Improv 101 The Basics of Improvisation
Improv 101 is designed for the beginner looking to expand creativity by learning to:
- Think on one’s feet
- Boost one’s ability to think in the moment
- Learn to say yes to one’s ideas and the ideas of others
- Find comedy in truth
- Creatively express oneself verbally and physically
Whether you are looking to embark on a journey of improvisational comedy or just want a class that will give you skills to use with regards to communication, idea generation, presentations skills, and interpersonal relationships, then Improv 101 is for you.
Our classes promote risk-taking in a safe environment so you discover your true creative nature. You don’t have to be outgoing to take this class because it is designed for everyone to find their most creative self.
John Haynes, Instructor
John Haynes is originally from Chicago where he was first exposed to Improvisation as a creative outlet while working in the healthcare field. John is a certified crisis/trauma counselor and also worked as a Patient Representative for Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN until deciding to work in theatre full-time. John was hired as an instructor with the Brave New Institute School of Improvisation. John was the Director of the Brave New Institute and also performed, wrote, and directed in various capacities for the Brave New Workshop. John is now the Director of the Creative Institute at the Actors Theater of Minnesota, as well as being a stage and on-camera actor, writer and director in the Twin Cities. John has provided creative workplace training for Cargill, Medtronic, Saint Mary’s University, 3M, Wells Fargo, CIT, Learner’s Edge, Destination Imagination, Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce, Saint Paul Hotel, as well as others.
Our Improv 101 class starts on Tuesday April 14th and runs 8 weeks, ending on June 2nd. Classes meet each Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Classes are held in the Cabaret at Camp Bar.
Improv 101 is designed for the beginner looking to expand creativity by learning to:
- Think on one’s feet
- Boost one’s ability to think in the moment
- Learn to say yes to one’s ideas and the ideas of others
- Find comedy in truth
- Creatively express oneself verbally and physically
Whether you are looking to embark on a journey of improvisational comedy or just want a class that will give you skills to use with regards to communication, idea generation, presentations skills, and interpersonal relationships, then Improv 101 is for you.
Our classes promote risk-taking in a safe environment so you discover your true creative nature. You don’t have to be outgoing to take this class because it is designed for everyone to find their most creative self.
Questions? E-mail John directly at john@actorsmn.org.
Testimonials
“Coming into this class with a background in interactive comedy made me wonder, since it was a beginning level improv class, if I would gain anything from it. The way John structured the class was almost customized to each of our experiences and he very much emphasized the ensemble learning mode of group trust and support. I was able to hone some skills and fine tune others, and being an actor who also works with limited funds John offered a 20% arts discount on the class. I very much appreciated that and look forward to taking more classes at The Creative Institute.”
-Denice
“I am a shy person and so one of my goals taking this class was to open up more. Also being a single mom limits my funds and John understood both of these concerns. He discounted my class fee and that helped me be able to take the class. I gained so much from having interaction with others to build my confidence for both personal and professional success.”
-Samantha
“I won the class at a silent auction for another theater company in the Twin Cities. At first I thought how great it was that one theater company would donate a class to another theater to use as a silent auction item for their fundraiser event. This class was great, as I am a stage actor, I needed to get some improv skills and be able to be more present. The class really helped me discover those skills.”
-David
“I stay at home and care for my grandchildren and so I have needed to get out and do something fun just for me. I have always been the type of person that isn’t always the most outgoing. I emailed John about the class and assured me it would be helpful and I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. He was right. I gained skills in the class that helped me to have confidence in social settings and found myself using those skills on a regular basis.”
-Marge
Improv 101 is designed for the beginner looking to expand creativity by learning to:
- Think on one’s feet
- Boost one’s ability to think in the moment
- Learn to say yes to one’s ideas and the ideas of others
- Find comedy in truth
- Creatively express oneself verbally and physically
Whether you are looking to embark on a journey of improvisational comedy or just want a class that will give you skills to use with regards to communication, idea generation, presentations skills, and interpersonal relationships, then Improv 101 is for you.
Our classes promote risk-taking in a safe environment so you discover your true creative nature. You don’t have to be outgoing to take this class because it is designed for everyone to find their most creative self.