How Long Does it Take to Learn Improv?

Improvisational theater, also known as improv, is an ensemble form of theater that relies on the spontaneity of the actors. Scenes develop naturally as they progress and no dialogue, setting, or plot is pre-established. Actors rely on each other and the choices they make to create an entertaining piece of theater. Improv scenes are typically comedic and may be short, long, or narrative form. 

You can learn the basics of improv in just a few months. However, mastering improv will take years. Of course, the length of time it takes you to learn improv will depend on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn improv and some resources that will help you speed up the learning process. 

What is Improv?

The first evidence of improvisational theater dates to ancient Rome, during the Atellan Farces. Improv as a form of entertainment developed substantially over the years. In the 16th-18th centuries, Italian comic theater relied heavily on improvisation and ensemble acting. Street performers around this time also improvised as a means of making money. 

By the mid-20th century, improv became formalized. Rules and theories began to solidify, and improv took a more professional turn. Improv theaters emerged and improvisational shows began airing on television in the US. Improv today is a staple of American pop culture and is a core component of drama training. 

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Improv is learned both casually and by professionals. You can learn improv as a fun game among friends or as a way to develop skills like public speaking and decision-making. Actors rely on improv to help them advance through auditions and to become more comfortable performing in front of an audience. 

Benefits of Learning Improv?

Whether you’re interested in pursuing acting professionally or not, learning improv can provide you with several benefits. Because there’s no script in improvised scenes, improv requires you to actively listen to your scene partners and make quick decisions. You’ll need to learn how to respond to the choices your partners make in a way that’s both entertaining for the audience but also makes sense in the context of the scene. This can help you learn to make quick decisions in your personal and professional life too. 

Learning improv can help you get over stage fright or a fear of public speaking. You cannot practice improv alone; you’ll need scene partners to work off and an audience. The more you practice improv with others, the more comfortable you’ll become performing. As you make mistakes and learn how to correct them quickly, you’ll become fewer nervous and uncertain in similar situations. 

Average Time It Takes to Learn Improv

Learning the basics of improv can take roughly three months. Beginner-level classes will typically teach you how to make creative and confident choices during a scene. You’ll learn how to listen and respond to your scene partners, how to add information, and how to establish the mood of the scene. 

It’ll likely take you years to develop professional-level improv skills. Once you understand the basics of improv, you’ll practice to further develop your skills. This can include your ability to develop rich characters, establish vibrant settings, and utilize your body and space to produce a convincing performance. 

An in-person or online improv class can teach you the foundations of improv and provide you with the chance to practice your skills. Classes are taught by professionals who can provide you with clear feedback aimed at helping you improve. You’ll also get the chance to work with others who can provide you with tips and tricks. 

The time it takes you to learn the basics of improv as well as more advanced skills will depend on a variety of factors. Whether you’re learning improv for fun or to help develop your professional skills, you’ll need to consider these factors. 

Other Factors

There are a variety of factors that can influence someone’s ability to learn improv. One factor may influence your learning experience more than another, or you may be affected by them all equally. Your prior experience acting, how much time you have available to learn improv, the speed with which you learn new things, and how receptive you are to feedback can all influence the amount of time it takes you to learn improv. 

Prior Experience

Those with prior acting experience might find learning improv to be familiar to them, to an extent. If you’re an actor, you’ll have experience on stage and in front of an audience who non-actors probably do not. This can make it easier for you to make confident choices during a scene. You may also be more familiar with developing a setting, character, and conflict as well. 

However, the spontaneity of improv can be unsettling for some actors who are used to working with a script. In this case, it may be more difficult for you to make choices off the top of your head. Practicing improv and learning how to make spontaneous choices will improve your acting overall, as you can transfer the skills you learn from improv to your scripted acting. 

Available Time to Learn

The more time you have to learn improv, the quicker you’ll learn. You should try to set aside about two hours per week to learn improv. This can include attending an improv class or workshop, watching an online video or tutorial, or attending an improv show and taking notes. It’s also beneficial to switch up how you spend your learning time. One week you may attend a class and another week you might attend a show. 

Speed of Learning

Some people are quicker to pick up skills than others. The speed with which you learn may be influenced by the topic, your prior experience, and your interest. The pace with which you learn improv is not all that important. Improv is a skill that’s improved through repetition. 

If you’re a quick learner, you’ll be able to pick up the basics quickly. But it’s still important that you frequently practice improv to continue improving and developing your skills. 

Receptiveness to Feedback 

It’s important to take the feedback you receive over your performance into consideration. Constructive feedback is aimed at helping you improve and develop areas in which you’re lacking. The more accepting you are of feedback, the faster you’ll improve. 

It’s important that you learn improv with others. Self-guided learning can be convenient, but it won’t provide you with the option to receive feedback on how you’re doing. You can sign up for an in-person or online improv class run by a professional who will provide you with instructor and peer feedback. 

What to Know Before Learning Improv: 

Before learning improv, you should be prepared for what you’ll be learning. Beginner-level classes will emphasize making strong and confident decisions. You’ll get the chance to practice in nearly every beginner-level class. However, it’s important that you develop your confidence and creative voice in these classes. 

Intermediate and advanced-level classes are focused on developing your skill set further. They’ll typically revolve around scene work and ways to develop rich characters. You can find resources online to help you get started or you can enroll in an improv class on CourseHorse. 

Most beginner-level improv classes don’t require you to have acting experience. It’s useful to have an open and creative mind as well as confidence going into a class. But it’s okay if you don’t. Foundational courses tend to emphasize the development of confidence in participants. Becoming more confident in your choices and in performing in front of others will make you better at improv. 

Can I Learn Improv for Free / on My Own?

You can learn the basics of improv online for free. There are videos and tutorials that you can access that will teach you the basics of improv. They might also help you develop the confidence it takes to perform in front of others.

Self-guided learning is a convenient way to learn improv. However, if you have questions and would like feedback, it’s best to enroll in an improv class or workshop. Attending an online or in-person class will also give you the chance to perform in front of others, unlike self-guided learning options. 

Key Takeaways

• You can learn the basics of improv in about three months. Developing professional-level improv skills can take several years. 
• The length of time it’ll take you to learn improv is dependent on your prior acting experience, how much time you have available to dedicate to learning, how quickly you learn new things, and how receptive you are to feedback. 
• You can learn the basics of improv online using videos and tutorials, or by taking an improv class. 
• You can contact CourseHorse to find out about the online and in-person training options available to you, including private group sessions.