When people hear the words improv class, they often imagine being thrown on stage, put on the spot, or expected to be immediately hilarious. Those concerns are often enough to stop a lot of people from ever trying improv. In reality, improv is far less about being funny and far more about communication, connection, and learning how to create in the moment. So, why should you try improv? Here are some reasons why…
Improving Your Active Listening
One of the most prominent skills that improv teaches is active listening. Instead of waiting for your turn to talk or planning the “right” thing to say, you learn how to truly hear what’s happening and respond authentically. That skill shows up everywhere in life: at work, in relationships, and in everyday conversations where being present matters more than being clever.
Practicing Collaboration
Improv also strengthens your abilities as a collaborator. The philosophy of “Yes, and” is the foundation for improv. This philosophy isn’t about agreeing with everything. It’s about acknowledging others and building the next step together. In an improv class, success comes from supporting the group rather than trying to stand out. Over time, this mindset helps people become better teammates, leaders, and problem-solvers.
Boost Your Confidence
Another major benefit is confidence, but not the loud, performative kind. Improv helps you get comfortable with uncertainty. You learn that it’s okay not to have all the answers and that mistakes are not something to fear—they’re often where the most interesting moments come from. That reframing can be incredibly empowering, especially for people who tend to overthink or second-guess themselves.
It’s Fun
Improv classes also offer something many adults don’t get enough of: structured play. Laughter lowers stress, boosts creativity, and builds trust quickly. In a supportive classroom environment, people are encouraged to take small risks, be a little silly, and rediscover a sense of play that often gets lost in day-to-day life. It’s okay to laugh and have fun.
Community Building
When you take everything else in consideration, you will see that improv builds community. Many students walk in expecting a class and leave with new friendships. There’s something powerful about learning together, laughing together, and realizing you’re not alone in feeling awkward, nervous, or unsure.
If you are still skeptical about improv class, remember this: anyone can learn improv. You don’t need to be funny. You don’t need stage experience. You just need curiosity and a willingness to try something new. An improv class isn’t about becoming a performer. It’s about becoming more adaptable, more confident, and more comfortable being yourself. You will have the perfect opportunity to connect with others while growing multiple skills. When class is over, you can everything you learned with you.
ComedyCity offers formal improv classes several times each year as well as weekly informal drop-in classes. You can find more information about our classes here.
Interested in signing up for our Introduction to Improv class? You can do so by clicking here.
ComedyCity Theatre is located at 365 Main Ave (Suite E) in De Pere, Wisconsin. We are Green Bay’s longest running standalone comedy club that has been entertaining and teaching improv for 39 years.
