Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Improv Teacher

🎯 Role Definition

An Improv Teacher is a passionate educator and performer responsible for designing and delivering high-quality improvisation instruction to a diverse range of students. This role involves creating a safe, inclusive, and playful learning environment that encourages creative risk-taking, active listening, and ensemble-based collaboration. The instructor will guide students—from absolute beginners to advanced performers and corporate clients—through a structured curriculum of games, exercises, and scene work. The ultimate goal is to develop not only their improvisational skills but also to enhance their confidence, public speaking ability, and interpersonal communication, whether for the stage or the boardroom.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Performing Improviser / Comedian
Acting Coach or Drama Teacher
Corporate Trainer with a creative focus
Alumni of an advanced improv training program

Advancement To:

Head of Education / Training Director
Artistic Director
Senior Instructor / Lead Teacher
Curriculum Developer for a comedy theater or training center

Lateral Moves:

Corporate Facilitator / Applied Improvisation Specialist
Public Speaking Coach
Creative Consultant for businesses or productions
Scriptwriter or Director

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop and deliver a comprehensive improv curriculum for various skill levels, from introductory drop-in classes to advanced long-form programs.
Create and maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment where students feel empowered to take creative risks and collaborate effectively.
Lead students through a structured progression of improvisational exercises, games, and scene work designed to build core skills like listening, agreement ("Yes, And..."), and character development.
Provide constructive, specific, and actionable feedback to individual students and groups to facilitate their growth and understanding of improvisational concepts.
Adapt teaching methods and curriculum content on the fly to meet the unique needs, energy levels, and learning styles of each class.
Design and facilitate specialized workshops focusing on specific improv formats (e.g., Harold, La Ronde) or applications (e.g., musical improv, storytelling, public speaking).
Effectively manage classroom dynamics, ensuring equitable participation and fostering a strong sense of ensemble and group mind among students.
Demonstrate a deep understanding and ability to articulate the underlying principles and theories of comedic and dramatic improvisation.
Prepare detailed lesson plans, course outlines, and educational materials that align with the organization's pedagogical goals and standards.
Conduct student assessments and evaluations to track progress, provide developmental notes, and determine readiness for advancement to higher-level classes.
Mentor and guide student performance groups, providing direction and coaching for showcases, recitals, and other public performances.
Communicate effectively with students regarding class schedules, curriculum expectations, performance opportunities, and registration information.
Collaborate with administrative staff and other faculty members to ensure a cohesive and high-quality educational experience for all students.
Participate in faculty meetings, curriculum development sessions, and professional development workshops to stay current with best practices in improv education.
Represent the organization professionally and enthusiastically at community events, open houses, and promotional activities to attract new students.
Facilitate corporate training and applied improvisation workshops designed to enhance team building, communication, leadership, and innovation in a business context.
Manage classroom logistics, including space setup, breakdown, and ensuring all necessary materials and resources are available for each session.
Stay actively engaged with the local and national improv community by performing, attending shows, and networking with other artists and educators.
Uphold the organization's code of conduct and values, serving as a positive role model for students and contributing to a respectful artistic community.
Document student attendance, progress, and key observations to provide continuity and support for the overall educational program.
Research and integrate new exercises, teaching techniques, and theoretical frameworks into the curriculum to keep content fresh, relevant, and effective.
Guide students in developing their unique comedic voice and point of view through personalized coaching and targeted exercises.

Secondary Functions

Assist with the audition and placement process for new and returning students.
Contribute to the organization's blog or social media with educational content about improvisation.
Provide support for mainstage or student productions, including directing, coaching, or technical assistance.
Act as an ambassador for the theater's educational programs within the broader artistic and local community.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert-level knowledge of short-form and long-form improvisational structures (e.g., Harold, Armando, La Ronde).
Curriculum development and lesson planning for arts education.
Advanced scene work diagnostics and the ability to provide actionable side-coaching.
Group facilitation and classroom management techniques for diverse adult learners.
Performance coaching and show direction.
Deep understanding of game theory as it applies to improv ("game of the scene").
Knowledge of various comedic and theatrical theories (e.g., Stanislavski, Meisner, Lecoq) and their application to improv.
Proficiency in facilitating applied improvisation for corporate or non-theatrical objectives.
Strong public speaking and presentation skills.

Soft Skills

Exceptional active listening and observational skills.
Empathy and high emotional intelligence.
Clear, concise, and encouraging communication.
Patience and the ability to create a non-judgmental space for failure and growth.
Adaptability and quick, on-your-feet thinking.
Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
Inspirational leadership and motivational ability.
Skill in delivering constructive feedback with tact and kindness.
Strong problem-solving skills for navigating group dynamics.
A positive, playful, and engaging demeanor.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent. Completion of an advanced, multi-level improv training program from a recognized institution (e.g., UCB, Second City, The Groundlings, iO).

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Theatre Arts
Performing Arts
Education
Communication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of consistent performance experience on a house team, mainstage cast, or in professional improv productions.

Preferred:

1-2+ years of prior experience teaching, coaching, or directing improv, acting, or related subjects. Verifiable experience leading corporate workshops or applied improvisation sessions is a significant plus.