Learning Funny
Let’s face it, there is not a “How To Be Funny” book or class; however, there are other ways to learn the craft. All across town, there are opportunities to educate yourself on being funny by simply being around other funny people in. You can do this in classes, workshops, and getting involved in some funny groups in Denver.
Improv is all about creating hilarious scenes, characters, and stories on the spot, with no script and endless possibilities. It's all sorts of fun, but can also benefit business practices and team-building activities. Beginners to improv creates a supportive space to step outside of their comfort zone, build confidence, and discover other interpersonal skills. Busy Professional often sharpen listening skills, ability to think on their feet, and teamwork. Seasoned Performers use improv to keep their acting skills sharp, adapt and respond in the moment, and can even spark new ideas for scripted work.
Whether you're a natural performer, a social butterfly, or maybe even looking to add to your business acumen, improv offers a unique blend of challenge, connection, and sometimes evens comedy.
Let’s ditch the script, embrace the unknown, and learn funny at these great places:
Improv Classes
This fantastic spot offers an extensive schedule of classes for all skill levels. They also offer drop in classes
This is Denver’s newest improv and sketch comedy theater and offers classes and performances for those beginning their improv journey all the way through to the experienced pros.
This Lakewood theatre is locally owned by seasoned performers consider Improvisational comedy an underappreciated art form and offer a variety of classes and drop in
Boulder’s improv scene starts and ends with the Improv Collaborative offering classes and shows year round.
With locations across the metro area, this school is for people of all ages and skill levels to get involved.
IMPROV VENUES
Denver has some great places to perform and check out some great improv groups all around the metro area. These unique spaces are a great way to get out and see some improv or do some performing
Located in the Denver Highlands, this theatre was created to be an accessible space available to artists who might otherwise be unable to access a venue of this kind.
Stages: A Practical Theater
This theater in Golden offers the gamut of theatrical experience, including Improv Performance, Traditional Theatre, Performance Lessons, and so much more!
IMPROV MEETUPS
Meetups are great ways to dip your toe into the proverbial improv waters. These groups are fun, inviting, most of the time free, and great ways to see if you love making stuff up.
The Meetup welcomes improvisers of all levels, including beginners and emphasizes emotional dynamics over being funny or following traditional improv rules.
Mindful Improv
Improv and sketch comedy groups have been around since there was such a thing as funny. Famous groups like Kids In the Hall and the Saturday Night Live casts generate some of the standards. While these groups are are selective, a lot of groups in Denver are always welcoming new members. In addition to being funny and being around funny people, these groups also:
Boosts Confidence: Improv thrives on thinking on your feet, which can dramatically improve your public speaking skills and overall confidence.
Builds Better Collaborators: Collaboration is key in both improv and sketch. You'll learn to build trust with your teammates and create something hilarious together.
Unleashes Your Creativity: Improv is pure invention, while sketch allows you to develop and refine comedic characters and ideas.
Relieves Stress: Need a break from the daily grind? There's nothing quite like the therapeutic power of laughter, both for yourself and the audience.
Now is your chance to check your script at the door and get with other funny people in these groups:
Improv Groups
This MeetUp group supports all local improv by sharing ways to watch, perform, and make friends through improv
This groups strive to spread joy through improv comedy and also believes in the power that improvisation has to change lives. After all, life is improvised.
Monkey Butler is a nonprofit group based on capitol hill in Denver and has a mission of “building happier communities through improv” by offering free classes and performances in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The Rodents Of Unusual Size Improv Comedy Troupe has been entertaining audiences with age-appropriate comedy to diverse crowds for over 15 years.
Formed in early 2021, this group provides opportunities for female and femme-identifying actors, writers, and filmmakers to self-produce work and has their own YouTube channel.