Level 1 introduces students to all of the concepts necessary to become adept improvisers and performers. Students will learn how to build and apply the basic fundamentals of improvisation through a series of exercises, games, and storytelling. Level 1 is the appropriate starting point for the inexperienced student, but even those with some improv or theater experience will find value in the lessons of Level 1. The class will culminate in students learning and performing iO’s signature piece, The Harold, one of the most sophisticated and rewarding forms of pure improv ever created. 

While ‘Yes, And’ is the guiding ethos in improvisation, students will go above and beyond that simple principle and learn how acceptance, agreement, honesty, connections, listening, and commitment will help them discover the truth in comedy. Our expert instructors foster a safe and joyous environment for students to play, experiment, and relish in the experimentation of improv. 

Level 1 is an 8-week course that meets once a week for 3 hours. At the end of the term, each class will have a short 10-minute performance demonstration open to the public.

Level 2 expands upon the principles explored in level 1 and teaches students the skills to make strong, bold and committed choices to elevate their characters, scenes, and performances. This level focuses on the importance of creating something artful and beautifully compelling on stage, challenging students to be more than just talking heads in their improvisation. Students will be engaged in exercises that encourage them to use physicality, environment, and stage picture to inspire their improvisation and raise the status of their improv from simple games and scenes to high performance art.

The principles of Level 2 separate iO’s training center from other improv schools by focusing on bold decision making and group support. Students will work together to commit to each other’s choices and elevate those choices, creating truly unique and inspiring moments of improvisation. 

Level 2 is an 8-week course that meets once a week for 3 hours. At the end of the term, each class will have a short 10-minute performance demonstration open to the public.

Level 3 redirects the focus back on to the essential building block of longform improvisation, the two person scene. The exercises in this level will help students slow down and find grounded real points of view and relationships to explore in their scenes. Rather than act like cartoon characters, Level 3 helps students understand that by listening and reacting to what someone is saying to them, they can create compelling and emotional scenes that will naturally evolve into comedy. Students will learn to develop the natural instincts that will help their scenes flourish and connect with audiences and will receive individualized feedback from their instructor about their strengths and opportunities for growth. 

‘Every line is golden and every detail is golden.’ The principles of level 3 help reassure students that they already have everything they need to create a great scene. Students will stop “inventing” and start truly improvising with guidance on how to respond with real emotions and committed character choices. 

Level 3 is an 8-week course that meets once a week for 3 hours. At the end of the term, each class will have a short 10-minute performance demonstration open to the public.

Level 4 synthesizes the lessons from all of the previous levels and allows students to begin creating longform pieces that are cohesive, thoughtful, and artistic. Students will learn a variety of classic longform pieces in an effort to understand how structure can inform their art. Each form taught will offer students an opportunity to learn how a form can be a motivator of creativity and authenticity, and not just a rigid structure to adhere to. The skills in this class will help students perform longer sets and will encourage true improvisational exploration of ideas, concepts, and thoughts–urging students to actually say something with their art. 

Learn the rules, obey the rules, then break the rules. Additional focus will be given to iO’s signature longform style, The Harold. Developed and performed at iO for the last 35 years, the Harold is now taught and performed all over the world and is a sophisticated and rewarding form that lends itself to all styles of improvisation. Students will learn the intricacies of performing the Harold with the understanding that the form is just a launching point for inspiration and not a destination in and of itself. 

Level 4 is an 8-week course that meets once a week for 3 hours. At the end of the term, each class will have a short 10-minute performance demonstration open to the public.

Level 5 pushes students into a true ensemble mindset and challenges the groups to create their own unique longform piece. Inspired by their work in Level 4 and all the previous levels, students will work together under the guidance and assistance of their instructor to brainstorm and generate a new, unique form that will be performed on stage. This level allows for a lot of personalized notes and diagnostics from the instructor and really helps students grow as individuals while also operating in an ensemble state of mind. 

At the end of this 8 week course, the students will spend the following 8 weeks performing their devised piece on stage at iO every Sunday night. Following the completion of level 5 and their performances, all iO graduates will be eligible to audition for the House Team program at iO, allowing for the opportunity to continue their education and performance opportunity on a coached ensemble with weekly shows sponsored by the theater.

For those who don’t live in Chicago, or those seeking a condensed learning experience over a shorter period of time, iO Theater offers a variety of seasonal intensives.

Our Summer Intensive is a 5 week, 4 day a week, 6 hours a day program designed to cover everything from our regular training center program. Students of all background and experience level are welcome to sign up.

Alternatively, iO also offers short 1-week intensives in the winter, spring, summer, and fall. These are designed as program overviews of our entire curriculum and are suitable for both beginner improvisers as well as advanced.

Email us with any and  all your questions about travel, lodging, and studying at iO for any of the intensive programs listed. We are here to help.

Looking to work on a specific improv skill? Interested in trying some sketch or pilot writing? Friends and alumni of iO are always offering different workshops through our training center. Class lengths and number of meetings vary by each class, so learn more about our different workshops below.

Check back frequently as our workshop offerings are always changing.