Seattle Improv Comedy Classes

Become more confident, make new friends, and master the art of improv! Class registrations open every quarter.

Registration for our WINTER 2025 Quarter is available now!

Note: Each instructor has different COVID-19 policies. Please see your specific class registration page for more info.

—> Looking for Kids’ Classes? Head here!

Improv 1: You Are Enough is an 8-week longform improv class and the first level of Bandit Theater’s Improv Training Program. If you’re looking to build confidence, make new friends, and have A TON of fun improvising, this is the space for you. No experience necessary!

Bandit Theater teaches a longform improv curriculum, terminology, and philosophy centered upon Game of the scene and shared by the major improv houses from New York, Los Angeles, DC, New Orleans, and elsewhere! With this in mind, Improv 1: You Are Enough is perfect for beginners and a refreshing new perspective for improvisers who have previously taken classes in shortform or other styles of longform improv.

If you’re new to improv, welcome! We’re so excited to include you in our supportive family of performers.

In this class you will:

  • Learn the fundamentals of longform improv including Yes And, Base Reality, and the First Unusual Thing.

  • Experience an environment where fun is just as important as learning.

  • Get individualized attention and notes in a positive, professional manner.

  • LAUGH UNTIL YOUR FACE HURTS

Seattle: THEATER PUGET SOUND (305 Harrison St, Seattle , WA 98109)

  • Mondays, Jan 20 - Mar 10, 7pm - 9:30pm with Laura Kirol

 

Seattle: THEATER PUGET SOUND (305 Harrison St, Seattle , WA 98109)

  • Sundays, Jan 26 - Mar 16, 2pm - 4:30pm with Laura Kirol

 

Seattle: THEATER PUGET SOUND (305 Harrison St, Seattle , WA 98109)

  • Tuesdays, Jan 21 - Mar 11, 7pm - 9:30pm with Eloise O’Loane

Delve into the mechanics of Game... together! Through heightened states of agreement, this class will build upon the foundations of Improv 1.

In Improv 2 you'll learn how to identify, play, and heighten the unusual pattern of behavior. You'll expand your analytical improv toolbox with framing and justification. Together we will create more complex scene work, play in more unconventional locations, learn the language of Game-based longform, and delight in the joy of specificity.

Open to all students who have completed Improv 1

Limited transfer credit available for students who have completed the longform improv curriculum at another theater. (For more, see our FAQ.)


Seattle: THEATER PUGET SOUND (305 Harrison St, Seattle , WA 98109)

  • Tuesdays, Jan 21 - Mar 11, 7:00pm - 9:30pm with Caroline Herlihy

 

TACOMA: TACOMA ARMORY (1001 S Yakima Ave)

  • Wednesdays, Jan 22 - Mar 12, 7:30pm - 9:30pm with Annie Barry

 

IMPROV LEVEL 2: SEATTLE INTENSIVE (4-DAY WORKSHOP)

Improv 2: Playing the Game Together Intensive packs all the fun of Bandit Theater’s Improv 2 curriculum into two weekends!

This intensive 4-day workshop counts as credit for the second level of Bandit Theater’s Improv Training Program and permits students to proceed to Improv 3.

Seattle: THEATER PUGET SOUND (305 Harrison St, Seattle , WA 98109)

  • Feb 1 & Feb 2, 10am - 2pm AND Feb 8 & Feb 9, 10am - 2pm with Coonoor Behal

Bandit_Class_3_MathofGame.jpg

Stretch yourself and explore advanced topics in longform improv! This class will deepen and refine your understanding of Game by unpacking the theory behind great scenes.

In Improv 3 you'll expand your focus from individual scenes to weaving together entire shows through time-dash and analogous second beats. You’ll try out new kinds of gameplay, learning how to pull Premise from an opening and launch straight into the Game. You’ll learn to use the authentic voice of reason and character philosophy to select between common comedic structures. And finally you’ll get in lots of reps, developing your skills and becoming the sort of improviser who’s a treat to perform with.

Open to all students who have completed Improv 2

Seattle: Theater Puget Sound (305 Harrison St, Seattle , WA 98109)

  • Thursdays, Jan 23 - Mar 13, 6:30pm - 9:00pm with Jaime Lazich

 

TACOMA: TACOMA ARMORY (1001 S Yakima Ave)

  • Thursdays, Jan 23 - Mar 13, 7:30pm - 9:30pm with Matthew Joseph

Bandit_Class_FromInstinctToImprov_fb.png

Weave scenes into shows and turn "the rules" of improv into instinct.

Learn to sense the musicality of longform improv; using resting, procedure, "if, then", and climactic third beats to make your Game moves look too good to be improvised (but they are!). Together we'll look beyond the individual scene and recognize the nuances of Game in a full-length performance, deepening our understanding of improv in the abstract as we explore long-forms beyond the Montage. Together, we'll learn to think critically and constructively about improv, setting ourselves up for a future of performance.

Open to all students that have completed Improv 3

Seattle: Theater Puget Sound (305 Harrison St, Seattle , WA 98109)

  • Mondays, Jan 20 - Mar 10, 7:00pm - 9:30pm with Kevin McVey

 

Unlock your unique comedic voice and your confidence

In this six-week course, you'll learn how to write jokes, study different comedy styles, and fine-tune your stage presence. Students will receive individualized, supportive feedback and leave the class with five minutes of original material and all the tools needed to perform stand-up comedy. Build confidence, banish stage fright, and discover what makes YOU uniquely funny. This class culminates in an optional student showcase.

Seattle: Theater Puget Sound (305 Harrison St, Seattle , WA 98109)

  • Mondays, Jan 20 - Feb 24, 7:00pm - 9:30pm with Natalie Holt

(Coming again soon, stay tuned!)

Immerse yourself in one of improv's most famous and longest-lived formats: The Harold!

This class will put together all the pieces of longform improv into one exciting and rewarding show structure. In Harolds Are Fun (and not that complicated) you'll explore a variety of openings, demystify second beats, conquer group scenes, blow your own mind with high-energy third beats, and walk away with some memorable sets under your belt. Get ready for scores of scenes, ample analysis, and loads of laughs test-driving The Harold (which, we swear, isn't that complicated, even if you've heard otherwise).

This elective class is open to all students who have completed Improv 2: Playing the Game Together at Bandit Theater.

Additionally, limited space is available for students who have completed coursework in Game at other longform improv theaters. If that's you, please send an email to classes@bandittheater.org with your name and a brief description of your experience for permission to register.

 

(Coming again soon, stay tuned!)

Have you ever seen an improv show and thought “gosh that looks fun” but never had the opportunity to try it yourself? Now’s your chance! Bandit Theater’s Improv for Everyone is a free two-hour introductory-level workshop with you in mind.

In this workshop, you’ll get a taste of hilarious spur-of-the-moment theater through low-stakes exercises that are both approachable and a whole lot of fun. Together we’ll experience a sense of carefree play that celebrates collaboration and stepping out of your head. You’ll meet new people and maybe even discover your new hobby!

No prior performance or comedy experience is expected. Our friendly and supportive instructors are here to ensure everyone gets a chance to shine in a positive space. Improv isn’t just funny, it draws people together and helps us to live in the moment. We’re excited to share that with you.

 
 

Come check out a show

Cart (0)