Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why take improv class?
A: What students say:
Overcome shyness
Creative expression
Unwind after a busy day
Be playful
Laugh out loud
Meet fun, friendly people
Enjoy comedy
Overcome writer's block
Helps with public speaking
It feels like a fun party
Explore other sides of myself
Learn to think on my feet
Become more confident
Live in the moment
Try something new
Q: Who takes improv class?
A: Recent classes have included UC undergrads, grad students,
professors, high school students, MBAs, writers, engineers, dancers, web
designers, activists, programmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and artists.
Our Berkeley classes attract students from around the East Bay and SF
Bay Area, including Oakland, Richmond, Concord, Hayward, Fremont, San
Francisco, San Jose.
Q: Can you tell me more about
Improv for Fun?
A: Gentle introduction to improv.
Play fun games in pairs and groups.
Learn to make up characters, stories, scenes.
Laugh-out-loud fun.
Supportive environment.
Build confidence.
Enhance teamwork and rapport.
Beginners welcome.
No experience required.
Students return again and again for the fun and fundamentals.
Makes a good foundation for Improv for
Performance.
Drop-ins welcome (as space permits).
Q: Can you tell me more about
Improv for Performance?
A:
Explore and refine improv skills, including stage skills.
Create a sense of ensemble.
Connect with the audience.
Incorporate audience suggestions and participation.
Focus on positive and good-natured play.
Receive feedback and coaching to help reach your objectives.
Improvise songs with live musical accompaniment.
Play scenes, scenes, and more scenes.
Perform in the student show on the last day of class.
Attendance in all 5 classes of the series is required to perform in the show.
Prerequisite: Desire to perform.
Acting and/or improv experience helpful, but not required.
Participation is at discretion of instructor.
Class size is limited.
Full series signup required (no drop-ins).
(If you prefer drop-in classes, see Improv for
Fun above).
...and yes, Improv for Performance is also fun!
Q: What does it cost?
A: About $9 per class when you sign up for a Series. We keep fees low to
encourage broad community participation.
Q: Who teaches?
A: Classes are taught by
Alex Lerman,
instructor at the YWCA since 2008.
Q: Where can I get more answers?
A: For registration questions,
call or
email the YWCA. For other
questions, email the instructor.