Over the past year, Riverside’s improv classes have helped dozens of individuals ignite their creativity and find their voice. Whether you’re an introvert looking to break out of your shell or an extrovert seeking to refine your creative skills, our classes welcome everyone!
Fall 2024 Improv Classes
LAUGHS BEFORE LUNCH: A Daytime Improv Class
Make your Mondays just a little bit brighter at Riverside Theatre. Join Kathleen Johnson for an hour each week while we laugh and learn about the fundamentals of improv. Never taken an improv class before? No problem! Nervous about performing? No performing necessary! Eager to get out and meet some new people? This is the class for you!
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Mondays … 11:00am-Noon … Nov 4th – Dec 9th
HAPPY HOUR IMPROV
Mondays are for laughter, libations, and getting a little outside of your comfort zone. Join Dan Junis for Happy Hour Improv from 5:30-6:30 to gather, grab a drink, and play improv games. Never taken an improv class before? No problem! Already an improv performer? There’s space for you here too! Happy hour improv will touch on the basics principals of improvisation, but is even more focused on getting on our feet, playing around, and letting go of the work day!
If the thought of meeting new people and gathering in Riverside Theatre’s beautiful space doesn’t make you happy enough…then maybe the fact that each participant will receive 1 drink (beer, wine, soda, sparking water, etc) will put that smile on your face!
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Mondays … 5:30-6:30PM … Nov 4th -Dec 9th
Ages 21 and up
PAST CLASSES
YES, AND TWO BEERS: LEVEL 2
Already taken an improv class? Performed improv before? Have a clear idea of the fundamentals…but want to learn more? Join Kathleen Johnson at Riverside Theatre in downtown Iowa City to LEVEL UP your improv skills in this intermediate class designed to deepen our knowledge of storytelling, character development, and improv scene/format skills.
If the thought of improv scares you, we’ll bring some liquid courage… each participant will receive 2 drinks (beer, wine, soda, sparkling water, etc) at each class!
Ages 21 and up
YES, AND TWO BEERS: LEVEL 1
Improv is not just about performing…it isn’t even just for performers. Improv is a great way to network, cultivate more energy, improve communication skills, and have some fun.
Join Kathleen Johnson at Riverside Theatre in downtown Iowa City to learn the FUNDAMENTALS OF IMPROVISATION in your personal and professional life.
If the thought of improv scares you, we’ll bring some liquid courage… registration includes up to 2 drinks (beer, wine, soda, sparkling water, etc) at each class!
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Ages 21 and up
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Kathleen Johnson, Riverside’s Director of Education & Outreach, has been teaching improv, theatre arts, and communication throughout the midwest for the past 15 years. She attended Notre Dame University and earned her BA in Theatre and English. She went on to earn her Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of Iowa. She studied improv from performers at Second City Improv, Improv Olympic, and Huge Improv Theatre, has performed on short form and long form improv troupes, coached adult improv teams, and has led dozens of improv classes and corporate improv workshops.
Dan Junis, an improv instructor at Riverside, has been involved in Iowa City’s improv scene for the past 7 years. He attended the University of Iowa and earned his BA and MA in Linguistics. Dan studied improv through Willow Creek Theatre, Riverside Theatre, and several workshops offered by IO from Chicago. He has co-taught improv classes at Riverside, is a founding member of Willow Creek’s house team Lady Franklyn, and has been performing long form with Lady Franklyn for 3 years.