Improvalicious

The first session I went to (seven months ago) I was figuring that it would be worth 1¾ hour of my time and $25 (though the scale can slide down to $20) to see what this was like, no harm done if I didn't like it. I was hooked, and I've attended most of the weekly sessions ever since, though there's absolutely no commitment required as to how often you come. Beginners (which is what I was) are very welcome. If you drop in for one session, I'm pretty sure you'll feel it was time well-spent, even if you end up deciding not to come back for more. Hey, you could just add "attend at least one improv class/session" to your bucket list, and if you decide not to return, you'll have been able to cross off an item...

This was my first introduction to improv. My primary intention was to use this experience as a self-development and public speaking exercise as I prepare to assume more leadership responsibility. Elana was so attentive from our intro call and throughout the entire class. She explained each exercise to foster comfort and inclusion. The participants were equally as welcoming. The crowd is mature but seemed delighted to have me. Overall, I enjoyed the pleasant environment, cognitive conditioning and subtle fun.

I started attending drop-in improv classes (currently on Tuesdays 7-8:45pm and some Wednesdays) led by Elana about two years ago. A guy actually took me there as a first date and it was sooo much fun and a really good way to relax and really get to know each other in a group setting. We were much more of ourselves than having a proper tea or coffee. Class is held in a kindergarten/preschool classroom which I think is an awesome way to remind ourselves of our inner child. There are always a few beginners in the class and a few very experienced people which is part of the fun. I've been going on and off because I'm not in the area much anymore. Lately though I discovered another perk of this drop-in improv class. I had a horrible month this year (you may have had one too, 2016 has been pretty dicey for everyone I know! seriously what is going on?? anyway..). It was one of the most stressful months of my entire life. I went to a couple of yoga classes and did some peer counseling and was still in the dumps. Then I decided to go to improv and it was 1.75 hours of pure laughter. In Elana's improv classes, I'm more present than when I'm meditating (I'm the kind of person who can count 100 to 1 backwards AND think about my stresses for the week AT THE SAME TIME). For 1.75 hours all I did was laugh and move*. I did not think about work. I did not think about family. I did not think about relationships. After just one class with Elana, I had an astounding rebound of my phsyical and emotional self. It was as if that stressful month had just slipped away. $25-20 sliding scale is so worth it! I highly recommend Improvalicious for beginners and professional actors. I always bring new and old friends here and they always love it =) *I'm actually a yoga instructor specializing in trauma, and what trauma needs is movement. You need to move the trauma out of your body. Talk therapy isn't enough!

I did the drop in class last night. I have always been a bit of an oddball, but the people at the class made me feel right at home. Everyone had a great attitude. Elana is a fun teacher, who encourages all aspects of improvisation, and has a great assortment of games, exercises and scenes to try. I highly recommend this to anyone. Even if you have no interest in Improv, you should do at least one drop in class, just for the fun of it.

I recently attended the Improvalicious drop-in class. It was super fun! Definitely an improv class that makes you feel comfortable and at ease.