The Institution Theater

Making the Impossible Happen

Improv classes and off-beat theatre in Austin, TX

The Institution Theater is a fully operational school on Improvisation, Sketch Writing, and Comedic Acting with 8-week programs available for different levels of experience (listed below). In addition, we occasionally offer one-off classes with easier time commitments, taught by special guest instructors and with a more advanced focus of study. There are also the Free Improv Workshops that we host every two months. It’s the best and easiest way to get a taste of what improv and The Institution is all about.

Free Improv Workshop with The Institution Theater

Ongoing Classes with The Institution Theater

With the most experienced staff in town, The Institution Theater is emerging as a leading school for people in and around Austin to study the Art of Improvisation, Sketch Writing and Comedic Acting. We guarantee a safe and supportive environment to let yourself be free and have fun.

At The Institution Theater our goal is to show our students that they already possess the skills and imagination, they just don‘t know it. Whether you're a classically trained actor or a complete beginner, we'll help you get rid of your fears and find your artistic voice so that you can express yourself in a fun, creative manner.

Sketch Lab 101: Beginning Sketch Writing — $175.00

This class will focus on taking your funny ideas, goofy characters and crazy “what ifs?” and turning them into sketches that are entertaining, thought provoking and funny. Through a series of exercises, demonstrations and weekly homework assignments that Tom Booker developed during the seven years that he taught sketch writing at The Second City Training Center, you will emerge from this class with a knowledge of the different types of sketches used most often in sketch writing, the ability to get your point of view across to the world in a unique and humorous way, and a portfolio of your work. No previous writing experience is necessary. Students only need to possess a willingness to learn.

This class is limited to 10 students.

Save $10.00 with coupon code EarlyBird before May 19!

Mondays starting May 21 for 8 weeks with Ted Meredith from 7:00pm – 10:00pm Register

Improv 101: Self-Expression & Empowerment — $79.00

The first step in learning to improvise is self-expression; you’re a creative person with lots of ideas that need to come out. Through acting exercises and improv games played in a safe and fun environment, you’ll learn to spontaneously create great improvised scenes and characters with strong points of view. Whether your goal is to use improv as a tool for acting or a way to enhance your life, you will walk away with a sense of freedom and empowerment that only this art form can bring.

Wednesdays starting May 23 for 8 weeks with Ted Meredith from 7:00pm – 9:30pm Register
Saturdays starting May 26 for 8 weeks with Sarah Marie Curry from 3:00pm – 5:30pm Register

Improv 201: Scene Dynamics and Forms — $160.00

All improv scenes are about the dynamics between its characters. You’ll learn how the simplest moves can develop into the richest of stories with fun and complex relationships. This class will explore emotional range, stage picture and build upon the character development of Improv 101 to deliver you into the most awesome scenes you can imagine.

Save $10.00 with coupon code EarlyBird before May 19!

Wednesdays starting May 23 for 8 weeks with Kristin Firth from 7:00pm – 9:30pm Register
Saturdays starting May 26 for 8 weeks with Justin Davis from 12:00pm – 2:30pm Register

Sketch Lab 201: Intermediate Sketch Writing — $175.00

This class will build on the lessons learned in Sketch Lab 101 as we delve into the world of writing satire, using music in our sketches, writing for short films and messing with the perceived and expected form of sketch writing. Students will be given weekly homework assignments as well as in class writing assignments and rewriting assignments throughout this course. Students are required to take Sketch Lab 101 before being allowed to enroll in Sketch Lab 201.

This class is limited to 10 students.

Save $10.00 with coupon code EarlyBird before May 19!

Wednesdays starting May 23 for 8 weeks with Tom Booker from 7:00pm – 10:00pm Register

Improv 301: Group Think and Play — $160.00

Step into advanced scene work and the beginnings of longform. The class will break every convention and create some new ones along the way. Learn how easy group scenes can be, to edit in a way that is less polite and more helpful, and to assess the energy in the room more quickly and how to participate in it – more importantly how to play in it. Milk the fun in each and every moment on stage and off.

Save $10.00 with coupon code EarlyBird before May 19!

Tuesdays starting May 22 for 8 weeks with Asaf Ronen from 7:00pm – 9:30pm Register
Sundays starting May 27 for 8 weeks with Asaf Ronen from 3:00pm – 5:30pm Register

Sketch Lab 401: Producing A Live Sketch Review — $175.00

This class will focus on learning what it takes to put up a successful sketch review. Using material that has been developed by the writers during Sketch Lab 101, Sketch Lab 201 and Sketch Lab 301, this class will cover everything from audition the actors and selecting a cast, developing material for the actors strengths, creating a running order to publicizing the show and generating an audience. The instructor will act as director and head writer but the students will be allowed a lot of input in the development of the production.

Save $10.00 with coupon code EarlyBird before May 19!

Tuesdays starting May 22 for 8 weeks with Tom Booker from 7:00pm – 10:00pm Register

Improv 401: Structure and Form — $160.00

Learn to listen to the rhythms of scenes to develop new structures that have never been played. Along the way, the class will touch upon familiar forms such as the Harold, monoscenes, and storyboard before going completely freeform where students will be guided in pushing the boundaries. Learn about how stage isn't just the 7 inches of wood that we're standing on, but anywhere that the performance takes you.

Save $10.00 with coupon code EarlyBird before May 19!

Mondays starting May 21 for 8 weeks with John Ratliff from 7:00pm – 9:30pm Register

Master Class: Improv Clubhouse — $120.00

In this class the majority of the time will be spent with the actors working together as an ensemble while exploring existing long form formats as well as experimenting with new ideas and impulses which will be encouraged and experimented with as the class attempts to push both the form and the actor to new heights. Some classes may focus on one area or aspect of the actor or performance. Other classes may be used by the instructor as a general diagnostic class where the instructor will help each actor work through any performance problems or issues that may be occurring. Each class will be unique to allow the freedom to structure the class to the needs of the actors, and the ensemble.

Sundays starting May 20 for 8 weeks with Asaf Ronen from 12:00pm – 2:30pm Register