Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Improv Instructor

🎯 Role Definition

An Improv Instructor is a unique blend of artist, educator, and facilitator. At their core, they are responsible for teaching the principles and techniques of improvisational theater to a diverse range of students. This role extends beyond simply explaining games; it involves cultivating a safe, supportive, and playful learning environment where individuals can build confidence, enhance creativity, and develop critical communication and collaboration skills. Whether in a community theater, a professional training center, or a corporate boardroom, the Improv Instructor acts as a guide, helping students to embrace spontaneity, listen actively, and build something meaningful together from nothing.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Seasoned Improvisational Performer
Actor or Comedian
K-12 Teacher or University Professor (with a theatre background)

Advancement To:

Head Instructor or Education Director
Artistic Director
Corporate Trainer / Facilitator

Lateral Moves:

Acting Coach
Public Speaking Coach
Workshop Facilitator (in other creative or professional development fields)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, develop, and continuously refine a comprehensive improv curriculum that aligns with the institution's pedagogical philosophy and student learning objectives.
Lead dynamic, engaging improv classes and workshops for students of varying skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced performers.
Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment that encourages risk-taking, vulnerability, and mutual respect among all participants.
Clearly articulate and demonstrate fundamental improv concepts, such as "Yes, And," active listening, character development, and object work.
Teach a wide array of short-form and long-form improvisational games, exercises, and structures (e.g., Harold, La Ronde, Montage).
Provide constructive, specific, and actionable feedback to individual students and ensemble groups to facilitate their growth and development as performers.
Expertly manage classroom dynamics, ensuring all students have opportunities to participate and contribute while maintaining a positive and productive group focus.
Assess student progress throughout a course, providing end-of-term evaluations and recommending appropriate next steps in their training path.
Adapt teaching style and lesson plans to meet the unique needs and energy levels of each specific class, including virtual and in-person formats.
Coach student performance groups or house teams, guiding them in rehearsals, show structure, and ensemble development for public-facing performances.
Stay current with contemporary trends, forms, and pedagogical approaches within the broader improvisational theater community.
Direct student showcase performances, providing structure, running order, and pre-show guidance to ensure a positive experience for performers and audience members.
Guide students in understanding and applying scene work diagnostics, helping them to identify the "game of the scene" and heighten their choices effectively.

Secondary Functions

Actively participate in marketing and promotional efforts for classes and shows, including contributing to social media content and attending open house events.
Communicate regularly with students regarding class logistics, schedules, and performance opportunities via email or other designated platforms.
Collaborate with other instructors and administrative staff to ensure a cohesive and high-quality student experience across the entire training program.
Provide administrative support by accurately tracking student attendance, progress, and providing detailed notes for institutional records and future class placements.
Mentor assistant teachers or instructors-in-training, providing them with feedback and opportunities for professional growth.
Represent the organization at community events, festivals, and outreach programs to promote the value of improvisational training.
Develop and lead specialized workshops targeting specific skills or demographics, such as musical improv, sketch writing from improv, or improv for anxiety.
Facilitate corporate training sessions that use improv principles to teach skills like teamwork, leadership, creative problem-solving, and public speaking.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert-level knowledge of improvisational theory, including foundational principles (e.g., 'Yes, And') and various long-form and short-form structures.
Proven ability to develop, document, and execute a structured curriculum with clear learning objectives and progressive skill-building.
Strong performance diagnostics and coaching skills, with the ability to watch a scene and provide clear, insightful notes for improvement.
Experience in directing or coaching improv ensembles for live performance.
Familiarity with different schools of thought in improv (e.g., UCB's Game, iO's Harold, Johnstone's principles) and the ability to teach them.
Proficiency with online teaching platforms (like Zoom) and tools to effectively manage and engage students in a virtual environment.

Soft Skills

Exceptional interpersonal and public speaking skills, with the ability to command a room, articulate complex ideas clearly, and inspire confidence in students.
High level of empathy and emotional intelligence to create a psychologically safe space and manage sensitive group dynamics.
Advanced active listening skills, not just for performance but for understanding student needs and feedback.
Superb adaptability and quick thinking, able to pivot a lesson plan or exercise on the fly in response to the group's needs.
A patient and encouraging demeanor, capable of motivating students who may be nervous or struggling.
Strong leadership and group facilitation skills to guide ensembles and maintain a collaborative spirit.
A passion for teaching and a genuine desire to help others grow and succeed.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by extensive, multi-level training and performance experience from a recognized improvisational theater or school.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Theatre Arts
Education
Communication
Psychology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of consistent, high-level improv performance and training experience. At least 1-2 years of experience in a teaching, coaching, or assistant teaching role is often required.

Preferred:

Experience teaching a diverse population, including adults, youth, and corporate clients.
A history of performing on a house team or mainstage cast at a reputable improv theater.
Experience in curriculum development and directing student showcases.