Leela Improv Classes
Have fun, meet new friends, and experience the joy of improvising! Whether you’re an individual searching for a creative outlet, or a performer looking to hone your craft, Leela is a great place for you to learn and perform the art of improvisation in the SF Bay. Our classes, taught by the experienced artists of Leela, are dedicated to helping you develop your artistic voice, both individually and within an ensemble. You’ll learn solid technique and theory while playing in an inspiring community of openness and support.
Want to see what a Leela improv class is like?
Sign-up for Improv 1 and/or come play in our weekly Drop-In Improv Classes.
Curriculum
Our training center is unique in that each level is focused on a skill set, and/or quality we value in an improvisor. Many of our students with prior training elsewhere start in a higher level class and then jump around to previous levels, depending on their current interest in strengthening a particular improv skill. For brand new to improv students and regular drop-in students, we recommend starting with Improv 1, then moving in a linear progression through the levels.
Drop-in Improv Classes
Come play, bring a friend, and meet new people in Leela’s weekly drop-in improv classes! In these on-going multi-level classes you’ll be introduced to Leela’s signature style of improvisation: joyful play, expressing your authentic self…
True Colors: Improv Drop-in For BIPOC
Come experience the joy of play in this improv drop-in for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and all self-identified People of Color). This is a safe and affirming space where we play and explore with one another in community…
Improv 1: Let's Play!
In Leela’s signature level I improv class, you will experience the transformative nature of group play. Lessons are firmly rooted in technique and theory from Viola Spolin’s theater games, mindfulness, movement…
Improv 2: Authentic Relationships
The foundation of great improvisation is the two person scene. Both in life and improv, Leela believes authentic relationships are crucial to connected co-creation. Through acting exercises focused on emotional receptivity…
Improv 3: Commitment To Craft
Leela believes improvisors are artists and must train as such. This class provides you with a 6-week crash course on craft. You will learn to rely on your senses to create detailed space object environments, interesting characters…
Improv 4: Top Of Your Intelligence
Del Close, influential improv teacher and director, instructed legendary improvisors to “play to the top of your intelligence.” In keeping with this wisdom, Leela trains improvisers to practice specificity, connect patterns…
Improv 5a: Follow The Fear
Scared? Good, then sign up for this class! The minute we step out of our comfort zone, true learning begins. Stretch yourself in this class by getting individualized feedback on patterns in your play…
Improv 5b: Group Mind
How do a group of diverse individuals predict each other’s moves, seamlessly connect, and play effortlessly towards a common creation? How does that cozy feeling of “family” happen, and how do you sustain it? Group Mind…
Improv 5c: Form & Structure
Learn and perform the Deconstruction. According to Miles Stroth, The Deconstruction is an improv form initially developed at iO Chicago by his group The Family, under the direction of Del Close…
Musical Improv 1: Sound-Play
Explore the surprisingly accessible and freeing power of music making. While playing with breath, rhythm, and vocalization you will learn that improvising music is really not so far away…
Musical Improv 2: Sing On The Spot
Techniques from Musical Improv I: Sound-Play! are refined and expanded as traditional song-forms and contemporary styles are explored. Students learn to sing songs on the spot through a thoughtful progression…
Musical Improv 3: Advanced Techniques
Explore a variety of musical styles and song types. Duets, trios, and larger ensembles are integrated into previous material from Musical Improv I and II. Advanced songwriting techniques relevant to musical improv are covered…
Musical Improv 4: The Musical
Building on the material covered in Musical Improv I, II, III and Improv I, II, III (required) you will learn how to improvise a musical. Focus will be placed on integrating songs into thematic scene-based forms…
P.I.E. Program
Leela’s Performing Improv Ensemble Program offers experienced improvisors the rare and valuable opportunity to develop their skills by becoming an active member of a committed ensemble for 11 consecutive weeks…