Berkeley Improv

Berkeley, United States

4.9

20 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 510-758-1000
Website:
berkeleyimprov.com
Address:
2566 Telegraph Ave The Works Studio, Ste C, Berkeley, CA, 94704
b/t Blake St & Parker St
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
250 ftTelegraph Av & Parker St
550 ftTelegraph Av & Dwight Way
920 ftTelegraph Av & Derby St
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Today

Today –
Local time (Berkeley) 10:35 AM Friday, May 23, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Play fun theater games that unleash your imagination, confidence, and spontaneity. Amaze yourself as you create characters, stories, and scenes on the spot. Build skills while having fun. Enjoy a supportive environment that promotes cooperation and positive thinking.

Classes are open to all levels, and especially tailored for beginners. Many students take their very first improv class with us.

We’re a friendly group that welcomes drop-​in students (when space permits). To guarantee your place, we suggest you sign up for a series.

We offer reasonable rates to encourage broad community participation.

If you’re a bot (or just love lists) here are some keywords for your crunching pleasure: improv, improv classes, improv acting, improv comedy, improv theater, comedy, theater, improv, theater games, acting classes, public speaking, intro to improv, berkeley improv, east bay improv, san francisco improv, bay area improv, oakland improv, fun, laughs, intro to improv, beginning improv.

History

Established in 1889.

Why take improv class? What students say:

Overcome shyness, Unwind after a busy day, Be playful, Laugh out loud, Meet fun, friendly people, Overcome writer’s block, Helps with public speaking, It feels like a fun party, Creative expression, Explore other sides of myself, Learn to think on my feet, Become more confident,

Live in the moment, Try something new

Who takes improv class?

Recent classes have included UC undergrads, grad students, professors, high school students, MBAs, writers, engineers, dancers, web designers, activists, programmers, musicians, teachers, entrepreneurs, and artists. Our Berkeley classes attract students from around the East Bay and San Francisco Bay Area, including Oakland, Richmond, Concord, Hayward, Fremont, San Francisco, San Jose.

Meet the Business Owner

Alex L.

Business Owner

Berkeley Improv instructor Alex Lerman fell in love with improv in 1997. He studied at Bay Area Theatresports (BATS), and has performed with BATS Sunday Players, BATS Young Audiences, East Bay Improv, The Reactors, and SF Improv. In 2008 he started teaching improv. He has introduced improv to over one thousand students. With his alumni, he formed the improv ensemble Berkeley Players, hosting and directing improv performances. In 2010 he founded ImprovPower​.com to offer outside organizations and corporations the benefits of improv, combined with his 15 years of successful entrepreneurship.

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20 reviews of Berkeley Improv

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
Alex is a wonderful improv teacher for any level student. I started out as a shy beginner, and now, years later as an experienced performer, I’m still learning from him. He tailors his approach to what each individual needs, and has an incredible knowledge of skills and techniques which he imparts. He’s a true craftsman of improv, and his classes are fun, enjoyable, and useful.
Place rating: 5
East Oakland, Oakland, CA
Improv for Real Life was so much fun. The hours passed by in flash. It will make you laugh a lot and teach you things you never knew about yourself. I highly recommend Berkeley Improv and Alex Lerman.
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
Alex is a great teacher and classes are a ton of fun. Highly recommend.
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
Alex is not only a most excellent and fun teacher, he also rocks as a guest lecturer. I love how open Alex is to everyone’s different modes of expression, his patience, his ability to see the positive in pretty much everything yet be able to neatly guide students in the «right» direction. After taking his class, I knew I wanted him to come speak to the class I teach in the U.C. Berkeley Summer English Language Studies program, which he most graciously agreed to do, and he did a bang up job. My students, all international students who are normally pretty reserved and quiet, were pleasantly shocked at how crazy and expressive they could be in front of almost complete strangers. I highly recommend him as both a teacher and a guest lecturer.
Place rating: 5
Fremont, CA
Alex is a terrific teacher. I just got done taking his Improv for Fun series of four classes and found the classes to be excellent! I missed the first class due to travel, but Alex revises concepts in the beginning of each class, so I caught on quickly in the second class. Every class builds upon the previous class, and we got to see the different aspects of improv.
Alex goes through a lot of exercises in each class, and takes time to get comments from the students on what they realized in each of the exercises, followed by his own comments. We learned about improv, story telling, projecting power and warmth at the same time from these exercises.
Everyone in the class is very friendly and welcoming. I met several people who were taking repeat classes because they had so much fun when they took the class the first time. I am looking forward to taking the other two series of classes– Improv for Real life and Improv for Performance. I will also take the «Improv for Fun» class again — for more fun!
Cheers,
Shan
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I joined two classes in February and March. It was so much fun, and it’s really turned me back on to performing. I would recommend Alex as a teacher — he’s friendly, encouraging, patient, and talented. Great value, especially with the Alumni discount!
The only downside is the fact that the class was on a Sunday evening, which limited my socialising possibilities — I wanted to hang out afterwards!
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
Excellent class!
I have enjoyed the Improv For Fun class so much!
Alex is a wonderful instructor who sets the tone for a very fun, supportive, and positive class environment.
In just 4 session, I noticed a dramatic (pun intended!) improvement in my ability to be present in real life situations. I went from being very fidgety just standing in front of people, to being ok in situations where I’m in front of a lot of people. It also helped me become a better listener and communicator overall.
In Improv for Fun class, we played a lot of improv games in class, it was AMAZINGLY FUN! but also taught me quick thinking skill/​storytelling skill.
The camaraderie that you build in class is also awesome. There are all types of people coming in (all ages, experience level, background, etc.), but everyone ends up being really cool and supportive to each other.
It helped me end my week on a high note (class was on Sundays).
I’m probably going to take more classes here, you should too!
Place rating: 5
Hercules, CA
Alex is AMAZING and fun to work with. This is my first time taking a improve class, he teaches you how to be very creative and just have fun. I loved the class and the experience… I recommend it to everyone. Also he has different classes and different levels so that’s helpful…
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
I started taking improv when I broke my leg and couldn’t go dancing. Well, Alex’s classes are so much fun that I’m hooked. I took Improv for Fun last month and Improv for Real Life this month. I am a teacher and picky about quality instruction. I think Alex is excellent. I enjoy great laughs at the absurdities we play with. Class moves quickly from one «game» to the next with just the right amount of discussion to glean the learning points. There are useful psychology lessons under the surface and an opportunity to find ease with the unknown.
Alex delivers more than expected through invitations to gatherings and performances. I’ve appreciated meeting a wide range of people who join in; folks are friendly and sometimes hang out together after class. If you want to take life less seriously, meet new people, and have a blast, I recommend these classes!
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I’ve taken about six months of Alex’s classes now and have become a bit of an addict. He’s a phenomenal instructor; he knows how to make people feel comfortable and supported, so if you’re shy, you can still come out of your shell without fear of being judged. The improv games he chooses are always fun and helpful; I’ve learned a lot from his classes and think better on my feet, which was my original goal. I’ve also found his classes useful for teaching and communicating with people in general. He offers three classes — Improv for Fun, Improv for Real Life, and a performance class. I’ve taken the first two; I’m afraid to take the third because you need to participate in a performance at the end of the class (which is *great* by the way; I’ve been an audience member twice). Occasionally, he offers a lab, which I’ve found most useful of all his classes; it offers in-​depth communication skills using improv techniques. Overall, I’d highly recommend his classes to anyone who wishes to a) have fun, b) learn to think on their feet, c) learn improv techniques, or d) learn communication skills they can apply to everyday life.
Place rating: 3
Austin, TX
I signed up hoping to learn techniques for public speaking. It was just silly exercises that at first seemed kind of fun and then just seemed pretty lame. I paid for 4 classes, was bored by the second class and never went back.
Alex was nice and talented but the class lacked any really useful techniques to apply in life.
Place rating: 5
UC Campus Area, Berkeley, CA
I took Improv for Real Life in february/​march of 2013.
Simply stated, it was one of the best choices I made in my short college career. If you have even the slightest interest in improving your public speaking, presentation, creativity and/​or spontaneity, I highly recommend the class. Alex, the instructor, does a phenomenal job of tailoring the class to fit every individual’s needs.
The class is super fun and you WILL laugh :)
Place rating: 5
Emeryville, CA
Like the Unilocal rating legend for 5 stars says, «As Good As It Gets!» And then some, so here’s an extra *; call it a 20% tip for great service.
Berkeley Improv makes you feel the love — and joy, and wonder — of improv… minus fear*, and judgment, and Isuckness. This isn’t improv for competitive, snooty snoot, show-​off, «I coulda/​shoulda/​woulda been a contender» types. It’s improv for «real people,» people who come to learn, participate, enjoy. Who are willing to explore new pathways forward by losing themselves in the moment.
Alex Lerman, instructor extraordinonpareilaire, somehow makes all that happen, usually without you even remembering he’s the instructor. Alex talks the talk and walks the walk of Improv: non-​judgmental, «We’re all in this together,» bright without a hint of a whiff of a soupçon of haughty or huff, and Positive Positive Positive (even when the playfulness is about drinking blood in cemeteries!).
Do it. Go. Sign up yesterday. Or, if you are a born procrastinator, today.
*OK, yes: You’re probably going to feel a little** nervous at first. And then? You won’t.
**Or a lot.
Place rating: 5
Emeryville, CA
Whether you want to do improve for fun, performance, or work on some issue you will get something out of these improve classes. Alex is the instructor and he is phenomenal! Anyone who is thinking about improv should take these classes!
I am in the process of job hunting as well as promoting projects for a non-​profit I work for. I gave a speech at a professional organization one week — and didn’t generate much interest in either me or the project I was promoting. I went to one of Alex’s class and the next day gave the same speech — I felt different giving it and the result was sure different. I got 2 people asking me for my resume and several people wanting to get involved in the non-​profit project. I attribute this solely to Alex’s improve class and his great feedback. During the class I gave an impassioned improvised speech during one scene. His astute kind comments pumped me up, helped me to slow down (a big issue for me) & connect with the audience while having a blast! I have been taking his classes for 9 months — they are a mix of both experienced and beginners and he makes it fun and effective for both at the same time. I am truly hooked on improve now.
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
WOOHOO! Alex is a great teacher — encouraging, insightful, and all around wonderful.
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
I highly recommend improv for anyone looking to gain confidence, socialize more, sharpen their wit, get some excercise, and have fun (isn’t that all of us??). For an easy and fun introduction to improv, I can’t recommend Alex Lerman’s Intro to Improv more highly!
Alex is an energetic and inspiring teacher with a low-​key and supportive style. His class suits just about anyone, and he has great tools and suggestions for timid or inexperienced improvisers.
The class is held in a nice space at the Berkeley YWCA, and usually fills up with nice folks. The price is incredibly low (I think around $ 50 for 6 weeks), and is totally worth it.
I took Alex’s intro class, as well as his intermediate class. Both were great. The only thing I could possibly have asked for is another class to continue on after the first two (because they are so fun).
I give Alex and his class my highest possible rating. Sign up!
Place rating: 5
Danville, CA
Improv may sound intimidating, but not here. Alex is one of the best instructors in field/​art that you’ll ever find and the atmosphere is completely nonthreatening. These two key ingredients make for an immensely enjoyable and creative experience. Can’t recommend it highly enough.
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
Alex Lerman offers great classes for the first timer off the street and for those improv-​ers who’ve been at it for years. I really suggest the classes!
Improv can be scary. These classes are not. My first time there, before the class even started Alex said «and let’s all welcome our new-​comers!» and everyone said hello and right then I knew that it was a welcoming and non-​judgmental space to perform, play, grow, and try out new ways of being nuts. And that’s what improv is about right?
The classes are very affordable for the UC student and Berkeley community person, and its conveniently located.
I had a great time going through two class cycles-​I learned a lot, met a lot of really kind and cool people, and had a great time.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
THE BEST!
I cannot recommend this class enough. They have two beginner classes on tuesday and thursday and then following the thursday class there is the advanced level. The class is cheap (maybe $ 60 for the whole thing?) and even double the price and its still worth it. There are all sorts of people who joined, ranging from people looking to get a little more extroverted to improving public speaking to people looking just to try something new and have fun (myself.)
Alex is a phenomenal instructor and I don’t think that anyone felt any pressure to do anything they felt uncomfortable with. There were numerous people who just dropped in for a class as well, and I highly suggest this to anyone thinking they might want to do it.
I also took part in the advanced class which is more scene work and led up to a performance at the end… great fun and rapport.
Please note: I made through the whole review without any sarcasm whatsoever, so it must be good!
Also note that there are many vegans and as a lover of bacon this was something that I managed to come to grips with, but the talk of furries alieved this.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
This a great improv class. Alex is a gentle, insightful and inspiring instructor.
You will surprise yourself. You will laugh. You will want to take this class again!