Happy Valley Improv, State College’s premier longform improv company, is growing the next generation of improvisers by bringing the art of improv theater to young people in Central Pennsylvania. Through weekly after-school classes and week-long summer intensives, HVI will cultivate a community of young people dedicated to the study and practice of longform improv comedy.
To accomplish this goal, the Happy Valley Improv Youth Development Committee has developed the following:
Improv is fun and brings joy. However, to produce and enjoy this fun, participants must practice disciplined flexibility. At Happy Valley Improv, we build card houses and build our community brick-by-brick. It is important to our community that everyone, youth and adult alike, follow a disciplined approach while creating laughter. All participants in the Happy Valley Improv Youth Training Program must agree to abide by the Youth Improv Tenets. All parents/guardians, along with the participants, must also agree to and sign the Youth Community Standards of Conduct.
To empnasize the importance of the Tenets and Standards of Conduct, parents are required to attend a pre-session meeting to meet with the teachers and ask questions about the program. When signing up, the date/time of the session will be listed. If you are unable to make the meeting, you must meet with the youth director within the first two weeks of the session. Students are not required but encouraged to attend the orientation.
To accomplish this goal, the Happy Valley Improv Youth Development Committee has developed the following:
- Course Pathways - levels of instruction rooted in discipline, commitment, variety, and creativity;
- Youth Improv Tenets - fundamental principles of improvisation upon which all training and performances are built.
- Youth Community Standards of Conduct - guidelines intended to make the most of each class session and to develop professionalism and respect for the art of improv;
Improv is fun and brings joy. However, to produce and enjoy this fun, participants must practice disciplined flexibility. At Happy Valley Improv, we build card houses and build our community brick-by-brick. It is important to our community that everyone, youth and adult alike, follow a disciplined approach while creating laughter. All participants in the Happy Valley Improv Youth Training Program must agree to abide by the Youth Improv Tenets. All parents/guardians, along with the participants, must also agree to and sign the Youth Community Standards of Conduct.
To empnasize the importance of the Tenets and Standards of Conduct, parents are required to attend a pre-session meeting to meet with the teachers and ask questions about the program. When signing up, the date/time of the session will be listed. If you are unable to make the meeting, you must meet with the youth director within the first two weeks of the session. Students are not required but encouraged to attend the orientation.
After-School Course Pathways
Our after-school programs run 6-weeks for Short-Form Games and for 12-week season long sessions for Long-Form Classes. The sessions are from 4:30pm - 6pm on select evenings and is open to 7th - 12th graders. All programing takes place at the Blue Brick Theatre located at 209 W Calder Way in Downtown State College. Please click here to sign up.
Short-Form Games: Improv for Everyone (capped at 15 students)
An after-school program designed for students from 7th grade to 12th grade to explore the basics of improv and dive into new short-form games each session. Whether you're a beginner or have prior experience, this class welcomes everyone to join the fun!
Short-Form Games focuses on core improv principles like listening, responding, and collaborating, while teaching a variety of engaging short-form games that enhance creativity and confidence. The program runs continuously, with 6-week renewals, starting January 27th, 2025.
Classes will meet on Mondays at the Blue Brick Theatre—209 W Calder Way—from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Students of all experience levels are invited to participate and grow. Open and honest feedback will be provided upon request to help students build skills and confidence.
Spring 2025 Dates
Early Spring Session: January 27th, February 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th, March 3rd
Late Spring Session: March 17th, 24th & 31st, Apr 7th, 14th & 21st
Cost: $200/session
An after-school program designed for students from 7th grade to 12th grade to explore the basics of improv and dive into new short-form games each session. Whether you're a beginner or have prior experience, this class welcomes everyone to join the fun!
Short-Form Games focuses on core improv principles like listening, responding, and collaborating, while teaching a variety of engaging short-form games that enhance creativity and confidence. The program runs continuously, with 6-week renewals, starting January 27th, 2025.
Classes will meet on Mondays at the Blue Brick Theatre—209 W Calder Way—from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Students of all experience levels are invited to participate and grow. Open and honest feedback will be provided upon request to help students build skills and confidence.
Spring 2025 Dates
Early Spring Session: January 27th, February 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th, March 3rd
Late Spring Session: March 17th, 24th & 31st, Apr 7th, 14th & 21st
Cost: $200/session
Long-Form Improv: Advanced Ensemble (capped at 12 students)
A 12-week after-school program for advanced students who are ready to dive deep into the art of long-form improvisation. This invite-only program is designed for those with extensive improv experience who want to explore what long-form truly means, culminating in a live long-form performance.
Participants will develop skills such as discovering and playing the game of a scene, heightening, exploring status dynamics, and performing second beats. The program emphasizes teamwork and advanced techniques to create cohesive and engaging long-form sets.
Entry into this program is by invitation only. Students must demonstrate a strong understanding of the foundational improv skills taught in the Intermediate Youth Improv class and show a commitment to collaboration and theatre etiquette. Evaluations are required before acceptance, and families may request feedback at any time. Continued participation is contingent upon maintaining the highest standards of respect and professionalism.
Spring 2025 Dates
Wednesdays starting January 29th and ending April 23rd. NO MEETING ON MARCH 12TH
Cost: $400 (payment plans available)
A 12-week after-school program for advanced students who are ready to dive deep into the art of long-form improvisation. This invite-only program is designed for those with extensive improv experience who want to explore what long-form truly means, culminating in a live long-form performance.
Participants will develop skills such as discovering and playing the game of a scene, heightening, exploring status dynamics, and performing second beats. The program emphasizes teamwork and advanced techniques to create cohesive and engaging long-form sets.
Entry into this program is by invitation only. Students must demonstrate a strong understanding of the foundational improv skills taught in the Intermediate Youth Improv class and show a commitment to collaboration and theatre etiquette. Evaluations are required before acceptance, and families may request feedback at any time. Continued participation is contingent upon maintaining the highest standards of respect and professionalism.
Spring 2025 Dates
Wednesdays starting January 29th and ending April 23rd. NO MEETING ON MARCH 12TH
Cost: $400 (payment plans available)
2025 Summer Youth Intensives
Coming Soon!