1st year: BEGINNERS
In your first year at Impro Brussels you will learn the basics of the craft. The value of the group and to have fun together, in order to unleash our fantasy without judging our ideas. We will also work on storytelling, scenic presence, spacework, and other tools you will need to approach solid scenework.
2023/24 SEASON - WHO, WHAT, WHERE… WHY?
Tuesday beginners class
with Desi Krsteva
19:00 - 21:30
Rue Gray 122 (Ixelles/Etterbeek)
*** THIS GROUP IS SOLD OUT! ***
Wednesday beginners class
with Laurie Andrieu
19:00 - 21:30
Rue Artan 144/1 (1030 Schaerbeek)
*** THIS GROUP IS SOLD OUT! ***
Thursday beginners class
with Gabriele Tallone
19:00 - 21:30
Rue du Conseil 59 (1050 Ixelles)
*** THIS GROUP IS SOLD OUT! ***
2nd year: INTERMEDIATES
In your second year with Impro Brussels we will look into the next level of playing, and learn more advanced tools to make your scenework beautiful and diversified. Transitions, scene openings, styles, and genres. Find the game of the scene, explore truthful emotions and characters, make magic out of silliness.
2023/24 SEASON - WHO, WHAT, WHERE… WHY?
Wednesday intermediate class
with Frank Wertelaers (Sept23 - Jan24)
and Desi Krsteva (Jan - Jun24)
19:00 - 21:30
Rue du Conseil 59 (1050 Ixelles)
Thursday intermediate class
with Desi Krsteva (Sept23 - Jan24)
and Frank Wertelaers (Jan - Jun24)
19:00 - 21:30
Rue de la Victoire 158 (1060 St. Gilles)
3+ year: DEEP DIVES
After having completed your intermediate path, you will start working on specific Improv formats, themes and styles which you will perform on stage in our regular student shows. In the 2023/24, you can compose your didactic path à la carte by registering individually to the Deep Dives you are most interested in.
AVAILABLE DEEP DIVES:
DEEP DIVE:
”GREAT GATSBY” STYLE
with Desi Krsteva
This Deep Dive is an immersive experience of improvising a play that explores the aristocratic lifestyle – glamourous parties, Jazz, luxury travel as opposed to the efforts of the working class to achieve the American dream. A cruel but fascinating combination of psychological fiction, social satire and contemporary romance.
“The Great Gatsby” is considered Scott Fitzgerald’s magnum opus, that served as inspiration to many other masterpieces such as “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, “The Last Tycoon”, “Moulin Rouge” and “Saltburn”.
Classes: Thursdays 25/4; 2, 9, 16, 23, 30/5; 6, 13/6
SHOW: Impro Brussels Days, June 2024
SOLD OUT (or past) DEEP DIVES:
Is your favorite Deep Dive sold out? Try filling in this form and we’ll see what we can do
DEEP DIVE:
COMEDY IN IMPROV
with Pierpaolo Buzza
SHOW: NOV 12th, 2023
DEEP DIVE:
IMPROVISED FILM NOIR
with Desi Krsteva
SHOW: NOV 11th, 2023
DEEPER DIVE:
EMOTIONAL WEEKENDS
with Pierpaolo Buzza
DEEP DIVE:
IMPROVISED MUSICAL
with Ingmar Dasseville
SHOW: JAN 20, 2024
DEEP DIVE:
IMPROVISED PIRANDELLO
with FEDERICA FORB
SHOW: OCT 29th
DEEP DIVE:
”COMMON MONSTERS”
with NICK BYRNE
SHOW: SEPT 24th, 2023
DEEP DIVE:
IMPROVISED CHEKHOV
with Desi Krsteva
SHOW: JAN 19, 2024
2023/24 HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Start of activities: 12 Sept ‘23
End of activities: 23 Jun ‘24
Holidays: 30 Oct ‘23 - 3 Nov ‘23; 23 Dec ‘23 - 7 Jan ‘24; 12 Feb ‘24 - 16 Feb ‘24; 25 Mar ‘24 - 5 Apr ‘24; 6 May ‘24 - 10 May ‘24; 1 May ‘24; 20 May ‘24
REFUND POLICY
We take your best interest at heart. Which is why we want you to be as relaxed as possible, while signing up for our classes, knowing that if anything happens especially having just had gone through uncertain pandemic times, you will get refunded fully and promptly for the class(es) that will not have taken place.
So in the unprecedented event that Impro Brussels has to cancel a class that will not be rescheduled, you will be refunded. This could include for example if the school closes, unavailability of the teacher, etc.
A refund will not be provided if the cancellation happens on your part: for example if you’re out of Brussels, if the law requires you to quarantine, if you are break our Code of Conduct, if your work or personal schedule doesn’t allow you to continue attending classes, etc.
Other occurances will be examined on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I be sure improv classes are for me before committing to it for a full semester/year?
A. You can come to our Improv Discovery Day, which is designed for this purpose. In addition, you are welcome to come to your first class, for free, as a tryout session. This is available until the course sells out.
Q. If I register for semester payment, can I upgrade to annual payment part way through?
A. Unfortunately, this is not possible. If you register for the first semester, then in February you will register for the second semester.
Q. Can I change group after signing up? E.g. If if register for Tuesdays, can I change to Thursdays?
A. Until the end of September, there is usually some margin of flexibility for non sold-out groups. The process of creating the groups accommodating everyone according to their requests is curated by our Executive Coordinator, Dan.
Q. If I miss a class one week, can I just attend another class that week?
A. In general, that’s not allowed. The concept of “group” is just as important (if not more) than the content of the work. So we strongly encourage each group to stay within its boundaries.
Q. What if I have to miss several consecutive classes (e.g. at least 3 in a row)?
A. If this happens, we will examine the situation on a case-by-case basis, and try to find a solution that allows you to miss less possible classes. Talk to your teacher about it, and they will help you.
Q. Can you save me a spot on a group so I can register for it later?
A. No. No exceptions, sorry.
Q. I don’t have a credit card / I can’t register on the site. Can I register in other ways?
A. Yes, if the course you’re signing up for isn’t already sold out. You can make a bank transfer to: Impro Brussels, BE06 3632 0364 0022. In the communications box, write which group you’re signing up for, and what option of registration you are choosing. For example: “Tuesday beginners, first semester”, then send the screenshot of the transfer to dan@improbrussels.com, so he can add you to your group.
Q. How do I know what level I should sign up for?
A. Get in touch with our Artistic Director, Pierpaolo, with a brief resume of your previous improv experiences. He will help you assess which group you are best suited for. Email pierpaolo@improbrussels.com
Do you have any other questions which have not been addressed in this FAQ?
Get in touch with us! Our Executive Coordinator Dan is here to help you. You can email him at dan@improbrussels.com
(semi)Private Improv training
with Pierpaolo Buzza
Are there areas in your Improv game where you struggle to improve? Does it feel like you’re hitting a glass ceiling? Would you like to do some personalized work, targeted on your specific strengths and weaknesses?
In this case, let’s chat about some (semi)private improv training.
Remember: Improv is by its nature a group activity, there is no such thing as learning Improv by yourself. It’s not like you train the skills, then bring them to your group; your skills are developed and exist within your group. This is true especially in the Impro Brussels philosophy.
Which is why this (semi)private training does not, I repeat DOES NOT, replace in any way the regular work in your group.
QUESTIONS YOU’RE PROBABLY ASKING YOURSELF
Q: How does it work?
A: Before we start the trainings, we have a preliminary chat where we assess together if this is the right thing for you at this point of your Improv journey. Then we agree on a number of sessions. In the sessions it’s going to be you, me, and 1-2 other improvisers of your choice, who will play scenes with you. You are in charge of the venue and of the other improvisers, I’m happy to give you pointers if you need.
Q: What can I expect during the trainings?
A: It might be a bit more intense than the weekly classes you’re used to. I will create Improv exercises and scenes based on your needs, and will lead you through them: it’s a process and we’re in it together. Depending on your personality and my evaluations, I may push you a little bit, if I feel it will help. If you know me at all, you know I’m not Sgt. Hartman, so don’t expect that. At the same time, I’m there to pay back your time and money with quality Improv training.
Q: What are the pitfalls?
A: I can’t think of pitfalls in the actual work, but I also can see how one might be tempted to think they can “learn improv” privately. It doesn’t work like that. Imagine you’re a player in a football team: 90% of your work has to be with your team, doing teamwork. Then, 10% can be by yourself in the gym, working on some specific muscles. But you won’t learn football while working out alone in the gym, and it can be dangerous to think you can.
Q: Why are you offering this?
A: I have been asked for this many times, but I was hesitant to accept, because of the disclaimer I’m writing all over this section. That said, it’s also a work I love to do, and do well. A lot of times when I see improvisers in action, I find myself thinking “they would need exactly this kind of work”, how I would structure it, offer it, and how it would look like. I have always been in 1-to-1 situations: I have directed two (scripted) one-woman shows, one (scripted) two-person play, one (improvised) solo show, and I have been in countless Improv duos, where the attention is focused on one person. I guess it’s kind of an introvert thing. So I thought instead of seeing it as a limitation, using it as a superpower.
Q: Finally: how much does it cost?
A: 120€ for a 90-min session
INTERESTED?
Write to me at pierpaolo@improbrussels.com
Walk-in classes
Are you a complete beginner? Would you like to try the magical craft of Improv theatre? You’re in the right place!
In our sessions we will guide you in our walk-in classes, which are ideal if you want to try Improv without committing for a longer period of time. They are standalone classes that you can buy individually, and then choose whether you would like to come next time.
WHY TAKE IMPROV ACTING CLASSES WITH IMPRO BRUSSELS?
At Impro Brussels we value process.
You will never be asked to “think fast”, or to “be funny”, or anything like that. Rather, to… have fun!
We have to get rid of our inner judge, and connect with our scene partners to share that unique, unrepeatable moment that is happening in the improvisation. That’s why it’s also called “unscripted theatre”.
You will get out of your confort zone in a safe space, you will have a confidence boost to speak in public, learn how to have charisma on stage, on top of course of learning techniques of improvised theatre!
Whether you are a complete beginner, or have some experience, we have the right class for you. We have improv for everyone.
Our classes are in English; it doesn’t matter if your level of English is not perfect - almost no one is a native speaker. You will see that words don’t even count that much, while you’re acting.