Classes

Discover the fun of improv theater! Community classes offered regularly for beginners and growing performers. Our classes emphasize the application of improvisation skills both on and off stage. We're improvising all the time and taking improv classes helps you do so with more ease, confidence, and joy. 

Discover Improv

Come discover the joy of improv in a supportive environment. 

In this 2-hour class you'll be introduced to key improv principles and we'll play games so you can experience them in action. Designed for people with little to no improv experience to enjoy. 
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 
6 - 8 PM
The Cherry Artspace, Ithaca
$25
For ages 16 and above.
Benefits of Improv
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  • Increases personal confidence.
  • Enhances creative thinking and decision-making skills.
  • Improves public speaking
  • Creates a culture of positivity, safety, and inclusion.
  • Reduces stress and increases fun in your life!

Myth: Improv is about being funny. 
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Nope, improv is about showing up with openness and curiosity and putting your energy into being part of a team that works well together. A side effect of that process is genuine surprise and laughter. ​

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What did you enjoy the most?
Responses from our past participants.​
"Fast paced, energetic, positive attitude from instructor, fun, variety of activities"
"The energy of creativity physically and spontaneously expressed."
"Space to play, be vulnerable and creative with other people."
Instructors

Erica Marx

Erica founded Ithaca Improv in 2015 and has been teaching improv classes ever since. A leadership coach by training, she specializes in bringing the principles and skills of improvisation into non-theater contexts including entrepreneurship, team development and executive facilitation. 

Erica has a MS in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Florida and a BS from Cornell. University. ​She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and on the board of the International Applied Improvisation Network. You can learn more about applied improvisation at Erica Marx Coaching. 

Fred Brown

Fred is an improv performer, composer and teacher. For the past 6 years he performed, directed, and coached improv at the Philly Improv Theater and performed at numerous improv festivals in the US and Canada. In addition to performing and coaching improv, he also accompanies improv shows with live music and has composed songs for podcasts, theatrical productions, independent films, and short comedic web sketches.

Fred has a MFA in Devised Performance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and an undergraduate degree in Classical Philology from Harvard University. He enjoys teaching for beginners looking to expand their horizons and advanced improvisers looking to hone their craft. You can learn more about Fred's work on his website.

Bringing out the best in people, together

Improv for Leadership and Team Performance

The #1 predictor of team performance in collaborative work environments is a shared sense of trust, which researchers call "psychological safety." Psychological safety is the measure of whether you believe team members have each other's back when the team goes through times of uncertainty and stress. The principles and activities developed in improvisation directly train teams  to listen, respond, support, and effectively co-create together during times when the stakes are high and no one person can predict or determine what will happen next. 

In this 2-hour highly interactive keynote presentation you will learn how the principles of improvisational theater can help you lead your team through times of uncertainty and change. Through a series of light and accessible activities, you’ll learn practical strategies to reduce your own stress while building trust, joy, and increased collaborative capacity of your team. No improv or theater experience needed. This program is available online and can be customized for your organization's goals and audience. 

For more information and a quote, contact Erica at (607) 269-7401.
Email: [email protected]

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