Modern Improv: The Art Behind the Comedy You Love
The Art Behind the Comedy You Love
Modern improv is the engine behind much of today’s best entertainment. From late-night TV to sketch comedy, stand-up to streaming hits—improvisers are behind the sharpest, most unforgettable moments. They don’t wait for scripts. They create in real time.
American Improv brings this amazing art form to Vienna. We don’t do gimmicks. We teach real tools used by real performers—like presence, timing, trust, and spontaneity. You’ll learn to create from nothing, listen deeply, and stay calm when everything is uncertain.
It’s not about being funny. It’s about being ready. For the stage. For work. For life.
Everyone Starts Somewhere
Before they were household names, they were improv students. Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Bill Murray—they all started here: in improv class, learning to take risks and trust themselves.
They weren’t born quick. They trained for it. So can you.
Why American Improv Feels Different
We teach improv the way it was meant to be taught—story-driven, emotionally grounded, and designed to have a lasting impact on your life. Our roots are in Chicago-style long-form improv, where scenes grow from truth, not tricks.
You’ll work with methods developed at Second City, iO, UCB, and The Groundlings—techniques that shaped generations of performers. You’ll learn how to connect, take space, and make your scene partner look good.
This isn’t about chasing laughs. It’s about making real moments.
And yes—people laugh harder when the moment is real.
The Skills That Change You
Say “yes, and.” Make bold choices. Support your partner. Let go of the plan. These aren’t just improv rules—they’re tools for life.
You’ll notice the shift far beyond the stage.
Built for People, Not Performers
Improv isn’t just for actors and performers. Our students are creatives, expats, introverts, tech workers, freelancers from all over the world—people from every background who want to think faster, stop overthinking, and be heard.
You don’t need to be funny. You’ll learn to be present. In our classes, we create a safe space to explore, connect, and get out of your head.
You’ll be surprised how fast things shift when you start leading with instinct. And how much more alive you feel when you stop trying to get it “right.”
You don’t have to perform to transform.
A Space That Supports Risk
Trying something new can feel intimidating. That’s why we build the environment where risk feels safe—and where failure is part of the fun.
You’ll walk in nervous. You’ll walk out recharged.
Step Into the Room. Everything Changes.
Improv doesn’t just teach you how to speak. It teaches you how to show up—without the armor, without the overthinking. It trains you to lead with instinct, stay present, and create something real with other people.
In every class, you’ll laugh hard, mess up, start again, and surprise yourself. You’ll connect with people who are done playing it safe. You’ll discover that what makes you different is what makes you powerful.
The work is deep. The impact is lasting. And the first step is simple.