Quick answer: Improv U’s drop-in improv class runs every Tuesday at 6:30 pm at St. John Church in Winter Park, just north of Orlando. It costs $10 at the door, no sign-up or experience needed. Expect group warm-ups, partner games and short coached scenes in a supportive room for adults 18+.
Thinking about trying improv but not sure what you’re walking into? That’s normal. Most people who show up to their first drop-in class have never done improv before, and plenty of them are nervous. Here’s exactly what happens at an Improv U drop-in class, so you can walk in knowing what to expect.
When and where is the drop-in class?
Our drop-in class runs every Tuesday at 6:30 pm at St. John Church, 1600 S Orlando Ave in Winter Park. It costs $10 at the door, parking is free, and you don’t need to sign up in advance. Classes are for adults 18 and up. Because we sometimes move venues, check the class calendar before you head out.
What should I wear to an improv class?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in. You’ll be standing, walking around and occasionally doing something silly with your body. Bring a water bottle. That’s it. No scripts, no notebook, no prep.
What happens in a drop-in improv class?
1. Warm-ups
We start in a circle with quick group games. These are designed to get everyone out of their heads and into the room. You’ll pass sounds and motions around the circle, learn names and laugh at mistakes, including the instructor’s. Nobody is singled out, and getting it “wrong” is part of the fun.
2. Skill-building games
Next, we play games that build one specific improv skill, like listening, agreeing, or making a strong choice. You’ll often work in pairs or small groups, so you’re never performing alone in front of the whole room.
3. Short scenes
Toward the end of class, people get up two or three at a time to try short scenes. The instructor sets them up with a simple suggestion and coaches you through it. If you’d rather watch your first time, that’s fine. Most people end up wanting a turn.
4. Notes and wrap-up
We finish with a few notes on what worked and why. The feedback is supportive and specific, never harsh.
Do you have to be funny to do improv?
You don’t need to be. Improv isn’t about telling jokes. The funniest scenes come from people listening closely, reacting honestly and building on each other’s ideas. Those are skills you can learn, and that’s what the class teaches.
Why start with a drop-in class?
A drop-in class lets you try improv with no commitment. Come once to see what it’s like, or come every week. Many of our regular students started exactly this way, then moved on to our free Monday Jam and our Advanced Improv for Performance course.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a drop-in improv class cost in Orlando?
Improv U’s Tuesday drop-in class costs $10 at the door. There is no membership or sign-up required.
Do I need acting experience to take an improv class?
No. Most people at drop-in have never done improv. The class teaches listening and reacting, not acting or joke-writing.
Will I have to perform alone?
No. Warm-ups happen as a group and games run in pairs or small groups. You can also watch a scene or two before jumping in.
How long is a drop-in improv class?
Classes start at 6:30 pm on Tuesdays. Check the class calendar for the current schedule and venue.
Ready to try it?
Grab a friend or come solo. Either way, you’ll leave having met new people and laughed more than you expected. See upcoming dates on our improv classes page.
Author: Anthony Francis
Anthony Francis is the founder and artistic director of Improv U. Since 2012, he has taught and directed improv for actors and professionals, and has led improv-based team building for companies over the same stretch. He performs in The Unwritten Sketch Show, The Comedy Game Show and ANT FARM, and loves every corner of the art form, from longform and shortform to musical and solo improv.