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BIG University

PLEASE NOTE: All classes will now be in-person unless otherwise specified.

“It will change your life!” That’s what we hear most often about taking improv classes. You’ll work with the best improvisers in Baltimore. You'll learn to create original, honest, and funny scenes & ideas through games, exercises and performances.

We offer classes for all levels. If you're a beginner or need an advanced specialized program, age is truly just a number! With comedy classes and workshops for adults, kids, and teens available, you will receive excellent training and specific feedback while you have the time of your life!

'One-Off' Workshops

Curious about improv but not ready to take the deep dive into a full class? BIG's one-off, two-hour Intro to Improv Workshops are a great way to get a taste for the art of improv and make some fast, new friends in the process!

These introductory workshops are designed to give participants an opportunity to experience what a class is like before committing to a full course. Through simple, fun , and supportive exercises, participants will explore basic concepts like playfulness, listening and agreement – all in a safe and comfortable group setting geared specifically toward those who are new to improv.

Space is limited, so please sign up ahead of time to secure your spot. For adults only, ages 18+.

'One-Off' Workshops

7-Week Class Sessions

Congratulations: you are ready to start and/or continue your improv journey in earnest! BIG's seven-week class sessions let you dig deeper into the art of improv with talented teachers and our evolving curriculum. Your improv class might just become the best part of your week as you build up your confidence, spontaneity, and communication skills in the midst of supportive and hilarious friends!

Best of all, each 7-week class culminates in a live participant showcase on the BIG stage, giving you the chance to show off your newfound skills to a crowd of loved ones! BIG classes are leveled and build off of each other chronologically, getting more challenging (and exciting!) at every new interval.

New improvisers should start at Level 101 but experienced improvisers may email the Education Director for information about skipping a level or two ahead. Elective courses are also available but may require certain prerequisites for entry. Click the link below to learn more about our curriculum and sign up for a class that's right for you!

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7-Week Class Curriculum

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4-Class Modules & Intensives

For the true improv nerds, BIG's 4-class modules and intensives offer the opportunity to drill down on specific improv techniques and performance formats. These classes typically include prerequisites and are tailored for improvisers who have already taken several full-length classes and/or have performance experience.

Modules and intensives are always being revamped and newly-conceived to cater to areas of interest.

Previous modules and intensives include: 'Social Justice Improv', Be the ACTIVE Ingredient In Scenes', 'Heightening in 2nd & 3rd Beats', 'Get Outta Your Head', 'The Spokane/Pretty Flower', and 'Framing & Organic Game'.

Click the link below to learn more about our modules and intensives and sign up for a class that's right for you!

Modules & intensives

Guest Workshops

BIG loves hosting visiting improv teachers from all over the world to grace our classrooms and share their creative wisdom! Over the years, BIG has been visited by renowned instructors, focusing on topics as diverse as stage combat, freestyle rapping & beatboxing, and puppetry, in addition to more standard improv-based offerings.

A slate of guest workshops are offered during our festival weeks (Baltimore Improv Festival and X-Fest) and otherwise happen about once a month. Either way, our selection of guest workshops is always being updated, so check the BIG website regularly for information on who will be visiting us next!

Click the link below to see if BIG is currently offering any guest workshops and sign up if you are interested!

Guest Workshops

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Youth Programming

Whether your child already loves getting goofy and simply needs an appropriate outlet for all that energy or your child is a bit shy and reluctant to take creative risks, BIG's youth programming provides a safe space for kids to grow and find their voice.

We regularly have options for kids (ages 8-12) and teens (ages 13-17) to learn more about improv and even grace the BIG stage for live, unscripted performances.

In addition to our regularly-scheduled workshops happening on the second Saturday of each month, BIG also facilitates Improv Intensives where kids get to work with a tight-knit group of other young improvisers for an entire month before putting on a culminating performance for friends and family.

BIG also hosts a Kids Improv Summer Camp each year and can be brought on to customize performances/workshops for birthday parties.

Youth Programming

Diversity and Inclusion

The Baltimore Improv Group is passionately committed to diversity, equity and inclusivity in our participant body, ensemble, and organizational leadership.

Diverse Voices Scholarship

BIG has a Diverse Voices Scholarship to encourage participation among members of underrepresented communities by providing financial aid for People of Color*, Senior Citizens, Veterans, Military Members, differently-abled persons, immigrants, and members of the LGBT community.

Read More/Apply

Read Our Class Policies

Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harrassment Policy

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