Atlas Improv's philosophy emphasizes character-based storytelling, and, through our classes, we pass it on to our students. Start out in our intro course to build the basic skills, then go on to explore nearly any other aspect of theatrical improvisation. Besides being fun, comprehensive, diverse, and dynamic with our students' needs, our classes also build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and decision-making skills. Call (608) 259-9999 today for more information or to register.
CLASSESFree Workshops
Wednesdays 7-9 PMSaturday September 18th, 1-3 PM
Capacity is unlimited
Get a taste of what improv is all about in this free, two-hour workshop open to the public. Gain a pallet for some fun scene-based games. Come out, whet your improv appetite and join us.
Theatresports Team
$10 per classCapacity: 15 people
Prerequisite: Atlas Intro
Wednesdays 7-9 PM
Continue you're short form education on this informal team and work on the games you want to work on. It's also a great place to meet other improvisers and form other teams. This team will perform at the last Theatresports show of every month against Atlas' professional company.
Atlas Intro
10 weeks - $150 ($100 for students)Capacity: 12 people
Mondays 7-9 PM - Begins June 14th
Instructor: Josh Johnson
Saturdays 1-3 PM - Begins September 25th
Instructor: Neil Pohl
Mondays 7-9 PM - Begins September 27th
Instructors: Ben Taylor & Stacey Kulow
Lose inhibitions, make some friends and learn the basics of improvisation in our Level One Class. Taught by company members, this class offers training in scene work, pantomime, characters, and story-telling. This class prepares you for a final performance on the Atlas Improv Co. stage for your family and friends. No previous experience necessary.
Guessing Games
5 weeks - $100 ($75 for students)Capacity: 6 people
Prerequisite: Atlas Intro
Tuesdays 7-9 PM - Begins May 25
Instructor: Stacey Kulow
Pick up where the games left off in the Atlas Intro class. This 5-week course, focusing on pantomime-, gibberish-, and pun-based guessing games, is a great way to master the more difficult games in Atlas' repertoire. The class ends with a performance on the Atlas Improv Co. stage.
Shakespeare
5 weeks - $100 ($75 for students)Capacity: 6 people
Prerequisite: Atlas Intro
Tuesdays 7-9 PM - Begins June 29
Instructors: Megan Kaseman & Sarah Mucek
Revel in the twists, turns, and dramatic irony of Shakespearean language and characters. Improvise original tragedies and comedies in the grand style of the bard. Plus, learn to speak like those zany Elizabethans - complete with rhyming couplets! The class ends with a performance on the Atlas Improv Co. stage.
Characters
5 weeks - $100 ($75 for students)Capacity: 6 people
Prerequisite: Atlas Intro
Tuesdays 7-9 PM - Begins August 3rd
Instructors: Ben Taylor & Kristina Martinez
Learn what it takes to create fully-formed characters with depth and dimension. Here, we'll focus on non-conflict relationships, the teachings of Stanislavski and Checkov, and more, giving you skills to build some solid characters. The class ends with a performance on the Atlas Improv Co. stage.
Solo Improv
5 weeks - $100 ($75 for students)Capacity: 3 people
Prerequisite: Atlas Intro
Tuesdays 7-9 PM - Begins September 14
Instructor: Brendon Panke
Lose that dead weight some people call "scene partners" and practice improv alone. You create a full stories with only yourself to rely on. This class will be one the most exhilerating and challenging experiences that improv has to offer you. The class ends with a performance on the Atlas Improv Co. stage.
Long Forms
5 weeks - $100 ($75 for students)Capacity: 6 people
Prerequisite: Atlas Intro
Tuesdays 7-9 PM - Begins October 19
Instructor: Neil Pohl
Attract an audience with a longer attention span with some longer scenes. The class will be a veritable smorgasborde of forms from across the country, including Harold, Hero's Journey, Montage, and La Ronde. The ten different formats we'll work on will leave you with a comprehensive understanding of long form. The class ends with a performance on the Atlas Improv Co. stage.
Company Auditions
Sunday September 19th, 1-3PMWhether you live and breathe improv or just want to try something new, come and audition. No need to prepare a reading or bring a headshot, all you'll need is you.
Discounts
- Bring A Buddy: Introduce a friend to the art of improvisation. Refer a new student to our Level I workshop and we'll take $20 off your tuition.
- Improv Intern: We offer opportunities to receive reduced tuition in exchange for work. Call (608) 259-9999 for more information.
How to Register
Call (608) 259-9999 to register. We can take your registration over the phone with a credit card or in person at our shows. You may also mail us a check at PO Box 3013, Madison, Wisconsin 53704. Payment is non-refundable and must be received to guarantee a spot in the class. Registration is processed on a first come, first served basis, class sizes are limited and all registration subject to instructor approval.GENERAL INFORMATION
Where and What
All classes meet at the Mifflin Street Arts Center, 416 W Mifflin Street. Parking is available. Classes are taught by Atlas performers and kept small for optimum attention and learning. Click here for a map to the Mifflin Street Arts Center.What Our Students Say
"(The Teachers) are very enthusiastic and always has a good answer to any question about improv."
"I found them to be patient and enthusiastic."
"Knowledgeable about improv and (the teachers) have the greatest and most genuine laughs I have ever heard. When I hear it, I know I'm doing good."
"(The teachers) made the class engaging and fun."
"(The teacher) did an excellent job of creating an inclusive milieu. His sense of humor, obvious knowledge and skill, creativity, and sensitivity made the workshop delightful."
"It was hard getting back on the horse after a decade away from improv but this class helped so much. You were supportive and informative."
"The class was fun and engaging. On more than one occasion I came to class reluctantly because of being completely drained and stressed out by my day. I made myself and I always was glad that I did because of how participation in the class always shifted my energy and mood and had be feeling engaged and connected."