Frequently Asked Questions
General
Can I hire you for a private or community event, a corporate show or workshop, or professional development?
YES! We would love to work with you in any of these areas. Visit our Work With Us page for more information and booking, or call us at (814) 954-0053.
How do I become a member of Happy Valley Improv?
To become a company member, you must go through our audition process. To be eligible to audition, you must take our Classes. The requirement is the completion of Level Three in our course sequence.
Please note that completion of the Happy Valley Improv course sequence does not guarantee admittance to the company.
I'm a member of the press and would like to feature you. How do I go about doing that?
First, visit our Press page. There you'll find a press kit with founder bios, pictures, and logos for you to use. To set up an interview, either email [email protected] or call (814) 954-0053.
YES! We would love to work with you in any of these areas. Visit our Work With Us page for more information and booking, or call us at (814) 954-0053.
How do I become a member of Happy Valley Improv?
To become a company member, you must go through our audition process. To be eligible to audition, you must take our Classes. The requirement is the completion of Level Three in our course sequence.
Please note that completion of the Happy Valley Improv course sequence does not guarantee admittance to the company.
I'm a member of the press and would like to feature you. How do I go about doing that?
First, visit our Press page. There you'll find a press kit with founder bios, pictures, and logos for you to use. To set up an interview, either email [email protected] or call (814) 954-0053.
Shows
What happens at an improv show?
Improv is a theatrical art form. It is made up completely on the spot by the improvisers on stage. There is no script; there is no pre-discussed plot; it is not sketch comedy or a written play. Though, when done well, sometimes it can seem that way!
If I come to a show, will I be picked on, forced to participate, or embarrassed?
NO! Absolutely not. We foster a fun, supportive, and low-stress environment for our audience. The only ones who should be worried about performing should be the performers! We do ask our audience for suggestions, which usually come in the form of single words or short phrases - but no one is ever singled out!
Can I bring my kids to your show? What is the "rating?"
This is a question we get often, and it's difficult to answer. Our shows range from PG to a hard R - it all depends on the night in question!
As improvisers, we rarely go on stage with the intention of "going blue" (meaning making dirty jokes, using "bad" or suggestive language, etc). That being said, improv is created in real-time. And, we have made an artistic choice to not attempt to edit anything that happens onstage, but to explore it. Sometimes this means that adult themes are explored or "bad" language is used.
As far as bringing children - we leave that up to the discretion of the parent. We recommend 18+, but we will not turn anyone away.
We do sometimes do family-friendly shows around town - be on the lookout for those!
Improv is a theatrical art form. It is made up completely on the spot by the improvisers on stage. There is no script; there is no pre-discussed plot; it is not sketch comedy or a written play. Though, when done well, sometimes it can seem that way!
If I come to a show, will I be picked on, forced to participate, or embarrassed?
NO! Absolutely not. We foster a fun, supportive, and low-stress environment for our audience. The only ones who should be worried about performing should be the performers! We do ask our audience for suggestions, which usually come in the form of single words or short phrases - but no one is ever singled out!
Can I bring my kids to your show? What is the "rating?"
This is a question we get often, and it's difficult to answer. Our shows range from PG to a hard R - it all depends on the night in question!
As improvisers, we rarely go on stage with the intention of "going blue" (meaning making dirty jokes, using "bad" or suggestive language, etc). That being said, improv is created in real-time. And, we have made an artistic choice to not attempt to edit anything that happens onstage, but to explore it. Sometimes this means that adult themes are explored or "bad" language is used.
As far as bringing children - we leave that up to the discretion of the parent. We recommend 18+, but we will not turn anyone away.
We do sometimes do family-friendly shows around town - be on the lookout for those!
Classes
Is there an age limit for taking a class with Happy Valley Improv?
All students in our classes must be 18 years of age or older. Exceptions are rarely granted.
Do I need to have any stage/acting/improv experience to take a class?
Absolutely not! Our Intro to Improv class is designed for people who have never done any type of stagework before. Further classes will build on one another - no outside or prior experience necessary.
Will I be embarrassed or made to look like a fool?
No! Our improv classes are supportive, fun, and engaging. We want to ensure everyone is having a productive and enjoyable time.
Do I need to be funny to take an improv class?
This is one of the great myths of improv - that you need to be naturally funny to do it. We hear a lot of "oh, I could never do that" or "I'm not that quick on my feet." Improv is more than just a performance art; the principles you learn will help you at your job and in your everyday life. So the short answer is - no!
What can I expect to learn?
The specific descriptions for each class are on our Classes page. They give a more detailed outline of what each class will cover. Generally, in addition to the principles of the form itself, you will learn to be more open and receptive to others; to communicate more confidently and constructively; some elements of acting and stagecraft; and how to approach life with a "yes-and" attitude.
All students in our classes must be 18 years of age or older. Exceptions are rarely granted.
Do I need to have any stage/acting/improv experience to take a class?
Absolutely not! Our Intro to Improv class is designed for people who have never done any type of stagework before. Further classes will build on one another - no outside or prior experience necessary.
Will I be embarrassed or made to look like a fool?
No! Our improv classes are supportive, fun, and engaging. We want to ensure everyone is having a productive and enjoyable time.
Do I need to be funny to take an improv class?
This is one of the great myths of improv - that you need to be naturally funny to do it. We hear a lot of "oh, I could never do that" or "I'm not that quick on my feet." Improv is more than just a performance art; the principles you learn will help you at your job and in your everyday life. So the short answer is - no!
What can I expect to learn?
The specific descriptions for each class are on our Classes page. They give a more detailed outline of what each class will cover. Generally, in addition to the principles of the form itself, you will learn to be more open and receptive to others; to communicate more confidently and constructively; some elements of acting and stagecraft; and how to approach life with a "yes-and" attitude.
Summer Camp
Do participating students need experience with improv? With theater?
No! Everybody is welcome. Both beginning and more seasoned performers and improvisers will find this camp helpful.
What are the benefits of learning improv?
Performance. Participants will learn to create better characters, be more flexible on stage, and work with an ensemble. We will practice close listening, stage presence, and making strong choices.
Life Skills. Participants will learn how to access their spontaneity, think on their feet, work productively with others, and gain confidence. We will practice making ourselves vulnerable, taking risks, supporting others when they take risks, and we will reclaim our right to play and have fun while creating ART!
What will we do for 2 and a half hours every day?
Participants will engage in improv games and exercises. They will learn and practice both short-form and long-form improvisation. We will stand in circles and run around and work in small and large groups. We will laugh a lot but we’ll also learn a lot. And by the end of the week, we think participants will be bit by the same improv bug that got us!
What will the final recital be like?
Participants will perform in an improv show for an audience of friends and family. This will be on Friday, June 28th, 2019 in the Attic of The State Theatre. It’s not required, so if campers can’t or don’t want to perform, that’s ok. But we really do think participants will get the most out of the camp if they get on stage! Plus: we’re pretty sure they’ll WANT to!
No! Everybody is welcome. Both beginning and more seasoned performers and improvisers will find this camp helpful.
What are the benefits of learning improv?
Performance. Participants will learn to create better characters, be more flexible on stage, and work with an ensemble. We will practice close listening, stage presence, and making strong choices.
Life Skills. Participants will learn how to access their spontaneity, think on their feet, work productively with others, and gain confidence. We will practice making ourselves vulnerable, taking risks, supporting others when they take risks, and we will reclaim our right to play and have fun while creating ART!
What will we do for 2 and a half hours every day?
Participants will engage in improv games and exercises. They will learn and practice both short-form and long-form improvisation. We will stand in circles and run around and work in small and large groups. We will laugh a lot but we’ll also learn a lot. And by the end of the week, we think participants will be bit by the same improv bug that got us!
What will the final recital be like?
Participants will perform in an improv show for an audience of friends and family. This will be on Friday, June 28th, 2019 in the Attic of The State Theatre. It’s not required, so if campers can’t or don’t want to perform, that’s ok. But we really do think participants will get the most out of the camp if they get on stage! Plus: we’re pretty sure they’ll WANT to!