IMPROV PLAYGROUND: IMPROV FOR EVERYONE
TUESDAYS
6:00p - 8:00p
Courtyard by Marriott
301 Creekside Ridge Ct.
Roseville, CA 95678
All. The Improv Playground is a drop-in improv experience that meets every Tuesday. Learn improv games you see on Whose Line is it Anyway! Ideal for beginners and experienced improvisers too. We never force anyone to play (but we will encourage you to join the fun). No previous improv experience is necessary. You will:
Learn how to play improv games
Learn to Trust
Let go of fear
Live in the moment
Improv Comedy Classes
Our classes provide a structured environment for students to hone their performance skills, develop their comedic timing and build confidence on stage. Improv comedy offers a platform for individuals to showcase their creativity and wit through improv games and formats, without the constraints of pre-planned scripts or dialogue.
We all started at the same place, and improv comedy is a skill that can be learned through classes and workshops. Whether you’re an aspiring actor or just someone looking to improve their public speaking skills, improv comedy classes offer a fun and interactive way to build these essential skills.
Can we talk about all those improv class benefits? We have improv comedy classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced performers. Additionally, check out the improv frequently asked questions for additional help.
Discover Your Inner Comedian
Our classes are perfect for anyone who wants to learn the basics of improv and develop their comedic skills. We strive to create a fun and supportive environment for students of all levels. You'll learn the fundamentals of improvisation, including:
how to listen
how to react
how to build scenes with others.
Our experienced instructor will guide you through a series of exercises and games designed to help you tap into your creativity and sense of humor. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a complete newbie, our improv comedy class is the perfect way to unleash your inner comedian.
Laugh Your Way Through Life
Need a boost? Our improv techniques will help boost your confidence and communication skills. Welcome to your new superpower: improv. Learn how to: that will help you to
think on your feet,
communicate more effectively
actively listen.
stay present
find the joy in each moment.
By learning to approach life with a lighter perspective, you can reduce stress and experience greater fulfillment. So come join us for a class where you'll learn to laugh your way through life!
Join the Improv Community
I don’t want to brag, but our community is kind of a big deal. You’ll meet new friends, laugh more, and feel empowered while learning new skills.
The Improv Impact community has your back.
Our days can feel lonely, but this group makes life better.
There's a place for you in the world of improv an we invite you to join the fun, meet new friends, and spend an evening laughing with us. Our introductory improv class, the Improv Playground is a great place to start. We will teach you everything you need to know to get up on stage and start creating hilarious scenes with your fellow performers.
What are you waiting for?
Join the improv community today and start exploring your creative side!
You might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it.
Meet Our Instructor
Hi! I’m Paul Burke, and I’ve been teaching improv for 15 years and I can’t wait to work with you! As a kid I watched and loved “Whose Line is it Anyway?“ but never thought, “I can do that!“
Two decades ago I needed a change. I was anxious, depressed and felt lost. I loved being creative, and (trying) to make people laugh, but didn’t have an outlet. I felt stuck.
I tried improv in Sacramento and fell in love. It changed my life. I felt welcomed into a community. This was my tribe, and I studied everywhere with a variety of teachers. I love short form improv as much as long form improv. I studied at iO (formerly ImprovOlympic), SecondCity, BATS (Bay Area Theater Sports). I performed at Sacramento Comedy Spot and ComedySportz Sacramento before opening Blacktop Comedy and serving as artistic director in Roseville, and later Rocklin.
At Blacktop he created and performed in a variety of sketch and improv shows including Teen Slasher, Epic, Your F@#$%^ Up Relationship, Squeaky Clean, Best Night Ever and many more.
After closing Blacktop due to the pandemic he is the founder of Improv Impact and is thrilled to offer improv classes once again.
My mission at Improv Impact is to welcome you, give you a safe place to create, and show you that improv is for everyone. Come have fun, move at your own pace, and feel connected to your creative self. Improv Impact is designed for those looking for something new, discovering comedy, making new friends, and challenging themselves and personal growth.
Let go of anxiety, ditch fear, and become more confident!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Long-form Improv?
Great question! Longform improv is a style of theatre in which an improv team creates characters and stories without the structure of an " improv game." Whose Line is it Anyway uses a game format, and each scene has a goal (use limited words, guess special words, sing songs, etc), and when the goal is achieved the game is over. Long form improv doesn't have a game.
The longform format of improv is an immersive style of improvisational theater where performers create extended narratives and explore complex characters. Longform improv combines improvisational comedy with the principles of theater, embracing storytelling and character development.
How Do I Start if I am Completely New to Improv?
The Improv Playground is where you want to start. You'll learn the basics, be supported, and have the freedom to move at your own pace. Want to play every short-form game? Fantastic! Want to watch some scene work before you jump in? Great! Remember, you're not at a comedy school. You're at an improv school. Your job isn't to be the funniest.
Your job, and we teach this every week, is to be present with your scene partner. Your job is to say, "yes, and," and discover the scene. You don't need to invent anything, or walk onstage with a "hilarious premise." If you are completely new to improv you just have to show up. I am a firm believer in the power of showing up. That's unneeded pressure on yourself. Improv is visual theater arts. Its more then funny lines. It's about discovering a scene with your team. Yes, you'll see a lot of comedy scenes, but that's the product of improv.
What Happens in an Improv Comedy Class?
All our improv sessions follow a similar structure: introduction, warmups, games, and discussion. Questions are always welcome. I feel like a kindergarten teacher saying this, but there are no bad questions. If you're wondering someone, I can gurantee someone else in that space is too. It's a compassionate environment, be compassionate with yourself too, and ask those questions.
Are you located in Sacramento?
We currently offer classes in Roseville, and occasionally improv classes in Sacramento. Paul is also available for teambuilding workshops outside of Placer and Sacramento. Please reach out to us if interested in learning more. Our goal is to help everyone discover the power of improv through accessible, basic improv exercises.