Independent Film Actors
Improv Training

Improv training has proven over the years to be an extremely effective means of teaching actors how to perform for independent features and shorts.

The same elements that make an actor a good improvisor make the actor valuable to a director and production on a budget. The ability to react and respond to changing situations and make the most out of any situation can save productions thousands.

Below is a list of what we consider to be some of the premier centers of training and skilled personnel around the country. Generally we will identify one group in a region.

You may go to their website to obtain more information and how to join their workshops or how to contact them regarding casting their actors in your features.

Miami: The smallest of these groups, Laughing Gas is the longest running improvisational troupe in South Florida boasting members that have made their way through Second City, IO, moved onto the Groundlings, UCB and other places. Also, THEY improv, Fort Lauderdale's improv troupe, serves much the same purpose and shares some actors with Laughing Gas. While acting on stage with short form improvisation games, their class structure and scene work is well-grounded in fundamental improvisational acting techniques. The groups are ecclectic collections of actors from varying backgrounds that have been performing in most productions throughout the region. Their web sites contain headshots and resumes of cast members and is a useful resource as casting in South Florida is more difficult as talent is more scarce. Information on additional troupes in South Florida is available on Improv Miami.

West Coast: The Groundlings have proven to be a breeding ground for comedic talent over the years. Actors from this center have performed in movies, sitcoms, TV, shorts, stand-up and many other forms. Their training program has an excellent reputation and the name carries with it a power of its own. THE UCB and IO also have West Coast venues now as well.

MidWest: Two programs dominate this landscape. First, Second City is world-reknowned for its improv training and sketch writing programs. Their training program emphasises working in a group structure, improvising for the development of material, playing the moment and heightening situations. While expensive and all-consuming, graduating from Second City has launched many careers. The second is IO. This company has launched many careers in conjunction with Second City. A resume with both on it tends to be of a very high caliber.

New York: The Upright Citizen Brigade Theater was created by former members of IO in Chicago. They began performing for free to simply get on stage and expirament without the pressure of worrying that someone would have over payed. Now they charge, but the creative environment continues to grow. This popular New York class attracts many of the most talented people in the area and should continue to expand. Additionally, they have opened a West Coast branch in Los Angeles.

For more information or to provide feedback to the site, simply email us at web@independentvideo.com.