Austin
Improv classes
Every school and company we know of running improv classes in Austin — what they teach and where to sign up. Details come from each school's own site; confirm dates and prices with them directly.
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ColdTowne Theater
The ColdTowne Conservatory is 'Austin's premier long form improv and sketch comedy training center', with classes in three tracks — improv, sketch comedy and stand-up. UCB classes now run alongside the Conservatory: eight-week courses of three-hour sessions ending in a showcase performance, $450.
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The Hideout Theatre
'We offer nine levels of six-week classes, with Level One classes starting every month' — improv rooted in Keith Johnstone's methodology, from fundamentals through Theatresports, narrative longform and self-directed shows, plus Hideout Kids classes and camps. Next Level One runs: Tuesdays Sep 22 - Oct 27 2026 at 5555 N Lamar Blvd B103 and Wednesdays Sep 23 - Oct 28 at 7620 Guadalupe St, 7:00-9:30pm, $224-$265; later blocks are printed for Mondays Oct 12 - Nov 16 and Wednesdays Nov 4 - Dec 9 (N Lamar), Thursdays Oct 22 - Nov 26 (1110 Guadalupe St) and Saturdays Nov 7 - Dec 19, 2:30-5:00pm (N Lamar). Free sample classes: the classes page advertises 'a two-hour Free Improv Class twice a month', and the class calendar lists free 75-minute sessions on Sundays Sep 13, 20 and 27 at 5:30pm. Also teaching in Round Rock in partnership with Penfold Theatre, with a six-week Level One course (2.5 hours per week) and free 90-minute sample classes on October 21 and 28.
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Fallout Theater
Austin's School of Comedy at Fallout teaches improv, sketch, stand-up and clown classes for all skill levels. No sessions are currently open for booking.
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Excused Absence Comedy (Move Your Tale)
'Our Conservatory Program offers advanced levels of Improv and Sketch Comedy training through weekly classes, school break camps, and performance opportunities' — weekly improv classes for kids and teens in the fall and spring semesters, grouped by grade (1st-2nd, 2nd-4th, 5th-6th and middle school), plus workshops, limited series and school-break camps. The parent organisation, Move Your Tale, also brings improv workshops and shows to schools and libraries.
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Penfold Theatre Company
Round Rock's professional theatre company hosts The Hideout Theatre's improv training north of Austin — 'The Hideout Theatre is excited to bring its improv comedy classes to Round Rock!' — with a six-week adult Level One workshop plus kids' improv classes. Dates and prices are not published for those; booking is through the Penfold box office. Penfold Academy's own fall term adds 'Teen Improv (Grades 7 – 12) | Wednesdays at 6:00 PM': 'Classes start the week of August 31 and conclude the week of November 16', once a week for 55 minutes, tuition $240. The company also runs its own summer theatre camps for grades 1-12.
Before your first class
Learn the fundamentals free.
Our twelve-chapter course covers yes-and, listening, game of the scene and more — read it in an afternoon and walk into class ahead.