About this class

Improv and Storytelling is a structured performance course designed for learners who want to become more confident, flexible communicators. The course teaches the core techniques of improvisational theater, including listening closely, accepting and building on a partner's idea, and making clear choices in the moment, alongside the craft of shaping a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Instruction combines ensemble exercises with scene work and story development. Each week introduces a defined technique, practices it through short structured exercises, and applies it in scenes or told stories with feedback from the instructor and the group. The skills carry well beyond the stage, since the same habits of listening, responding, and speaking clearly serve conversations, meetings, and presentations.

What you’ll learn

By the end of the term, learners will be able to:

Listen actively to a scene partner and respond to what was actually said
Accept an offer and build on it using the "yes, and" principle
Establish who, what, and where at the start of a scene
Create a character through voice, posture, and point of view
Structure a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end
Use voice, pacing, and eye contact to hold an audience's attention
Recover from a mistake or surprise and keep a scene moving
Give and receive constructive feedback as a member of an ensemble
Tell a prepared personal story to a group

Topics covered

Foundations of improv: agreement, listening, and supporting your partner
Offers: making them, noticing them, and building on them
Scene basics: character, relationship, setting, and objective
Character work: voice, movement, status, and emotion
Story structure: setup, turning point, and resolution
Personal storytelling: choosing a story and finding its point
Voice and delivery: volume, pace, pause, and emphasis
Working as an ensemble: sharing focus and group scenes
Thinking on your feet: handling the unexpected
Final showcase: sharing scenes and stories with the group

How the class works

The course follows the ensemble method used in improv training. Every session begins with a group warm-up, moves into exercises that isolate one technique, and builds toward scene work or story sharing in pairs and small groups. The class works from a shared agreement that every idea is welcome and every performer is supported, which makes it possible to take creative risks. The term closes with an informal showcase inside the class.

Who it’s for

For anyone who wants to build confidence in speaking, listening, and thinking on their feet, whether or not they have an interest in performing. No prior theater or improv experience is required.

When it meets

Thursdays, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, at 1350 6th Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10019.

January

4 sessions

January 7
January 14
January 21
January 28

February

4 sessions

February 4
February 11
February 18
February 25

March

4 sessions

March 4
March 11
March 18
March 25

April

5 sessions

April 1
April 8
April 15
April 22
April 29

Register by month

Registration is by the month at $75 per session. Join any month: you don’t have to commit to the whole term, and you’re welcome to start later than January.

January 2027
4 sessions · $300
February 2027
4 sessions · $300
March 2027
4 sessions · $300
April 2027
5 sessions · $375

All 4 months come to $1,275.

Enroll for this class

Pick any months you want on the enrollment page and pay once. Payment is handled securely by Stripe. Trouble checking out? Email hello@thegrovenyc.org.

Classes at The Grove are non-credit, personal-enrichment programs offered by Big Apple Coaching LLC. Participation does not confer academic credit, professional certification, or licensure.