The Institution Theater

Making the Impossible Happen

Improv classes and off-beat theatre in Austin, TX

FREE IMPROV WORKSHOPS 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.

Improv 101: Self-Expression & Empowerment — $99.00

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 29 for 8 weeks with Ted Meredith from 7:00pm – 9:30pm Register
Saturdays starting Jun 1 for 8 weeks with Tom Booker 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 25!

Mondays starting Jun 3 for 8 weeks with Tom Booker from 7:00pm – 10:00pm 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 25!

Saturdays starting Jun 1 for 8 weeks with Justin Davis from 3:00pm – 5:30pm Register
Mondays starting Jun 3 for 8 weeks with Sarah Marie Curry from 7:00pm – 9:30pm Register

Improv 301: Group Connection 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 25!

Wednesdays starting May 29 for 8 weeks with Asaf Ronen from 7:00pm – 9:30pm Register
Sundays starting Jun 2 for 8 weeks with Asaf Ronen from 1:00pm – 3:30pm Register

Improv 401: Structure and Form — $160.00

PREREQUISITE: MUST HAVE ALREADY TAKEN 301 TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS CLASS

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.

Sundays starting Jun 2 for 8 weeks with Clifton Highfield from 1:00pm – 3:30pm Register
Tuesdays starting Jun 4 for 8 weeks with Clifton Highfield from 7:00pm – 9:30pm Register

Master Class: Improv Clubhouse — $135.00

PREREQUISITE: MUST HAVE ALREADY TAKEN 401 TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS CLASS

Master Class is where we get heavily diagnostic and provide the improvisers with individualized notes and challenges. There will also be a rotation of The Institution's instructors as they take through a boot camp of their strongest lessons.

You can register for all 8 for $120 or Drop In for a cost of $20 per. Slots are not guaranteed for Drop Ins.

Save $15.00 with coupon code EarlyClubBird before May 25!

Tuesdays starting Jun 4 for 8 weeks with Various instructors from 7:00pm – 9:30pm Register