I found my first improv group a bit unconventionally through Meetup.com, but not before stumbling across some pretty sketchy groups (Meetup is very hit or miss). Find an improv group seemed like a daunting task, and I couldn’t find a clear guide on how to do this online. I later got advice from other improvisers…but when I was starting out, I didn’t know many of those.
The best way to find an improv group is to meet fellow improvisers by getting involved in your local improv theatre. If your city doesn’t have one, you can connect with improvisers via Facebook groups, Meetup, or other online forums to form your own group.
6 Ways to Find an Improv Group:
- Audition for a house team at a local improv theatre
- Take improv classes to meet people on existing teams
- Attend an improv jam or open play
- Join a local improv Facebook group
- Check Meetup.com for improv events
- Start your own improv group.
While the best way to find (and join) an existing improv group is to get plugged in to your local improv comedy theatre(s), what if you don’t have any improv theatres where you live? Or what if you can’t afford expensive improv classes? Below, I’ll also cover other ways to find an improv group—or form your own.
#1 Audition for a House Team at a Local Improv Theatre
By far, the easiest way to find an improv group is to get involved with any local improv comedy theatres in your area. These theatres not only attract people who are interested in improv, but they also have resources to hold classes, hire improv coaches, and host performances. That means, they’re a great place to find and join an improv group or team.
Most improv theatres will have one or more house teams: typically, an improv group that is founded by the theatre, rehearses (and is coached) at the theatre, and performs regularly at the theatre.
The Downside of House Teams
The downside of house teams is that many improv theatres require you to take improv classes at their specific theatre before you can even audition, though some are allowing experienced improvisers to audition, regardless of where they took classes. The upsides, however, can be huge.
The Upside of House Teams
With a house team, you know you have a group of dedicated improvisers who have auditioned for the group and have committed to a regular rehearsal schedule. The theatre will also help coordinate a regular improv coach, which can be harder to do from the outside (though certainly doable!). Finally, as a house team, you’ll get guaranteed performance slots, which is a valuable experience
Note: Many improv theatres also host auditions for reoccurring improv shows that run at the theatre for a limited time, which may not have the same requirements as a house team. Check their website for audition info.
#2 Take Improv Classes to Meet People in Existing Improv Groups
Another way to find an improv group is to enroll in improv classes. If you live in a city with one or more improv theatres, they’ll probably offer a series of improv classes, starting with level 1 and working up to more advanced topics. They may also host one-time or shorter-term improv workshops featuring special guest instructors.
Taking classes at an improv theatre is one of the best ways to get involved in that improv community and to learn more about that theatre’s improv philosophy. Most importantly, you’ll meet lots of people in your classes who are part of other improv groups or would be willing to form one.
The Downside of Improv Classes
The main downside of improv classes is that they can be EXPENSIVE, especially if you plan to complete your local theatre’s entire improv training curriculum. One local theatre where I live, for example, has a training program with 6 levels: each class level lasts 8 weeks and can cost $200-$300 dollars. While classes can be a really valuable investment, this is a prohibitive amount of money for many.
The Upside of Improv Classes
There are countless upsides to taking improv classes, both for growing as an improviser and for finding an improv group to join. One of the biggest perks is that you’ll get to improvise with the same people week after week for an extended period of time, which really helps you get to know people. Once you’ve identified people you gel with and enjoy improvising with, ask them if they belong to any local improv groups. Many people taking classes are just starting out and are also looking to join an improv group or start a new one.
#3 Attend an Improv Jam or Open Play
How else can you find an improv group? Improv jams and open plays are great opportunities to start getting involved in your local improv community, as there is no audition requirement to participate.
An improv jam is like an open mic for improvisers: it’s an improv performance where anyone can sign up to play, regardless of experience level. (Check out this article on improv jams for more info.)
You may also find improv “open plays” in your area, which are similar to improv jams in that anyone can participate, regardless of experience. However, improv open plays tend to involve improvising together without an audience.
The Downside of Improv Jams and Open Plays
Improv jams can be nerve-wracking for someone just starting out in improv, especially if you’re not taking classes at the theatre or don’t know anyone who attends the jam. When you attend an open play or jam that’s not hosted by a theatre, there’s always an element of “what am I getting into?” Check to make sure the group hosting the event seem legit, and then charge ahead bravely. It won’t be as bad as you expect, and you’ll probably have a lot of fun.
The Upside of Improv Jams and Open Plays
If you put yourself out there, you’ll meet all sorts of interesting people and great improvisers, and (just as importantly) you’ll get the chance to play with these improvisers in short form games or longer scenes. This will help you identify the people you gel with, and you can ask them about improv groups they’re a part of.
How Do I Find an Improv Jam?
Check your local improv theatre. A lot of times, these theatres will host their own open plays or jams, giving their students additional performance time. You can also find independent improv groups that host jams in your area. For example, in my city, a local arts organization hosts a monthly improv open play. Simply searching for “[your city] + improv jam” online can yield a lot of results.
#4 Join a Local Improv Facebook Group
Okay, but what if you want to find an improv group but the improv theatre route just isn’t going to work for you? Maybe it’s too expensive to take classes, or you live in an area with no dedicated improv theatres. What do you do then?
Answer: You go online.
I’ve found that Facebook groups are very popular among improv and theatre communities. They’re a great way to get connected wtih other improvisers in your area, and people will often post group audition and performance information in the group.
Note: There are tons of interest groups online, but you’ll want to find a local improv group if you hope to join an improv group in person. Search Facebook for “improv Denver,” “Houston improv,” etc.
The Downside of Improv Facebook Groups
It’s possible that a city without any improv theatres may not have an improv Facebook group, or the group may be fairly inactive. If that’s the case, try widening your search to the nearest large or medium-sized city. If you’re determined to find fellow improvisers, you will.
The Upside of Improv Facebook Groups
Joining a Facebook group or other online group can be a great way to stay up to date on improv group auditions. You can also post in the group asking for people who are interested in joining a team or request tips on starting your own team.
#5 Check out Improv Events on Meetup.com
Meetup.com can be a great way to find already active groups of improvisers in your local community, but it’s a little hit or miss. If you’re looking to join an improv group, you should check it out, but go in with realistic expectations.
The Downside of Meetup
It may be difficult to find improv meetups if you live in a less-populated area. Also, keep in mind that anyone can create a meetup and not every improv meetup is going to be gold.
Story time. When I moved to Denver, I was looking for an improv group to join, and I stumbled across a promising group on Meetup. Determined to meet new people and put myself out there, I RSVP’ed and went… to a super sketchy improv theatresports meetup in some guy’s basement. Now, rehearsal space is hard to come by, but I got some creepy vibes, and the guy running the group seemed ab it controlling. Needless to say, I didn’t go back
The Upside of Meetup
Now, here’s the continuation of the above story. After I ditched that fist improv group, I found a different improv open play advertised on Meetup. I was hesitant, but I went for it. And I loved it. The people were kind, welcoming. and good improvisers. Through attending this open play, I gained confidence and ended up finding an improv group to join. Three years later, I still play with the same improv group.
In summary, Meetup can help open up your options if you’re struggling to find an improv group. Your results may vary, but hey, results are results, right?
#6 Create Your Own Improv Group
If all else fails, you can create your own improv group, which is both challenging and exciting. I plan to write another post just about starting your own improv group, but here are some quick tips if you decide to go out on your own and form your own group.
- Find like-minded improvisers: The tactics above will not only help you find an improv group, but will help you meet people who may want to form a new group. Choose people you get along with, and don’t feel pressured to invite everyone from your class to join your group.
- Establish clear goals for the group and write them down: Don’t assume you are all on the same page. Communication is key. Ask questions like these: What do we want to get out of this group? What form(s) do we want to focus on? How often would we like to perform (if at all)? How do we decide to invite new members?
- Determine a rehearsal schedule: Having a regular rehearsal schedule will help keep everyone committed to the group and will prevent many last-minute scheduling issues.
- Find an improv coach: If you want to improve as an improviser, getting constructive feedback is important. Reach out to experienced improvisers you know or ask your local improv theatre for a list of coaches. Meet with the coach to see if they’re a good fit, and (of course) pay them for their time.
- Look for performance opportunities: Once you have rehearsed for a while and feel comfortable, start looking for opportunities to perform. Many improv theatres allow independent groups to pitch shows. Ask around, and you’ll find an opportunity.
Finding an improv group can be daunting when you’re just starting out, but once you do, that constant practice can really help you improve. Joining an improv group is also a great way to develop group mind with a set of people. If you end up in a group that’s not a good fit, just keep trying. Once you find a great improv group, it’ll be totally worth it.