The Improv Embassy runs improv and other comedy classes in Ottawa for those wanting to learn comedy in a fun, supportive environment. With improv, walking onstage with nothing written down may seem daunting, but it’s a lot easier than it sounds — plus you’ll spend all class laughing! You’ll learn skills that will make you better at public speaking, get you out of your comfort zone and kick-start your creativity.
WHICH CLASS IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Intro to Improv – If you’re curious and looking to get a little taste of improv, our 4-week Intro classes are the perfect fit. In addition to meeting new people, you’ll improve your communication and interpersonal skills, develop as a public speaker, and have some silly fun with improv games galore! Learn more.
Longform Improv – Our Longform classes (8-week courses) are geared toward students who want to get into the theory of comedy, hone performance skills, learn game of the scene and the pattern work of thematic longform improv like New York’s Upright Citizens’ Brigade or Chicago’s iO Theater. We encourage you to bring a notebook to these classes, so you can keep track of new concepts and teacher feedback! (Note: at the Embassy, we have our own terms and style of play — all students start in 101, regardless of previous improv background, to encourage groupmind). Learn more.
The Improv Refresher – If you’re an experienced improviser looking to shake off some cobwebs or reconnect with other players, sign up for our 4-week Refresher series! Each week, a different Improv Embassy facilitator will guide you through advanced exercises, with the goal of helping you feel ready to play again. Learn more.
The Preserve Improv Jam – We run pay-what-you-can improv jams for improvisers of all levels! This is an informal, facilitated session that lets you work on your improv skills in a playful, non-competitive environment. In the first half of the jam, we’ll practice some of those improv skills through some fun exercises. During the second half of the jam, you’ll get the opportunity to showcase those skills through longform sets with occasional side-coaching from our facilitators.
Other Programming – We offer Specialty Classes and Guest Workshops to give you a taste of other comedy disciplines and approaches to improv. (There is also a vibrant improv community outside of the Embassy with other places to learn — join Improv in Ottawa to keep up to date on new opportunities to watch, learn and grow).
CLASS POLICIES
Our class policies are updated regularly — we recommend you give these a read here for up to date information on refunds, class eligibility, and other policies before registering.
Discounts?
- While we aren’t currently offering discounts we do strive to make improv accessible to underrepresented communities and/or those with financial need. Please reach out to us at [email protected] to discuss the possibility of subsidized classes.
The folks at The Improv Embassy are the reason I was able to finally try stand up comedy. They host great shows and workshops and are super inclusive with a strong belief that comedy should “punch up”.
Fun and challenging. Will force you out of your comfort zone and make you challenge you to do your best.
It was a great experience and a chance to let go of the mundane, and meet new people.
I have taken multiple public speaking workshops and I found the Improv Embassy to be the most helpful and practical. My ability to speak publicly with confidence has dramatically improved.