Riverside’s improv classes have helped hundreds 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!
Spring 2025 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 … March 24th – April 28th
SIPS & SCENE WORK
Mondays are for laughter, connection, and sharpening your improv scene skills! This fun and welcoming class is open to all levels, whether you’re brand new to improv or a seasoned performer. The focus is on scene work, character development, and collaboration—all while keeping the energy playful and low-pressure.
We’ll dive into the fundamentals of great scene work, explore how to build engaging moments with scene partners, and most importantly, get on our feet and play. No matter your experience level, you’ll find room to grow, take risks, and have fun in a supportive environment.
Need a little extra incentive to step out of your comfort zone? Each participant will receive one complimentary drink (beer, wine, soda, or sparkling water) to sip while bringing scenes to life!
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Mondays … 7:00-8:30PM … March 24th – April 28th
Ages 18 & 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.