Improv Classes in L.A.

vcassel

vcassel

Veteran
It's been a decade since my junior college Theatre degree, and I haven't acted since. For whatever reason, I feel that some beginner's improve courses would be a good place to start to get back into the swing of things. I'm considering Second City over UCB, Groundlings, and I.O. mostly due to location--I'm in North Hollywood and can easily jump on the Metro Red Line there to avoid traffic. I'm afraid, though, that Second City L.A. may not be as good as Second City Chicago.

Does anyone have any experience with the big four improv schools out here?
 
The next term at Second City didn't start until August, so I narrowed down my choices between I.O. West and Upright Citizen's Brigade due to location and class start dates. I chose and signed up at Upright Citizen's Brigade today. I suppose I'll use this space to relate my experience there. Watch this space.
 
Personally I am a fan of UCB. Took 1st-level improv course and it was a ton of fun - but then it was taught by some of my favorite improv actors. Pretty cheap too - especially since you get to most shows for free while a student.

I say just go and see a ton of improv shows at places around town and see which house style fits you best. That said, I'm sure it comes down massively to luck of the draw in terms of if you're with a class and teacher whom you gel with.

EDIT: Oh wait, you chose already. That was speedy. Let us know when your graduation show is and make it a DVXuser thing if you want...

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com
 
bruceallen said:
EDIT: Oh wait, you chose already. That was speedy. Let us know when your graduation show is and make it a DVXuser thing if you want...
Click to expand...

Yeah, I had gotten myself really excited about Second City, but I didn't want to sit on my enthusiasm to get back into the acting saddle by waiting for the next term. I've been a fan of UCB since the Comedy Central series and they've always been my top choice, so I guess I find myself sort of naturally circled back to them.

I think my graduation show is already scheduled for August 27 at 4 PM, but I'll have to check on that.
 
Just thought I'd share a bit of my research on improv courses in Los Angeles. It turns out that improv is considered by many to be the first sort of course you should go through, as it's an expected talent in commercials (which is the typically recommended first career step). There are some free workshops and courses in the area that are supposed to be really good, like Monkey Butler, but when you pay top money for an improv class, you're also paying for a named school that casting directors recognize and trust. Some casting sides require training at one of the 'top four':

Upright Citizen's Brigade - Long-form improv based on the 'Harold' structure with a focus on game playing (each person heightening the scene). 4 levels at $350 each. Though the theatre is on Franklin Ave. in Hollywood, the actual training takes place in 4 different theatres throughout Hollywood. This is the place with the most buzz recently, and the place I chose to start with. Alumni includes Aubrey Plaza, Rob Corddry, Nick Kroll, Andy Milonakis, and Ed Helms. Eight 3 hour classes with a 16 student maximum.

I.O. West (formerly known as ImprovOlympic West) - Long-form improv based on the 'Harold' structure with a focus on relationships between players. 7 levels at $350 each, or the Summer Intensive (levels 1 through 5) for $1400. On Hollywood Blvd. between Vine and Highland (very convenient if you use the Metro Red Line). I checked this place out and it seemed pretty cool, but I heard that the curriculum doesn't necessarily build between the levels (level 1 is interchangeable with level 4, just with a different teacher), though that may be outdated information. Alumni includes Andy Dick, Amy Poehler, and the rest of the original Upright Citizen's Brigade. No class schedule information readily available.

Groundlings - Short-form improv based more on sketch and character building. 2 basic levels at $280 each (as well as a Sketch Writing class and an Improv and Beyond class), though they also have a series of classes for 'professional actors' that require auditions. This one's off of Melrose. Groundlings was ubiquitous with 90s SNL stars, though I've heard it's influence has faded and it's not as good as it used to be. I've also heard that the students there can be annoyingly competitive with each other. Alumni includes Will Farrell, Adam Carolla, Jimmy Fallon, Phil Hartman, Lisa Kudrow, Conan O'Brien, Paul Reubens, and Kristen Wiig. Six 3 hour classes with a 16 student maximum.

Second City - Short-form improv based more on sketch. Though I've been a fan of Upright Citizen's Brigade since the Comedy Central show, this place became my first choice recently. I chose Upright Citizen's Brigade due to scheduling reasons, but I still want to go here. 3 levels at $325 each during early registration/$355 during regular registration. There's also a $15 new student fee. This one's on Hollywood Blvd. just east of Highland. Alumni includes Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mike Myers, Chris Farley, Tim Meadows, Bonnie Hunt, Stephen Colbert, Halle Berry, Sean Hayes, Amy Sedaris, Jon Favreau, Hinton Battle, Jack McBrayer, Dave Foley and Kevin McDonald. Seven 3.5 hour classes.
 
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My first class was yesterday. It was tons of fun. It was great spending 3 hours not just entertaining the class with my antics, but being entertained by theirs as well. My teacher, Amanda, was just like the 'mama bird' she said she'd be--incredibly caring and nurturing. It's all relationship building and listening; it's simultaneous writing and acting and they both inform each other. I'm very glad I took this class.
 
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