Improv for Adults

Our Improv for Adult courses are open to anyone 18 years or over. No experience is required. This is also the entry level for those who want to join the theatre company. Once paid there are no refunds unless the class has been cancelled.

2025 courses: 

Mondays 6pm – 8pm

3 February – 7 April

28 April – 7 July
(no workshop on 2 June King’s Birthday)

21 July – 22 September

6 October – 15 December
(no workshop on 27 October Labour Day)

Improv 101: Pre-requisite: To be over 18 years or older.

Improv 101

It’s a 10-week program on Monday nights 6pm – 8pm. The classes are 2-hours long. The course is an introduction to the art of improvisation and is suitable for the complete beginner and someone with basic improv experience.  

Pre-requisite: To be over 18 years or older. 

Why do Improv 101?

There are a few reasons why, here are just some of them:

1. To learn the skills that improv imparts such as collaboration, being present, communication skills and more. 

2. To meet new people and have more fun into their lives.

3. To challenge themselves and do something new.

4. To flex their creativity especially as an antidote to their working lives.

5. To improve their social skills, public speaking and manage anxiety better.

6. To join the Covert Theatre, perform regularly and become a part of a supportive community. 

Improv 201

It’s a 10-week program on Monday nights 8.15pm – 9.45pm. The classes are 90-minutes long. The course covers short form basics and gets you ready to perform on stage.  

Pre-requisite: Improv 101 (attended a minimum of 8 of the 10 classes).

Why do Improv 201?

There are a few reasons why, here are just some of them:

1. You want to continue learning the skills that the art of improvisation teaches.

2. You want to challenge yourself - at the end of the course you perform in the Rookie Improv Night show on stage at the Covert Theatre.

3. You want to join the Covert Theatre and do workshops, have performance opportunities and become a part of a supportive community.

Where to after Improv 201?

You can stop with the show or if you’re keen to carry on learning and performing, you can sign up for Improv 301.

Improv 301 

It’s a 10-week program on Tuesdays 6pm – 8pm. The classes are 2-hours long. It’s an introduction to long form improvisation. This is the final stage in being eligible to join the Covert Theatre. 

Pre-requisite: Improv 201 (attended a minimum of 8 of the 10 classes).

Why do Improv 301?

There are a few reasons why, here are just some of them:

1. You want to continue learning the skills that the art of improvisation teaches.

2. You want to continue having fun and flexing your creativity. 

3. You want to join the Covert Theatre and do workshops, have performance opportunities and become a part of a supportive community.

Where to after Improv 301?

You can stop with the course or if you’re keen to join the theatre, you can apply for a trial membership. 

Joining the Covert Theatre

The theatre runs Block Workshops (Tuesday 6pm – 8pm) and Drop In workshops (Tuesday 8.15pm – 9.45pm) for members and offers regular performance opportunities.

Pre-requisite: Improv 301 (attended a minimum of 8 of the 10 classes).

Why join the Covert Theatre?

There are a few reasons why, here are just some of them:

1. You have been bitten by the improv bug and realise it’s a fantastic way to grow and develop yourself.

2. You love being a part of fun, supportive community where you get to play and express your creativity.

3. You’re a total show pony and want to get on stage and be fabulous.

4. You want to learn from and perform with NZ’s best improvisers.

5. You want discount drinks at the Covert bar and access to free shows.  

The Art of Improvisation

Improvisation (improv) is an art form that brings you closer to yourself as it elicits freedom of creative expression. It is a form of active mindfulness as it teaches you to be in the present moment and helps you unlock your innate creativity.

It is the theatre of adventure!

The classes teach improv skills and performance techniques. You don't have to be a performer to do this course and it will enhance your life in every way.

Improv develops your storytelling ability, increases confidence, enhances your listening & communication skills, builds resilience and much more, while having massive fun!

There are only four courses a year with numbers strictly limited so book now to avoid disappointment. This is also the first step if you wish to join the Covert Theatre.

Learn more here about the benefits of Improvisation.

What those who did Improv 101 say:

"What a brilliant 10 weeks! This course really reminded me how special (and awesome) the art of being in the moment is. What I thought might be a bit scary and embarrassing actually gave me a real feel good factor and a lot of laughs! I met a great bunch of people, from the course teachers to my fellow course mates and really feel it has helped me to brave the unknown."

"Totally not what I was expecting. I felt like a inner child jump out of my adult body. It was a transformative 10 weeks where I got to see myself and other classmates grow and step outside our comfort zones. You’ll come out a new and more vibrant version of yourself!"

“Improv is like yoga for your personality, it makes you stretch yourself in ways you didn’t know you could.”

"I was recommended this course by a friend to help me with my social anxiety and shyness, and I believe that it really did make a difference. Also I had so much fun playing the games with great people and learned so much that it really interested me to learn more about the art form in order to become even better at it, and to try and get into actually performing improv on a regular basis, which as someone with almost no performing arts experience is a really incredible thing."

"I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to push themselves creatively, get out of their comfort zones, develop life skills, become more mindful to the present moment and have a whole lot of fun meeting a diverse group of people and learning from some truly talented human beings.”