Discover a new sense of freedom and play. Meet other fun and interesting people. Taking a class at Washington Improv Theater is the perfect way to explore your creativity and connect with others.
WIT is the Best of D.C.! Our classes were named “Best Art Class” by readers of Washington City Paper in the 2023 and 2024 Best of D.C. Readers’ Poll.
MAKE TIME FOR FUN AND LAUGHTER
Our classes are geared toward having fun and building skills, including communication tools and techniques that are as useful in real life as they are on stage! Taking an improv class is also a great way to meet interesting new people and make friends. (Our diverse student body includes people of all ages — from college students to retirees.) There’s no prerequisite for joining a Level 1 class. If you enjoy having fun and want to explore your creativity, improv’s for you! In addition, our classes offer a chance to escape from the stress of daily life.
LEARN THE FOUNDATIONS OF IMPROV
What are you waiting for? Sign up to start taking our regular eight-week classes now!
Questions? Email: classes@witdc.org or call Education Director Kacie Peterson at (202) 495-0958.
TRY IMPROV FOR FREE
You can also get a taste for what improv is all about by taking one of our free Improv for All workshops. They happen year-round at locations across the city and generally run from 60 to 90 minutes. They are low stress and a ton of fun! You’ve got nothing to lose! (They fill up fast so don’t hesitate.)
EXPLORE ALL OUR CLASSES
We frequently offer new and exciting electives on subjects like Stand-up Comedy, Sketch Comedy Writing, Writing Your First TV Pilot, Comedic Songwriting and more!
We also have more advanced improv classes to suit a range of schedules for the busy improviser. You can learn new formats, become a better character actor, try out accents, or sharpen your improvised comedy skills.
Whether you are brand new to WIT, an improv newbie, or an experienced improviser, there’s a class for you.
FUN ELECTIVES AND ONE-OFF WORKSHOPS
There’s always a new four-week elective starting soon! Check back often or email us at classes@witdc.org to suggest a class.
We also offer one-time workshops with a variety of guest instructors.
DO YOU HAVE SOME PREVIOUS IMPROV EXPERIENCE?
Improvisers of all experience levels are invited to play and connect during our improv jams.
If you completed an eight-week course at another theater, feel free to jump directly into our Level 2 classes. Reach out to classes@witdc.org with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
We beat you to the punch. Here are some questions you may be wondering about.
Can I miss classes?
When registering for classes, make sure it fits with your schedule. It’s okay if you miss a class but not more than two. The showcase is also not required but trust us, you will be having so much fun you won’t want to miss any of it!
I’ve done improv before, which class should I start with?
If you have completed the curriculum at another long form improv theater, please email classes@witdc.org to discuss which class to start. WIT is dedicated to making sure that you enter into our program where it is right for you and for your potential classmates! Please be prepared to provide the following information:
- Where did you previously study improv (university, another improv school)?
- Who were your instructors?
- When did you complete the curriculum?
- Any additional classes or relevant experience we should know about?
If you have not completed a curriculum at another long form improv theater the highest level you will be placed is Level 2. If your Level 1 did not provide 20 hours of long form instruction or it’s been more than two years since you’ve taken classes, you will be asked to start at Level 1.
Do I have to be funny to take a class?
Heck no. If you have a great sense of humor already, that’s awesome; our program is definitely for you. But the classes are about finding the humor in yourself and in the world around you. The only prerequisites for our Foundations of Improv class are an open mind and a desire to have fun.
What’s the next step?
Check our class offerings to determine the level best for you and register!
Do you offer classes for kids?
Our regular classes are intended for participants 18+, but we can do engagements for youth. Visit our youth page to learn more.
How do online classes work?
Classes will be held online via Zoom. Participants will need a laptop, a desktop with a webcam, or tablet with a stand/keyboard. We do not recommend using a phone for improv class.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yup! We use the service Gift Up to sell gift cards (a 3.49% transaction fee applies). If you know the class your intended recipient wants to sign up for, you can also email classes@witdc.org to avoid the service fee. We will arrange for you to pay by phone.