Improv classes in KC

Today I got to play with super-fun improv pals Jen Roser (Ham Kitty) and Alex Haynes (Tweety Todd) as part of the Kansas City Public Library’s celebration of National Library Week.

It turns out people who work at KC libraries make amazing improvisers.

This is not surprising: They’re smart, curious, funny and amazing listeners.

I promised I’d post opportunities to take improv classes, so here are some of my favorites:

• Jill Gillespie, DNP Studios, is a library employee and one of the best teachers in KC. She’s knowledgable and encouraging, and really knows how to put an effective class together.
• Carrie Blubaugh, Act Your Age Improv, teaches classes for people 50 and up, as well as applied improv training for medical professionals. She’s a castmate in Explosive Group Chat and takes a playful, mindful approach to improv.
• Improv Springboard promotes the talents of women & nonbinary folks through improv workshops and performance experiences. You’ll meet different local and nationally known instructors in a welcoming, nurturing environment.
• The Bird Comedy Theater presents regular classes by a variety of instructors, as well as improv jams and drop in classes.

I teach, too. Right now, I’m hosting regular feedback sessions called “Cozy Improv Coaching.” I’m putting together plans for a multi-week class or an intensive.

If you’re reading this, I’d love thoughts on what I should teach next. What do you think? Pick one or tell me about it in the comments.

• Short-form games with long-form brains (probably a multi-week class)
• Improv essentials: how to play well with others (a weekend intensive or multi-week class)
• improv toolkit: 3 hour sessions focused on different improv skills (editing, scenework, object work, characters, etc.)
• Just for fun: Forget performing—just play games.