Home / School / Beginners Improv Classes / Level 1: Intro to Longform Improv
Level 1: Intro to Long Form
Unleash your creativity, grow in confidence, and discover a whole new level of camaraderie by learning how to create completely improvised scenes on stage. No Experience Necessary!
Course Overview
WELCOME TO OUR BEGINNERS-LEVEL IMPROV COURSE!
Learn the art of quick thinking, unleash your creativity, grow in confidence, and discover a whole new level of camaraderie with classmates and castmates.
This level teaches the fundamental principles of the FA style of long-form improvisation. The course focuses on building confidence, creating long form improv scenes and having fun!
You will learn the basic skills of long-form improvisation – actively listening and co-operating with team mates, “yes-and", the freedom to play and be spontaneous, and an introduction to improvised scene work.
There is no prerequisite for this course; anyone can join regardless of previous experience. If you have done a little improv before but not much long-form, it is recommended to start here.
Learning Objectives
Learn to improvise a whole scene from beginning to end from a single word inspiration
Gain confidence in performing on stage
Learn the principles of ‘yes and’ in improv
Practise mime and space work
Understand how to use emotion in improv scenes
Learn about the importance of commitment in scenes
Jump to Level…
Our Level 1 Teachers
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Robert Sladden
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Gareth O'Connor
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Chloe Godman
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Jen Tyler
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Scott Oswald
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Lorna Shaw
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David Martinez
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Eni Oshowo
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Vic Barry
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Shivani Thussu
We deliver courses from our own venues, and other spaces across town. Please always check the location of your class when booking! Our most regular class venues are listed below!
Venues
Haggerston
The Free Association
Haggerston 2
Centre 151
Euston
The Old Diorama Arts Centre
Seven Sisters
Fourth Monkey
Camden
Above The Lord Stanley
Kings Cross
The Shaw Theatre
People Say Nice Things
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The FA is an incredible hub of vibrancy, talent, imagination and hard work. A place for a great night out with friends or to explore your own creativity.
★★★★★
Sam Hampson
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I had so much fun during the courses at the FA. Brilliant and dedicated teachers combined with lovely people in the classes.
★★★★★
Mariam Osman
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The FA is the best damn place for improv in London. Go see a show, get excited, take a class, get addicted and then spend the rest of your life being silly with people on stage.
★★★★★
Laura Rogers
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Classes are always a highlight of my week! Thoroughly recommend signing up for a taster session if you're interested
★★★★★
Dan White
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Such fun course and dedicated teachers. Go get yourself a treat and learn Improv with the FA!
★★★★★
Alexandre Caillol
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The best improv in London! The training is fantastic - consistent and thorough, and the people are a right laugh and super friendly.
★★★★★
Caroline Amer
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I've loved taking classes at the FA - loads of fun but also a really clear and well-designed programme. Recommend!
★★★★★
Ben Hadley
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Hilarious shows & brilliant classes and teaching staff! If you want to watch or learn improv, the FA is the place to go
★★★★★
Ruby St. Leger
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I've done Level 1 and 2, and will keep going! The teachers are great, the atmosphere is great, and really like the how the classes are structured.
★★★★★
Brian Law
Upcoming Weekly Courses
Upcoming Intensive Courses
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Absolutely. On checkout there wil be an option to pay a 25% deposit payment. The remainder of the course fee is due before the start of class.
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Our courses are taught by individuals with a wealth of experience performing in the FA’s unique style.
The Free Association's training is formulated around the FA syllabus - a huge (ever growing) book, meticulously written and structured in order to help you learn everything from the fundamentals of long-form improv through to advanced moves, forms and techniques… all while staying true to the FA’s unique style.
Whilst all our trainers bring unique experience and expertise to their lessons, they all know our style and syllabus inside out, so your improv education will be the same regardless of who is running your class.
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You’ll be absolutely fine. In fact, that’s the best way to do it! Regardless of the other participants' performance or comedy experience, they will share the same nerves on the first day. Don’t worry - your trainer and the rest of the class will have your back.
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Occasionally, students with significant long form training are allowed to start at Level 2. Please contact us on hello@thefreeassociation.co.uk to check where you should start.
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FA training pushes you to become a better improviser through structured courses, notes and feedback. Our teaching has been developed around a core theory and approach to improv comedy that we build upon through each class of our courses, taking you from fundamentals up to more advanced comedic techniques.
Our teachers are encouraging and supportive of learning new skills but also will give personalised notes to help you identify areas you can work on to develop further.
The next level is…
Scenework
