Facebook Reviews

One of the best improv schools in NYC

Backstage 

Jones, a 40-year-old redhead with a laugh that could shake the snow from a mountaintop...Part Tony Robbins, part "self-empowerer," part character name from Sex and the City... 

Paul Heibert- The Daily/Wall Street Journal 

This is not a class, this is your life, being improved with every note Sam gives you.  Because Sam is innately in tune with her students and has a heartfelt investment in their success both personally and professionally. 

 Jeff L - Real Estate Investor and College Professor  

Everything!! The classes, Sam the instructor, the community. It’s a fun, relaxing, nonjudgmental environment where you get to be yourself and meet amazing people.

Jessie Zarrelli - Actor

Samantha was magical! She had our residents laughing, engaging, and imagining themselves in ways many of them hadn't thought possible anymore. Everyone in that room was a kid again! 

Philip Mehl, LMSW, NHA, RAC-CT/Senior Care Faciity

HVI changes lives. Samantha Jones is a super talented actress and improviser, with so much experience. If you've never done improv, have no fear, you're in good hands. Learn to be a child again and laugh and be silly. So if you're thinking about trying improv, don't think about it and just sign up for a class and be ready to have a blast.

Victoria Ford - Actor, Lighting Designer

The first moments, shaking the day out to arrive at the present moment, it was clear that this was the right place for me.    

Deborah Field- School Administrator

 If you are like me, you have no clue what happens at an improv class. Well trust me, I had a BLAST at my first one.  It’s a series of things that get you just having fun, laughing, moving and screaming… yes screaming!   

Random Events, Inc.

I am generally a fairly reserved person, but she really got me to break out of my mold and I had a fantastic time throughout the improv session. I highly recommend Samantha!  

Brian Rothenberg- Skillslate.com

Hudson Valley Improv is fantastic. 5 STARS! Sam's teaching method is pure genius! If you ever wanted to try improv, get in touch with HVI! You'll have fun and lean to play without a net in a safe and supportive environment. Once you do, you'll come back and leave an awesome review of your own. Oh...and let's talk about the elephant in the room. This is not in "the City" but I would tell people in the City to get on a bus and come up to train with HVI. Yep. It's THAT good!

Liz DeNesnera - Voice Over Artist

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Sam! The improv work I have been doing with you has been extraordinary. I am a speaker, trainer, business owner. I was a member of Toast Masters for years, including a contest winner. But the work we do in your room is at a deeper level. I can access my creativity, quick wit and most importantly get out of my head and surrender to the process. This is a hard thing to admit because I have lived my life so well protected - never letting my guard down. But in your improv class I felt safe to really explore the outer reaches of my comfort zone. Thanks for creating this amazing space and bringing your many years of experience plus your acting genius to the Hudson Valley!  

Trista P - Motivational Speaker 

Don't walk, RUN to this amazing class!  

Rachael Platt - RZG Comics

I have truly enjoyed my experience with Hudson Valley Improv. Samantha is a fantastic teacher and she is also hilarious. Improv was a great way to meet new people. I feel that taking improv has helped me to be more open as a person, in general. Overall, Hudson Valley Improv is a ton of fun and I’d recommend the course to anyone.

Cyndi Stew - Grad Student

Sam is a fantastic instructor. I have taken many courses with her, and feel she probably helped me the most out of any other instructor I ever had, in honing my skills as an improv comedy actor. I am also constantly amazed how well she can turn a complete novice into a near expert. 

 Josh Erich - Graphic Designer

I just sat in on a Teen Empowerment class! Wow! The instructor was great, he had a real talent for encouraging the kids to take it a little further, but without "feeding" them a script. Really encouraging, supportive, instructive and FUN!! The kids all had a great time and each and everyone was really allowed to flourish in their own individual strengths and styles. Great class! great instructor!

Cherie Hanley - Audience Member

Samantha just directed my one-woman show "Find Your Inner Glitter with Life Coach Lurlene" to much success. She was there from idea to opening night with a great attitude, sense of humor, amazing ideas, professionalism and even hand-holding! We look forward to working together to see this show grow an audience and create other ones as well. She is reliable, on time, willing to go the extra mile and that means a lot in an industry that can attract many a high-maintenance creative person who won't operate by the rules of business. THAT IS NOT Samantha---she is a true artist but with a great business sense. What a blessing! 

Laura Berman Fortgang - Executive Career Transition Expert