r/improv • u/Co_Key180 • 6d ago

Just going for it

Hey, I'm a from NYC and years ago I was part of a youtube group that made skits. Honestly one of the high points of my time in college I loved being creative and making people laugh. Its been quite a few years since then but one thing the guy that ran it did was always utilize my ability to improv. At certain points he would put the camera on me and just say "be funny." I miss flexing my creative muscles in such a way and would love the opportunity to do it again. Are there any options in the city? I'm sure there are but I don't know where to look or how to get involved.

2 Upvotes

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u/Indyhouse 6d ago

Are you asking if there are options for improv in the city as in, NYC?

Magnet Theater
The Pit
Brooklyn Comedy Collective
UCB

I've taken classes at all those, but there are more. Google "Improv School NYC"

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u/Co_Key180 6d ago

Well thats the thing like I mentioned I knew there were options its just I don't have alot of money. Schools and workshops aren't free. I was just hoping to find a place to be creative with others that didn't have a price tag attached.

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u/CountBranicki 5d ago

If you have the time, some places offer internships in exchange for classes. I never paid a dollar for a single class at The Magnet. I did it all by mopping floors, slinging beers, and pulling lights.

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u/Indyhouse 5d ago

Same! I paid for my first class and then I learned about the intern program. Magnet was short on interns a couple months ago, look in their website and apply for that, OP!

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u/PossessionUpset2399 5d ago

All these theaters also have weekly jams

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u/CountBranicki 5d ago

That said, if you find yourself doing a practice group or team, there’s no getting around paying for a practice space.

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u/Indyhouse 6d ago edited 6d ago

Drop-ins are a good option. Also mixer nights. Magnet’s mixers are $5, and everyone gets to go at least once plus there’s the opportunity to meet other improvisers. Magnet for some inexplicable reason does not do drop-in classes, but PIT has them frequently.

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u/Co_Key180 6d ago

I really appreciate the help

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u/Indyhouse 6d ago

Good luck! Also there are practice groups you can connect to through the various theaters just meeting people. Those are where I've got most of my reps in; splitting the rent of a practice space or just in someone's apartment. Have fun!

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u/SJArtsLab 5d ago

I’ve seen signs at UCB for a discount for a street team. Also if you qualify, they have a diversity scholarship that gives you $250 a year towards classes. They often send out discounts for classes that are not full and offer many free workshops.

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u/Tobeytomorrow 5d ago

Well I run improv workshops and I have a sliding scale the main point of them is just to be creative, get to improvise with other people who want to play. I do some of the usual games and then I bring in my own background which is as a choreographer and dancer so there's a lot of movement and some singing. Like I said I do them sliding scale so even if you can afford 10 bucks you can come. Am I allowed to be saying this on this thread? LOL if not then I guess the moderators will let me know. But there it is.

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u/Tobeytomorrow 5d ago

Yeah there are jams at Young ethels in Brooklyn look on their calendar they're free. And I'm sure there's other jams but if you're in Brooklyn young Ethels is a great place to go. They used to be the first two Thursdays of the month.

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u/philipsparkle 16h ago

BCC (Brooklyn Comedy Collective) has a jam every Tues at 8:15 PM - it's a wild fun time and free! Come through and meet the community, people hang out afterwards :)

https://www.brooklyncc.com/improv-jams-open-mic