CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

HUDSON VALLEY IMPROV offers a comprehensive improv program of classes which takes an aspiring improvisor from the beginning to mastery of improv performance. Historically, our students come from a variety of backgrounds and aren't only professional actors. Our method is focused on un-rusting the natural ability we have to play and then teaching how to put that skill into work in life and work. 

In additions, we also offer specialized Private Coaching for those interested in solo pursuits including acting, solo shows, storytelling and public speaking.  

Classes for Adults are on our  Class Schedule Page. All based in HVI Improv Empowerment Method of deep ensemble work and audience interaction,  students can choose the take our Foundation Class over and over as a regular "creative gym" or take things up a notch and perform in front of an audience. Those who want to learn about directing and producing their own troupe move up  and audition for one of our House Teams. It's really up to the individual. 

The classes are small and catered to the participants.

Non Performance/REQUIRED

3 Sessions

You know nothing? You start here. Have improv experience? You start here.  

This class is designed to teach deep ensemble and our CORE techniques needed to improv. Students learn tools to give and take focus, expand and explore in ensemble games, create characters and physical memory. Students will learn performance based improv games and learn how to start a scene, be a strong team player, save their fellow performers, come up with ideas for scenes and more. This is a safe creative environment without the pressure of a show at the end. YAY!

Final Performance/REQUIRED

3 Sessions

Audience is 50% of the show. You have learned our CORE work and now you're ready to learn how to do this in front of an audience. In this class you will deepen your skills as a performer and learn more about structure of games & audience empowerment. This is where audience becomes a major piece of your improv puzzle.

No-Final Performance/REQUIRED

3 Sessions

You're hooked! Now that you have the basics down as well as your very first show under your belt, it's time to move into a deeper look at performance techniques which will make scenes even more believable, creative and mindblowing. Without the added pressure of a final show, this workshop class is where you will take a deep dive into both acting and improvisational technique. You'll explore longer forms of improv games and ensemble storytelling while learning more about grounded character development, more believable object work, walk-ons and supportive environment creation. 

 Final Performance/ REQUIRED

3 Sessions

At this point you have a solid understanding of improv, a memorized gauntlet of games and exercises you know, a  solid technique, you've performed and now you're ready to put it all to the test. Here you learn how to draw upon your training at a moments notice and find the game in a scene with no pre-established rules or suggestions. You'll learn how to recognize when a game begins (or introduce one) within a scene WHILE playing the scene and then take it to the next level. You'll also understand how to design an improv game at breakneck speed. Your final show?  Oh yeah...it's gonna be mind blowing.

ONGOING -By Invitation Only/Application and Audition Required/Only Available if there are spots opening up on the House Team

You've completed Levels 1-4 and you are certifiably addicted to improv. At this point you may have a solid team you have been performing with for awhile. Or you may want to audition for an already existing Level 4 House Team. Level 4 provides those students involved in a house team ongoing instruction and development with coaches and free access to classes. House Teams have a dedicated page on our website, private coaching with HVI directors, access to rehearsal space, assistance with publicity and branding and opportunity to perform. Members of House Teams are continuing students of Hudson Valley Improv. They are not paid for performances.We provide a home for your improv addiction!