Classes for Comedians in Training

AUSTIN – The New Movement offers many classes for comedians in training to learn the art of improv and sketch comedy from those who know it best.

For those who don’t know, improv is performing a live and unscripted comedy with a group of people.

The classes range from different levels and are offered at both the Austin and New Orleans locations. 

Improv Zero, a free one-day class, can give anyone interested a feel of what the classes will be like and following that is a Shootaround where anyone can get on stage and interact with the cast members or alumni.

Megan Simon, who has been with The New Movement for three years, started out by taking the improv zero class because all she wanted to do was perform.

In Improv Zero “you learn ‘Yes, And,’ and you do a quick little scene and then get notes from a teacher,” Megan Simon said.

Photo by Homer Gonzalez.
The bloggers meeting G-Su Paek, a performer at TNM.

G-Su Paek, a performer and level two teacher at The New Movement, explains the five different levels of improv classes. 

“Level one is basic intro to improv, level two is character work, level three is patterns, level four is deep improv games, and level five is a masters improv class,” said Paek, who has been with The New Movement for three years now.

The New Movement gives many different people the chance to join together for their love of comedy and being able to perform, Paek said.

“We have people who do this professionally, people who want to meet funny people, or people who love getting over their fear of public speaking,” Paek said.

After taking classes, students can get many different opportunities such as going to festivals, putting on shows, and can become more involved with local activities.

The classes are usually eight weeks long and small in number to keep the instructor to student level on a personal level.

For more information about classes or to register, click here.