Build confidence, unleash your creativity, and learn the core skills of improvisation in this fun and energetic beginners’ course. Perfect for complete beginners, these sessions introduce you to the essential techniques of improv through engaging games, exercises, and short-form scene work.
You’ll work closely with your classmates to create a supportive and playful improv team, learning how to make each other look brilliant. Along the way, you’ll discover new storytelling skills, quieten your inner critic, and embrace spontaneity.
Whether you want to boost your public speaking, add a tool to your performance skill set, overcome stage fright, or simply laugh and connect with new people, improv will give you the skills and confidence to think – and act – in the moment.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this Improvisation Level 1 course, you will be able to:
- Apply the fundamental tools of improvisation with confidence
- Build trust and teamwork with an ensemble cast
- Develop quick thinking through short-form games and scene work
- Improve communication skills using active listening and clear responses
- Use your body expressively and build physical awareness
- Embrace mistakes as part of the creative process
- Find your unique voice and comedic style
Benefits of Taking This Course
Improvisation is not just for the stage – the skills you learn here will help you in everyday life:
- Boost self-confidence in front of an audience or in day-to-day situations
- Think on your feet and respond with creativity and clarity
- Enhance communication skills through active listening and teamwork
- Reduce self-consciousness and embrace risk-taking in a safe space
- Meet like-minded people and form strong creative connections
- Discover joy in play while learning techniques that can be applied to performance and beyond
Start your improv journey with the essentials
Learn the building blocks of improvisation in a relaxed, friendly space.
Hear more, react better, connect deeper.
Enhance communication by tuning in and responding in the moment.
Learn, laugh, and sharpen your instincts.
Practise well-known short-form games that sharpen quick thinking and creativity.
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sep 2025 - 20 Oct 2025 | Mon | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks | Rita Suszek | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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| 18 Sep 2025 - 6 Nov 2025 | Thu | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks | Warren Rusher | WAC Arts | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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| 28 Sep 2025 - 16 Nov 2025 | Sun | 15:00-17:00 | 8 weeks | Linn Johansson | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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| 7 Oct 2025 - 25 Nov 2025 | Tue | 18:00-19:45 | 8 weeks | Warren Rusher | City Academy, Farringdon | £210.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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Useful information
No. This course is designed for complete beginners, and you’ll be guided step-by-step in a relaxed, supportive environment where everyone is starting from the same place. All you need to bring is an open mind and a willingness to have fun.
You’ll work in a small, supportive group. Any performance exercises are within the class, with no public audience for this course.
Comfortable clothing you can move in easily. No special equipment is needed.
Class sizes are kept small to ensure you get individual attention and plenty of practice time.
After completing Improvisation Level 1, you have a few great options to keep building your skills and confidence:
Improvisation Level 2 with Showcase
Consolidate your Level 1 skills with a focus on performance. This course develops scene work and culminates in a showcase for invited guests.
Improvisation Level 3 with Showcase
For Level 2 graduates and experienced improvisers. Hone performance techniques with advanced games and both short and long‑form scenes, leading to a public, ticketed showcase.
Improv Drop‑in Sessions
Low‑commitment, open sessions to top up your skills, try new styles and keep sharp between courses.
WHAT IS IMPROVISATION?
Improvisation is one of the core techniques used by actors. It stretches the imagination, sparks spontaneity and can lead to unforgettable performances. To the dismay of script writers everywhere, it has also been responsible for some of the best moments in cinema history! Jack Nicholson’s line, “Heeeeeere’s Johnny,” in the Shining? Improvised.
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sep 2025 - 20 Oct 2025 | Mon | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks | Rita Suszek | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 18 Sep 2025 - 6 Nov 2025 | Thu | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks | Warren Rusher | WAC Arts, Belsize Park | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 28 Sep 2025 - 16 Nov 2025 | Sun | 15:00-17:00 | 8 weeks | Linn Johansson | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 7 Oct 2025 - 25 Nov 2025 | Tue | 18:00-19:45 | 8 weeks | Warren Rusher | City Academy, Farringdon | £210.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 15 Oct 2025 - 3 Dec 2025 | Wed | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 2 Nov 2025 - 7 Dec 2025 | Sun | 10:00-12:00 | 6 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £219.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 24 Nov 2025 - 26 Jan 2026 | Mon | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks (no class 22 Dec & 29 Dec) | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 2 Dec 2025 - 3 Feb 2026 | Tue | 18:00-19:45 | 8 weeks (no class 23 Dec & 30 Dec) | Warren Rusher | City Academy, Farringdon | £210.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 12 Jan 2026 - 2 Mar 2026 | Mon | 19:40-21:25 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £210.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 16 Jan 2026 - 6 Mar 2026 | Fri | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 20 Jan 2026 - 10 Mar 2026 | Tue | 19:55-21:40 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £210.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 27 Jan 2026 - 17 Mar 2026 | Tue | 18:10-19:40 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | WAC Arts, Belsize Park | £219.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 31 Jan 2026 - 21 Mar 2026 | Sat | 15:15-17:15 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sep 2025 - 20 Oct 2025 | Mon | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks | Rita Suszek | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 18 Sep 2025 - 6 Nov 2025 | Thu | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks | Warren Rusher | WAC Arts, Belsize Park | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 28 Sep 2025 - 16 Nov 2025 | Sun | 15:00-17:00 | 8 weeks | Linn Johansson | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 7 Oct 2025 - 25 Nov 2025 | Tue | 18:00-19:45 | 8 weeks | Warren Rusher | City Academy, Farringdon | £210.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 15 Oct 2025 - 3 Dec 2025 | Wed | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 2 Nov 2025 - 7 Dec 2025 | Sun | 10:00-12:00 | 6 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £219.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 24 Nov 2025 - 26 Jan 2026 | Mon | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks (no class 22 Dec & 29 Dec) | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 2 Dec 2025 - 3 Feb 2026 | Tue | 18:00-19:45 | 8 weeks (no class 23 Dec & 30 Dec) | Warren Rusher | City Academy, Farringdon | £210.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 12 Jan 2026 - 2 Mar 2026 | Mon | 19:40-21:25 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £210.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 16 Jan 2026 - 6 Mar 2026 | Fri | 18:30-20:30 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 20 Jan 2026 - 10 Mar 2026 | Tue | 19:55-21:40 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £210.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 27 Jan 2026 - 17 Mar 2026 | Tue | 18:10-19:40 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | WAC Arts, Belsize Park | £219.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 31 Jan 2026 - 21 Mar 2026 | Sat | 15:15-17:15 | 8 weeks | Acting Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £240.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
-
WAC Arts, Belsize Park
Belsize Park, 213 Haverstock Hill,
All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.
CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY
After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:
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