safe and respectful manner while peppering in knowledge and advice throughout.

Tristan W.

Josh’s enthusiasm is contagious, and his guidance is both insightful and encouraging. With a perfect blend of humor and expertise, he creates an environment where everyone feels empowered to take risks and unleash their creativity. He’s a fantastic mentor who not only teaches the art of improv but also inspires a genuine love for it!

Danielle H.

Josh is encouraging and kind, which is exactly what you want and need when taking the first steps in your own improv journey. I learned so much from my time in Josh's Improv 1 class and encourage anyone who is interested in improv, or looking to get out of their shell, or even just meet some cool new people to take a class with Josh!

Amelia M.

Among Josh’s many strengths, the thing that struck me the most was his ability to balance straightforward, front-end instruction of the principles of improv with direct but gentle (and, above all else, insightful!) feedback, all while establishing a safe environment of openness and experimentation. It's very clear that he cares deeply about the craft and about his students.

Dante R.

As a mature student living in the suburbs of Philly, I was hesitant to sign up for an Improv Class. I am so happy I took the plunge. It was silly, fun and challenging all at once. Josh is a warm, welcoming and experienced teacher. I laughed from the moment I walked in to the moment I left.

Monique G.

Josh was a delight and true pleasure to work with. What I loved most about working with Josh is that he believes in play and not taking oneself too seriously. He made sure I understood the basics, and was attentive to understanding me as a beginner of improv. He created a safe space where I was accepted even in my most awkward moments. He was a ball of fun.

Holly S.

Josh’s ability to create a chill and welcoming vibe in class made learning the ropes of improv comedy effortless. The camaraderie my class had was a game-changer, and Josh’s encouragement set the perfect tone for an excellent learning environment. Josh’s positive feedback and encouraging style of critique always left me feeling motivated instead of stressed.

Mike H.

I think every student takes an Improv class for different, sometimes very personal, reasons, and I find it astonishing that Josh seemed to meet each person’s needs – spoken and unspoken – in every aspect of his teaching. He is that rare gem of a teacher – a master in his craft who is also respectful, humble, and truly generous.

Monica M.

Josh is an excellent teacher, striking the perfect balance between instructional and encouraging. He set a warm atmosphere with clear guides on exercises and explained how skills could develop through certain exercises over time. After his intro class, I was excited to take advanced improv classes.

Marissa S.

Whether you're looking to embark on a career in improv comedy or just looking for a new challenge, Josh is the perfect teacher to get started with. Not only does Josh understand the ins and outs of improv, but he also knows how to teach and bring out the best in everyone. He's truly a consummate professional by every definition.

Anant K.

Josh has played a crucial role in my improv journey as a complete beginner. Aside from being an inclusive and flexible instructor, his kindness, patience and positivity also made my experience highly enjoyable. His impact on students is strong given many of us continued our improv journey, taking more classes and even forming our own indie groups like myself. I have many times recommended friends to take his classes.

Kivilcim G.

Improv class with Josh is energizing, supportive, and expertly structured! I decided to try out improv on a whim as a way to hopefully meet new people and laugh more, and I got that experience and more with Josh’s class. I have continued on with improv as have many of the students from Josh’s class and it has become such a positive aspect of my life both in terms of the craft itself and the wonderful community that surrounds improv comedy. I highly recommend taking a class offered by Josh!

Michael C.

Josh is a phenomenal improv teacher who makes the experience of learning how to be a better improviser super enjoyable and fun. He is very knowledgeable about what makes an improv scene successful, and is really good at teaching these principles to his students. I take many improv classes, and I’ve found Josh’s to be one of the best.

Eric W.

4

Improv 2 with Kelsey Hébert

Tuesdays, 7-9:30pm | January 20 – March 10 (8 classes)

This class is for those who have mastered the basics, and are ready to dive deeper into improvised longform scenework. Over this 8-week course, you will learn to consistently create narrative-driven scenes through specific points of view, unique characters, and world building.

Register for Improv 2 (Jan-March)

About the Instructor

Kelsey Hébert (she/her) is a theater artist from Abita Springs, Louisiana who has been teaching acting and improv since 2017. She has recently taught at The Philadelphia School of Improv, Hedgerow Theatre, and Delaware Theatre Company. Kelsey has trained extensively with Theatrical Intimacy Education in order to bring Consent Based Practices to the Philly Improv Community. Kelsey is passionate about unlocking the actor in every improviser and empowering improvisers of all levels to strive for a higher level of quality in their work.

What Kelsey’s students say about her:

Kelsey excels as an improv instructor, showcasing outstanding teaching qualities. Among her strengths, her exceptional skill lies in establishing a safe and encouraging atmosphere for risk-taking and experimentation. Her feedback, consistently constructive and tailored to individual skill levels, stands out. In my initial stages as a beginner, Kelsey sparked my enthusiasm for improv, motivating me to embrace challenges and foster personal growth.

Suzanne D.

Kelsey is simply the best Improv teacher and coach I’ve ever worked with! She creates a safe , kind and fun environment for everyone, no matter what their acting experience may be. I look forward to each and every class. I always learn a lot and have a great time! I feel blessed to continue to grow and play in such a supportive environment and with such an amazing human being!

Allison M.

Kelsey brought an enormous amount of fun and energy to her class. Her class always had a supportive atmosphere. Each class had a well-thought out agenda that helped us quickly learn the principles of improv without it ever feeling like a lesson. I would definitely take another class with her.

Bernie L.

Kelsey's teaching is gently encouraging and persistent; she has a very positive feedback style that invites you to stick with the practice and hone your strengths.

Pablo V.

Kelsey was my improv teacher and cultivated a fun, inclusive, and healthy learning environment. I was excited to come to class each week and learn new styles from her innovative lessons and games. Her positive attitude brightened the classroom and made learning easy.

Eileen D.

It was my first improv experience ever and Kelsey welcomed everyone with open arms. She made us comfortable with being uncomfortable in a new setting. Teaching us how to bring that creative fun to the stage with basic exercises and fundamentals. Kelsey is a genuine, wonderful person.

Yardley G.

Kelsey curated my passion for improv in a welcoming and accepting space! She is the reason I still do improv today, and I would take her classes over and over again if I could

Meesh C.

Kelsey is hands down the best improv instructor I've ever had. the level of detail and individualized care that Kelsey puts into her instruction is next level. She should also be commended for bringing consent-based practices to the Philadelphia improv scene and masterfully instructs students through a very sensitive topic with ease. I can't recommend Kelsey as an instructor highly enough.

Tristan W.

Kelsey has been a wonderful instructor to our class supporting our growth from one level to another. She is kind in the way she coaches students and patiently explains the exercises ensuring we are all clear across different skill levels. Her positivity and cheerfulness also stood out to me and I looked forward to my classes with her.

Kivilcim G.

My experience with Kelsey as a teacher has been nothing short of incredible! I have issues with social anxiety, and coming to classes full of new people has always been difficult. Both of the times Kelsey was my teacher she made me feel immediately at ease. She has such a warm, compassionate energy. I will always jump at the opportunity to take classes with her!

Noah D.

Improv 3 with Dom Arp

Mondays 7-9:30pm | January 19 – March 9 (8 classes)

Improv 3 is the culmination of SideQuest's longform program, focusing on expanding your improv craft from scenework into fully realized narratives. Over this 8-week course, you will work as an ensemble to build engaging and comedic stories with your classmates, with a stronger emphasis on individual notes for continued personal growth on your improv journey.
Register for Improv 3 (Jan-March)

About the Instructor

Dom Arp (he/him) has been performing, directing, coaching, and teaching improv in Philadelphia for over 10 years. He's currently the Director of Education at SideQuest Theater as well as President of the Philly Improv Social Club.  He has experience as an improv teacher at a number of institutions, including Drexel University, the Franklin Institute, and the Philly Improv Theater. He has additional training in public speaking, theater, and clowning that he enjoys bringing into the classroom.

What Dom’s students say about him:

I could write half a novel about my experience with Dom, but I'll try to sum it up - I grew more as an improviser and as a person in his class than in the 4 years' worth of classes I've taken combined. He’s a stellar teacher and a solid dude.

Britta F.

If there was ever a Venn diagram of "Playing with Dom", "Learning from Dom", and the overlap "Best Experience of my Life", there would just be one big circle. Dom is a fantastic teacher, with a quick wit and a refined sense of what makes something fun to act and fun to watch.

Kevin D.

Dom was truly an awesome Improv teacher. I was looking to take a risk and get better at thinking on my feet. Dom did an amazing job of making everyone in the class feel welcomed and included. His best trait was how he gave very genuine and thoughtful feedback to each scene. I felt that his feedback was rooted in years of experience, which was super useful in trying to improve my skills. His dedication to making the class a valuable experience and his care in answering questions and providing feedback are what made him an incredibly valuable teacher.

Matt O.

Dom is a confident and joyful leader. When teaching he is focused, present and joyful. He clearly loves comedy, one can tell it right away. He improvises his teaching in the right ways, determining what the group should do based on the group’s needs at a given point in the curriculum. My group bonded so well that we continued working together on a weekly basis for many months after completing his class. I believe Dom fostered that kind of connection among our group. He trained us to a point where our show was probably our best work including all our weeks of classes combined.

David H.

Dom made trying improv so comfortable and exciting! He was an excellent teacher making the core foundation of improv easy to understand and most importantly fun! If you have a choice of teachers say “yes and” to Dom!

Arielle K.

Improv for RPGs with Kelsey Hébert

TBD

From the minds behind Roll Play, this five-week course is designed to help tabletop role-playing game players boost their creativity, storytelling, and characterization through the power of improv. No prior experience necessary, in either RPGs or improv.

Register for Improv for RPGS

What Kelsey’s students say about her:

Kelsey excels as an improv instructor, showcasing outstanding teaching qualities. Among her strengths, her exceptional skill lies in establishing a safe and encouraging atmosphere for risk-taking and experimentation. Her feedback, consistently constructive and tailored to individual skill levels, stands out. In my initial stages as a beginner, Kelsey sparked my enthusiasm for improv, motivating me to embrace challenges and foster personal growth.

Suzanne D.

Kelsey is simply the best Improv teacher and coach I’ve ever worked with! She creates a safe , kind and fun environment for everyone, no matter what their acting experience may be. I look forward to each and every class. I always learn a lot and have a great time! I feel blessed to continue to grow and play in such a supportive environment and with such an amazing human being!

Allison M.

Kelsey brought an enormous amount of fun and energy to her class. Her class always had a supportive atmosphere. Each class had a well-thought out agenda that helped us quickly learn the principles of improv without it ever feeling like a lesson. I would definitely take another class with her.

Bernie L.

Kelsey's teaching is gently encouraging and persistent; she has a very positive feedback style that invites you to stick with the practice and hone your strengths.

Pablo V.

Kelsey was my improv teacher and cultivated a fun, inclusive, and healthy learning environment. I was excited to come to class each week and learn new styles from her innovative lessons and games. Her positive attitude brightened the classroom and made learning easy.

Eileen D.

It was my first improv experience ever and Kelsey welcomed everyone with open arms. She made us comfortable with being uncomfortable in a new setting. Teaching us how to bring that creative fun to the stage with basic exercises and fundamentals. Kelsey is a genuine, wonderful person.

Yardley G.

Kelsey curated my passion for improv in a welcoming and accepting space! She is the reason I still do improv today, and I would take her classes over and over again if I could

Meesh C.

Kelsey is hands down the best improv instructor I've ever had. the level of detail and individualized care that Kelsey puts into her instruction is next level. She should also be commended for bringing consent-based practices to the Philadelphia improv scene and masterfully instructs students through a very sensitive topic with ease. I can't recommend Kelsey as an instructor highly enough.

Tristan W.

Kelsey has been a wonderful instructor to our class supporting our growth from one level to another. She is kind in the way she coaches students and patiently explains the exercises ensuring we are all clear across different skill levels. Her positivity and cheerfulness also stood out to me and I looked forward to my classes with her.

Kivilcim G.

My experience with Kelsey as a teacher has been nothing short of incredible! I have issues with social anxiety, and coming to classes full of new people has always been difficult. Both of the times Kelsey was my teacher she made me feel immediately at ease. She has such a warm, compassionate energy. I will always jump at the opportunity to take classes with her!

Noah D.

Improv for GMs with Michael Weingartner

TBD

From the minds behind Roll Play, this 5-week class offers Game Masters of all experience levels an in-depth look at how to bring the magic and creativity of improvisation to their tabletop roleplaying games. Students will learn how to generate characters, situations, and scenes from scratch, as well as how to use improvisation to boost their roleplaying and add excitement and humor to every dice roll. No prior experience necessary, in either RPGs or improv.

Register for Improv for GMs

What Michael’s students say about him:

"Michael is very funny, talented, and knowledgeable. To me, however, it's the thought and intention he puts into teaching that are truly unmatched. He's always organized and prepared, and builds an environment that brings the best out of people. He does everything he can to make sure that his students get a meaningful, fun, and safe experience--even in a short period of time!"

Ramya S.

"Michael is a rare breed of improviser and teacher. On one hand he’s an outrageously creative guy. His performances are hilarious and full of whimsy and absurdity and joy. On the other hand he’s a very systematic thinker. He knows how to help everyone get closer to his point of mastery. Don’t miss a chance to take a class with him, you’ll be glad you did."

Jesse F.

Workshops

Improv Date Night with Kelsey Hébert

Thursday October 16th, 7-9pm

Improv Date Night is the perfect night out for couples who want to make each other (and everyone else they know) laugh! First, we'll provide some snacks & drinks while you and the other couples relax and get to know each other. Then, we'll teach you and your partner how to better communicate, listen, and strengthen your sense of play together through fun and accessible improv games!

Register for Improv Date Night

For more information about our classes, check out our Classes FAQ

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