Heard about improv and want to give it a try?
Improv is a form of live theater where all parts of the performance are made up on the spot. There’s no script and nothing is planned. It can be a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, have loads of fun and make new friends.
There are lots of ways to learn improv. We are extremely fortunate in London to have several dedicated improv schools as well other centres where you can learn and practice improv.
With so much choice it can be baffling so ImproGrapevine has put together this handy guide to help find the right improv route for you.
The two longest established improv schools in London are Hoopla and The Free Association . Both offer taster sessions and courses at all levels. Relative newcomer Blanche Improv established in 2023 has a wide range of courses and excellent drop-in sessions as well as jams. Another recent arrival located in Covent Garden is Leapday which offers an 8-week course along with workshops and jam sessions open to beginners. On top of all that, there are several adult education centres offering improv courses. See the links below to start your improv journey today.
Taster classes
The best way to get started in improv is to attend a taster class. These are one-off sessions that give you a feel for what improv is like and what to expect from a full course.
The following is a list of recommended taster classes along with price and location
Hoopla
£28 - Liverpool Street
Free Association
£20 - Haggerston
Blanche Improv
Free - Earl's Court
Not quite a taster session but this free weekly workshop is very welcoming to first-timers
City Academy
£15 - Farringdon and other locations
This performing arts academy has an impressive improv course offering. Discounts occasionally available.
Courses for beginners
Ready to dive on in and take a improv course? Beginner courses usually run for 4 to 8 weeks and provide the perfect introduction improv. Hoopla, The Free Association, Blanche and City Academy also offer a wide range of follow-on courses while Leapday and a few adult education centres have a more limited selection. Following is a list with prices and locations.
The following is a list of recommended courses for beginners along with price and location
Hoopla
£240 - Various locations
Blanche Improv
£290 (£246.50 concessions), - Earl's Court
The Free Association
£331.50 - Haggerston
City Academy
£240 - Various locations
Leapday
£240 - Covent Garden
City Lit
£139 (£97 concessions), Covent Garden
London's leading adult education centre offers an introductory improv course
Drop-in Workshops
Workshops can be an easy and flexible way to learn improv. There is a trained instructor and the workshops may have a particular theme. The following is a list with prices and locations of workshops open to beginners.
Hoopla
£29.51 - Liverpool street
Blanche Improv
Free - Earls Court
These weekly workshops are normally £20 but Blanche is able to provide them free
The London Improv Theatre
£25 - Camden Town
QI: Queer Improv Workshop and Show
Free - Location
Monthly workshop and show for LGBTQ+ people produced with Hoopla
Jam sessions
Jam sessions are more relaxed improv events and can be a fun and inexpensive way to try out improv. The following jam sessions are open to beginners.
Duck Duck Goose
Free - Brixton
SafeJam
£5 - Shoreditch
Simprov Drop In
£7 - Leadenhall Street
Improvisation Fun Meetup
£12.65 - Clerkenwell
Leapday
£10.25 - Covent Garden
The Act-up Drama Club
£13.69 - Docklands
Go see a show!
The are lots of improv shows in London. Check out our listings