FAQ

We run 6 terms every year, each lasting about 2 months, with 6 weeks of classes and 2 weeks for graduation shows for Level 3+

i.e. Term 1: January-February, Term 2: March-April, etc.

Our beginners curriculum aims to introduce students with little to no experience to the basic core tenets of improv through a variety of games, exercises, and scenework.

You can expect a welcoming and gentle approach to ease you into improvising in a safe environment that encourages playfulness, fun and curiosity in a group setting. All classes are led by one of our experienced instructors, all of whom are seasoned improvisers/performers.

Registration for classes happens online. The steps for purchasing a class on our website are as follows:

1) Click here to go to our classes page and click on the name of the class that interests you! (If it’s your first time, Level 1 is the way to go!) Feel free to take a look at the detailed course description while you're there.

2) Once on the class page, scroll down past the course description and large graphic and click to select the class section that suits your schedule from the drop down menu.

3) Click "ADD TO CART".

4) Scroll back up to the very top of the page and click the grocery cart icon that will have appeared within the header once the class was added.

5) Once in your shopping cart, confirm that the item listed is the correct one and click "CHECKOUT".

6) Follow the steps of the checkout process as described. You will first need to input your email address, then payment information, before again reviewing and confirming your purchase. It helps to have the credit card you plan on paying with handy.

Note: please double check that the email address you use to check out is spelled correctly, as we use it to send you your purchase confirmation and transmit all relevant information regarding your class to you!

If you are unsure about what class to register for, please email education@montrealimprov.com to let us know!

To help us make the best recommendations, please include some information about your theatrical experience, such as what schools/institutions you’ve attended and which classes or workshops you’ve taken!

Not at this time. Currently, our programming is only open to adults aged 18+.

Our classes are open to participants aged 18 years or older. We do not compile age demographic related data for our courses. At a glance however, many of our students would fall between 25-45 years of age, most of whom starting with zero previous experience!

Indeed, we are lucky to welcome a wide range of people from all walks of life into our classrooms (from students to retirees, and everyone in between!), as this promotes a diversity of worldviews and approaches within the improv community.

Currently, the majority of our programming is taught in English, with the expectation being that students will also be participating in the language of instruction. Although native fluency is not required, a minimum level of proficiency is recommended to get the most out of classes. Class language is usually indicated on the class registration page itself.

Not at all. Participation in graduation shows (which currently begin at Level 3) is optional. Although by the time this becomes a question, we find most students have developed the competence and feeling of being supported that gives them the confidence to take the plunge!

Many students enjoy taking classes for their own sake with no aspirations of taking to the stage on a regular basis, while some others catch the performance bug; just know there is no wrong way to enjoy improv!

Yes and no. Improv is a great way to meet new people who come to share a common interest in a safe and encouraging environment. Many of the exercises involved work on improving skills related to accepting the unexpected, active listening and making bold choices.

That being said, our classrooms are spaces dedicated to improv theatre and learning skills related to the practice and performance of improv comedy. Please note that although potentially therapeutic, our programming is not designed to be used as a method of therapy for clinical anxiety, nor are our instructors mental health professionals.

We do not currently offer make up classes for individual missed weeks. Please click here to view refund and attendence policies in full.

Unfortunately no. Having prerequisites helps ensure that students are operating with a similar base level of knowledge relative to what new skills and content are being covered in a given class. Not having that appropriate knowledge base can slow down the class and hinder other students as they and instructors are forced to work around your knowledge gaps.

If you are coming from another city/theatre/institution and don’t know where you fit, please email classes@montrealimprov.com with a detailed summary of your theatrical experience so we can better make a placement recommendation.

No, we do not allow students to attend different sections on different weeks. You can click here to view our attendance and other policies.

Unfortunately no. We try to cap classes to a certain number of students to ensure everyone is given the chance to receive ample stage time, feedback and attention from instructors.

You can contact us to join the waitlist for any given class by emailing classes@montrealimprov.com.

No. We do not allow any audits or sit-ins of any kind in our classrooms. Only registered students and instructors are allowed to be present during class, no exceptions.

Registered students are welcome to watch certain shows for free at our theatre. You can see which shows are free by visiting our EventBrite page here. There you can register for a free ticket.

Please note that only registered students get free tickets –this offer does not extend to family or friends.

Click here to fill out our form for emerging student performers to stay in the loop about open casting calls for student shows at Montreal Improv!

We do not give out teachers’ personal contact information to students. You are welcome to approach your teacher after class if you have queries or wish to ask them for an appropriate method of contact of their choosing. They are however within their rights to refuse.

To report any instances of discrimination, harassment or abuse, you can use the anonymous form here or email us directly at info@montrealimprov.com.

Montreal Improv has zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination of any kind, whether it be from a student, teacher, staff member, performer, or guest.