Friends,

This week, I'm off for my annual surfing trip, this time to LA. I surf not only because it's insanely fun, but also to engage one other part of my improv practice. For me, surfing requires just as much focus on the present moment as does an improv scene. If the goal is properly responding to the ever-changing conditions around me on a wave, I must stay present, aware, and calm. Sure, it's more physically engaging than improvising with all of you in class and on stage, but the core principles are all the same.

Importantly, I'll also be able to attend MY own improv class with my teachers Bill & Phyllis. I'm over 30 years into my own improv journey and I STILL learn new things in most every class. It continues to be such a joy for me that I hope some of that rubs off on you.

Speaking of which... we're one week away from the start of our Spring cycle! So, my friends, Spring is here and we encourage you to come bloom into your more full self at our cozy studio.

Longer Classes

Starting next cycle, our Foundations class series will join our Intermediate/Advanced classes in being 2.5. hours long. This will better accommodate our curricula. All improv classes in LA, even now, are 3 hours long. That's a ton by Portland standards, so we're not force that kind of commitment. Yet. 😂

Early Bird Pricing

For years, we've sent end-of-cycle emails with a special code to save money on classes that expire at a certain time. We've replaced that system with a new one: the first four people to sign up for any of our classes get a discount of 10%. Once those slots are filled, registrations will be available at the normal cost. Grab 'em while you can!

WOO-HOO! A BRAND-NEW CLASS!​
​IMPROV FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

For years, our Foundations classes - with Natasha and Mary Pat - have been our most popular class. However, after Foundations, we didn't offer other non-performance improv classes. I'm stoked to share that that now changes.

As many of you have seen, practicing improvisation can be a deeply psychological experience. This is why Improv for Personal Development will be devoted to bringing the core teachings of improvisation to our personal and professional world. Our classes will be based, in part, on the teachings of Augusto Boal and Paulo Freire, whose approaches to unscripted work are known as Applied or Process Improvisation.

This class is PERFECT for those of you who are looking to reduce social anxiety, increase confidence, navigate relationships more smoothly, and feel more comfortable in their minds & bodies. Begin changing your psychology. It's the perfect next step for those of you who have completed either the Foundations or Daytime class series and wish to continue your improv journey off the stage.

While this type of work isn't therapy, it feels therapeutic. That's because we'll help you observe and then work with your own psychology, Together, we'll learn how to:

• 👂🏼Hear & understand one another, even in challenging situations
• 👣 Stand in the moment patiently & confidently
• 🗣️ Speak our truth calmly and kindly
• 👁️ See and label other people's non-verbal cues
• 💪🏼 Discover our strengths and, most importantly...
• 🧑🏼‍🤝🏼‍🧑🏼 Evolve friendships & relationships through the power of agreement

Now, whether you desire to learn improv as an art form for the stage or a transformational skill for your life, we have something at our studio designed just for you! Below are linkable images to learn more our entire class lineup. Click to learn more.

📰 In the News...

Research Shows Improv Enhances Creativity, Confidence & Self-Belief

Improv isn’t just fun; science backs up what many teachers and participants have long observed. Here are the results from a study released last year.​

Creativity & Creative Self-Efficacy:​
Compared to a control group, those who participated in improv training over several weeks showed a stronger belief in their ability to generate creative ideas and solve problems. This suggests - and this 2020 peer-reviewed study proves - that improv helps people feel more capable of thinking creatively over time by helping them grow more tolerant of uncertainty.

Self-Esteem & Confidence:​
The same 2025 study showed that self-esteem also rose more in the improv group than in the comparison group, indicating that sustained improv practice can boost how people value and trust themselves.

This emerging body of evidence suggests that improv can support real psychological growth, which helps people become more creative, more self-assured, and better at navigating social and professional challenges.

📣 Community News

Taking Portland improv to Scotland Congratulations to Matthew Keesler and his duo partner, Ryan Gantz, who are heading across the pond to perform at the Edinburgh International Improv Festival! 🇬🇧🎭 Performing as "Dadvice", these two self-proclaimed “middle-aged dads from Beaverton” have been steadily making waves in the local improv scene. They’ve made it to the finals of Friday Night Fights and have performed at multiple venues in and around Portland. We absolutely love seeing members of our community take their creativity to new heights (and new continents). HUUUUUGE props to Matt and Ryan!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for Improv tips!

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In this video, David explains why trusting in yourself AND in your fellow improvisers is ESSENTIAL for coming into your own as an improviser.

We can't wait to see you in the studio for our newest cycle. On behalf of the entire team, we wish you all a fabulous rest of the week!

Ready? Set? GO!
David, Natasha, & Brittney
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