Nevada's only long form improv theatre company performs right here in Reno.Empire Comedy is also an improv training center offering improv classes weekly and three levels of classes.If you want to learn improv check out our classes page.If you want to check out a show visit our shows page.

Drop in Improv Class

(On going Level 1)

Every Sunday night 7:00pm to 8:30 pm

Empire Comedy’s Drop in Improv Class is a class for anyone who wants to learn to improvise and have fun. No improv or acting experience is required.

Each class will focus on improv basics: how to give and take with other performers on stage, how to think quickly on your feet, and how to discover that “mistakes” are really gifts. Improv is a great way to explore your creativity, become more confident speaking in front of others, or expand your skills as an actor; oh yeah, did we mention that it is fun to make it up as you go along? This class will be great for those brand new to improv and will also work on skills useful to any level improviser.

• 7:00pm to 8:30pm weekly
• Cost:  $10 (Cash Only)  per class.
• Must be at least 18
• GLM rehearsal space 119 Virginia St. (enter through the back of the bulding in Fulton Alley)
• Team taught by Michael Lewis and Ben Craig.
  

Empire Improv Level 1

Spring 2012

This class will focus on improv basics:  how to give and take with other performers on stage, how to think quickly on your feet, and how to discover that “mistakes” are really gifts.  Improv is a great way to explore your creativity, become more confident speaking in front of others, expand your skills as an actor, and learn to create as part of an ensemble; oh yeah, did we mention that it is fun to make it up as you go along?  This class will be great for those brand new to improv and will also work on skills useful to anyone with prior improv experience. 

• On a weeknight 7:00 pm to 10:00pm for 8 weeks
• All current Empire students attend Empire Improv's Friday night shows for free.
• Cost $175:  Due no later than the first day of class.
• GLM rehearsal space 119 Virginia St. (enter through the back of the bulding in Fulton Alley)

 Email Michael Lewis to sign up. 

Level 2: One mind

Summer 2012

The class will expand on the skills learned in Level 1, the two person scene, agreement, honesty, and focusing on the relationship.  Level 2 will focus on working as a group: connecting scenes, themes and ideas, as well as learning to perform group scenes and group games.                                                         

• 7:00 pm to 10:00pm for 8 weeks
• Cost $185:  Due no later than the first day of class.
• All current Empire Level 2 Improv students attend Empire Comedy's Friday night shows for free.
• GLM rehearsal space 119 Virginia St. (enter through the back of the bulding in Fulton Alley)

Level 3:  Long form forms

Summer 2012

How to create a long form improv piece. Learning different long form pieces— The Harold, The Living Room, The Slacker, The Movie, Shakespeare, and The Armando.

• 7:00 pm to 10:00pm for 8 weeks
• 119 Virginia St. GLM Theater rehearsal space (enter through the back of the building Fulton Alley)
• Cost $185:  Due no later than the first day of class.
• All current Empire Level 3 Improv students attend Empire Comedy's Friday night shows for free.
• GLM rehearsal space 119 Virginia St. (enter through the back of the bulding in Fulton Alley)

Details about Empire's Classes

• Classes must be taken in order.  Level 2 requires completion of Level 1, and Level 3 requires completion of Level 2.
• Students enrolling in classes must be at least 18 years old.
• If a student misses more than 2 classes, they must repeat that level.
• All Empire curriculm is created by Michael Lewis.