Registration for our Spring 2024 Quarter is available now!

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

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 (Armory 4th Floor, 305 Harrison St)

Sundays, Apr 28 - Jun 16, 10:30am - 1:00pm with Matthew Joseph
Sundays, Apr 28 - Jun 16, 2:00pm - 4:30pm with Jaime Lazich
Tuesdays, Apr 30 - Jun 18, 7:00pm - 9:30pm with Kevin McVey

Tacoma: Tacoma Armory (1001 S Yakima Ave)

ENROLL: THURSDAYS, TACOMA

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 (Armory 4th Floor, 305 Harrison St)

Sundays, Apr 28 - Jun 16, 2:00pm - 4:30pm with Matthew Joseph
Thursdays, May 2 - Jun 20, 6:00pm - 8:30pm with Jaime Lazich

Tacoma: Tacoma Armory (1001 S Yakima Ave)

Mondays, Apr 8 - May 27, 7:00pm - 9:30pm with Annie Barry

Enroll: Mondays, Tacoma

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 (Armory 4th Floor, 305 Harrison St)

Thursdays, May 2 - Jun 20, 6:00pm - 8:30pm with Coonoor Behal (masked class)

Enroll: Thursdays

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 (Armory 4th Floor, 305 Harrison St)

Not scheduled at this time. Stay tuned!

(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.