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FROM FIRST LINE TO FINAL BOW - MASTER THE ART OF ACTING

ACTING CLASSES

Improvisation Classes - Level 1

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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'LL 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 THE IMORIVE 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.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Do I need any previous performance experience?
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.
Will I have to perform in front of an audience?
You’ll work in a small, supportive group. Any performance exercises are within the class, with no public audience for this course.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing you can move in easily. No special equipment is needed.
How big is the class?
Class sizes are kept small to ensure you get individual attention and plenty of practice time.
What comes next after Level 1?

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.

FIND OUT MORE

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
30 Jun 2026 - 04 Aug 2026
Tue
18:15-20:15
6 weeks
Rita Suszek
City Academy, Farringdon
£180.00
09 Jul 2026 - 10 Sep 2026
Thu
19:55-21:10
10 weeks
Alasdair Hankinson
WAC Arts
£180.00
11 Jul 2026 - 15 Aug 2026
Sat
10:15-12:15
6 weeks
Warren Rusher
City Academy, Farringdon
£180.00
31 Jul 2026 - 04 Sep 2026
Fri
18:10-20:10
6 weeks
Rita Suszek
City Academy, Farringdon
£180.00
09 Aug 2026 - 13 Sep 2026
Sun
10:15-12:15
6 weeks
City Academy, Farringdon
£180.00
11 Aug 2026 - 06 Oct 2026
Tue
18:05-19:35
8 weeks (no class 22 Sep)
Warren Rusher
City Academy, Farringdon
£180.00
11 Sep 2026 - 30 Oct 2026
Fri
18:10-19:30
8 weeks
City Academy, Farringdon
£180.00
06 Oct 2026 - 24 Nov 2026
Tue
19:45-21:15
8 weeks
Warren Rusher
City Academy, Farringdon
£180.00
17 Oct 2026 - 21 Nov 2026
Sat
10:15-12:15
6 weeks
City Academy, Farringdon
£180.00
13 Nov 2026 - 18 Dec 2026
Fri
18:15-20:15
6 weeks
City Academy, Farringdon
£180.00
08 Dec 2026 - 09 Feb 2027
Tue
18:05-19:35
8 weeks (no class 22 Dec & 29 Dec)
Warren Rusher
City Academy, Farringdon
£180.00
30
Jun
30 Jun 2026 - 04 Aug 2026
£180.00
Day:Tue
Time:18:15-20:15
Duration:6 weeks
Tutor: Rita Suszek
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
09
Jul
09 Jul 2026 - 10 Sep 2026
£180.00
Day:Thu
Time:19:55-21:10
Duration:10 weeks
Tutor: Alasdair Hankinson
Venue: WAC Arts
11
Jul
11 Jul 2026 - 15 Aug 2026
£180.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:15-12:15
Duration:6 weeks
Tutor: Warren Rusher
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
31
Jul
31 Jul 2026 - 04 Sep 2026
£180.00
Day:Fri
Time:18:10-20:10
Duration:6 weeks
Tutor: Rita Suszek
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
09
Aug
09 Aug 2026 - 13 Sep 2026
£180.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:15-12:15
Duration:6 weeks
Tutor: Acting Tutors
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
11
Aug
11 Aug 2026 - 06 Oct 2026
£180.00
Day:Tue
Time:18:05-19:35
Duration:8 weeks (no class 22 Sep)
Tutor: Warren Rusher
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
11
Sep
11 Sep 2026 - 30 Oct 2026
£180.00
Day:Fri
Time:18:10-19:30
Duration:8 weeks
Tutor: Acting Tutors
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
06
Oct
06 Oct 2026 - 24 Nov 2026
£180.00
Day:Tue
Time:19:45-21:15
Duration:8 weeks
Tutor: Warren Rusher
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
17
Oct
17 Oct 2026 - 21 Nov 2026
£180.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:15-12:15
Duration:6 weeks
Tutor: Acting Tutors
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
13
Nov
13 Nov 2026 - 18 Dec 2026
£180.00
Day:Fri
Time:18:15-20:15
Duration:6 weeks
Tutor: Acting Tutors
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
08
Dec
08 Dec 2026 - 09 Feb 2027
£180.00
Day:Tue
Time:18:05-19:35
Duration:8 weeks (no class 22 Dec & 29 Dec)
Tutor: Warren Rusher
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon

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)

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:

City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden
WAC Arts
WAC Arts
Closest Station: Belsize Park
Closest Bus Stop: Finchley Road Station

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses:

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.

Rita Suszek
Rita Suszek
👤
Alasdair Hankinson
Warren Rusher
Warren Rusher
Acting Tutors
Acting Tutors

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

After you have completed your course - we recommend continuing your journey on one of the following courses: