Kids classes & performances
A six-week class focused on learning the basics of improv and having fun! This class starts on September 7th, 2025: Register Now
In this six-week class we will play improv games and learn to make spontaneous scenes with our friends. Students will be introduced to improvised scene work through "Yes, And" and have lots of time for joyful play.
Students will have the ability to collaborate with others in a safe, fun environment with the goal of ending the class with the ability to perform with friends in a guided set of scenes and games. All students should be comfortable with in-class participation and taking feedback from a director and coach.
There is room for 10 students total, and we will need at least 6 students signed up for the class to make.
*Parents will receive a form before class starts to provide details about their student*
Instructor: Shyla Hungerford
adult classes & Performances
A six-week class focused on learning the founding principles of longform improv as performed in Chicago and NYC.
Thursdays starting October 9th. Registering now!
About this event
In this six-week class we will focus on a blend of introductory concepts (learning the foundations of improvised scene work through "Yes, And") and building on general agreement to create rich scenes. This class is geared towards both new students and those wishing to increase their longform improvisation competency.
Students will have the ability to collaborate with others in a safe, fun environment with the goal of ending the class with the ability to partner in an improvised scene. This class does not require prior improv experience. All students should be comfortable with in-class participation.
Our teaching approach and philosophy centers on Chicago/NYC style "long form" scene improvisation, which focuses on character development, collaborative agreement and world-building similar to what is used in shows like This Week Sucked and Breeders.
There is room for 10 students total, and we will need at least 6 students signed up for the class to make.
Level 2 Longform Improv for Adults
Tuesdays 6-7:30 starting on September 16th. Register Now
About our Curriculum
This scene-work class is for any improviser who has completed at least one level of longform improv instruction. We will focus on creating longform scenes that are grounded and funny. You'll learn how to choose a compelling character, find a heightening path quickly in a scene, and craft a relationship in a scene that can fuel it for the long haul. At the end of this course students will be able to perform a full 25 minute set of improv with great scenes and self-editing. There is room for 10 students total, and we will need at least 6 students signed up for the class to make.
Instructor: Shyla Hungerford
Minimum Enrollment: 6
Maximum Enrollment:10
Level 3 Longform Improv for Adults
Tuesdays 8-9:30 starting on September 18th. Register Now
About our Curriculum
This scene-work class is for improvisers who have completed level 2 of longform improv instruction at The Lab. This class will help you sharpen the heightening paths in your improv and let you ‘find the funny faster.’ Using relationship, status, and environment we will focus on how scenes can present an invisible script for us to follow. We will also work on all the sparkly devices: walk-ons, tap-outs, cut-to’s, and split scenes, that can give your improv sets an extra dimension of play.
Student Information
Students are eligible to attend shows during their active session for free; available tickets are released at 10 min prior to showtime.
Instructor: Michael Jastroch
Minimum Enrollment: 6
Maximum Enrollment:10
Coached Longform Ensemble (Dinner for Six)
We are currently inviting adults (18+) with formal improv experience to submit for a coached longform troupe to learn/perform the monoscene. Register Now
Our mission is to provide committed performers with a deep interest in comedy and collaboration an opportunity to rehearse and perform with like-minded peers.
The coached ensemble format is ideal for players that have taken improv classes and are interested in diving deeper into longform. A minimum of 6 players will be required to enroll and no more than 10 performers will be assigned to the ensemble.
This course is a two hour, ten-week, coached Ensemble and includes three class performances.
Dinner for Six is a classic Chicago improv format wherein performers have the space and time to stretch out and explore truthful characters and relationships. Opening on three couples at a dinner party, the show takes its time to establish these character's backstories and relationships before breaking off into a series of slow-burn two person scenes. This class will be perfect for performers looking to learn how to do mono scenes or deeper, more committed character work.This session will combine longform classroom instruction with stage time over a 10-12 week period.
Rehearsal Schedule
The Ensemble class will meet Wednesdays 5:30-7:30, September 24th - November 26th. There will also be three class shows.
Student Profile and Info
Prospective troupe members should know the fundamentals of improv and demonstrate good listening and collaboration skills. Students should have previously compleated at least three levels of improv instruction at The Lab.
Coach for this session: Michael Jastroch
Instructor: Michael Jastroch
Minimum Enrollment: 6
Maximum Enrollment:10