vancouverImprov has a reputation problem. People picture a stranger yelling "yes, and" at them while they freeze. I get it. But a beginner class is mostly a room of nervous adults playing games and laughing at their own mistakes. It's one of the friendliest rooms you can walk into.
Vancouver is a good city for it. TheatreSports, the world-famous improv format, was founded here. Here's where to start, whether you want to take a class or just watch one. Every place below comes from the directory's improv and comedy page.
If you want a beginner improv class
The Improv Centre (TheatreSports) on Granville Island runs improv shows and classes. It's the home of Vancouver TheatreSports League, so you're learning from the league behind a format that started in this city. That's a nice bit of history to carry into your first scene.
Blind Tiger Comedy runs comedy classes and shows out of the Ukrainian Community Society hall. If you searched for "blind tiger improv," this is the one. Watch a show there first if you're on the fence. You'll get a feel for the room before you sign up.
Tightrope Impro Theatre runs shows and classes for all levels. "All levels" is the phrase a nervous beginner wants to hear.
If you want something more casual
Not everyone wants to commit to a full class. Some of us want to try it once and see.
New West Improv runs improv games and jams for beginners and up in New Westminster. A jam is a low-stakes way to get on your feet. Check their Instagram for what's coming up.
If you're ready for long-form
Short-form improv is the games you've seen on TV. Long-form is longer scenes that build on each other, closer to a play made up on the spot.
Blind Tiger Comedy Long Form Studio is a long-form training program focused on advanced improv and scene work. It's a step up once the basics feel comfortable.
If you'd rather watch first
Watching is research. It's also a good night out.
- Instant Theatre Company does bold improv, comedy and live theatre.
- Comedy Drop-In Shows happen around the city, from open mics to polished sets. Little Mountain Gallery and the ANZA Club are two places to look.
- Rick Bronson's House of Comedy in New Westminster is a professional comedy club with touring acts. If you searched for Vancouver comedy clubs, this is the classic one.
- Laughs in Queer is an LGBTQ+ comedy social and open mic, monthly at Slice of Life Gallery. It's a supportive, inclusive room, and a gentle place to try five minutes on stage.
Why improv is good for making friends
Most ways to meet people involve standing around trying to think of something to say. Improv skips that part. Within ten minutes you're a pirate or a dentist, and so is the person next to you. It's hard to stay a stranger after that.
It also builds confidence in a sneaky way. You practise being wrong in front of people, over and over, and nothing bad happens. That carries into work meetings and first dates. I won't promise it fixes shyness. It does make the fear smaller.
How to stick with it
The advice is the same as for any group. Go three times before you decide. The first class you'll feel stiff and self-aware. By the third, you'll know names, and someone will be waiting to play with you. That's the bit that makes it worth it.
You don't need to be funny to start. Most funny people in improv got there by being bad at it first, in public, with friends.
Want more? Browse the full improv and comedy list, or add a group I've missed.
Part of the Vancouver Community Directory, a free, community-built list of 250+ groups, clubs, and meetups across the city.