Youth Classes

Improv can be wonderful for kids. It can be a great outlet for creative energy. It can also help a shy child feel more comfortable in their own skin. And it’s just plain fun. We offer both online and in-person classes.

There’s still a pandemic going on, and we take the health of our students seriously. Masks are encouraged. 

In 2023, we request that eligible students between the ages of 8 and 11 are vaccinated for the safety of the entire class. This is not regular school, but a workshop where students are speaking and laughing together in the same space. COVID is an airborne virus, and it still poses risk. We now know that vaccination and proper masking lowers that risk considerably. Please do not come to class with symptoms and mask when the possibility of infection is known.

Our Online classes run for 60 minutes (drop-ins) to  90 minutes (for session classes). We use Zoom to connect. Of course, there are some technical requirements – each student should be well lit and have a suitable internet connection. The speakers and microphone on the computer may work adequately, but we find that a headphones and a mic do improve quality, and make the classes more fun.

What Can Improv Do for Kids?

Our workshops use basic improvisation techniques to help kids be engaged, get focused, and learn valuable presentation and acting techniques to get them talking to other kids, as well as learning to think on their feet with confidence.

Anxiety and stress is a huge problem for many kids these days. Some feel pressure to be perfect, looking for validation and success, and may be paralyzed at the idea of taking a creative chance in case it doesn’t pay off. With improv, they’ll discover a refreshingly different kind of experience. It’s a setting where “mistakes” are half the fun. Improvisers laugh at themselves. In this positive environment, failure quickly loses its sting, and that gives kids the confidence to make bolder and more imaginative choices. Just as sports like soccer, football and hockey build the body, improv strengthens the imagination and develops a person’s emotional resilience.

But improv is also great for kids who are already outgoing. The natural “class clowns” find an outlet for their quick wit. And the kids who love being the centre of attention enjoy the many opportunities for stage time, develop their skills to more professional levels, and learn how to shine their light on others.

Instead of interacting with video games and smart phones, they’ll deal with people face to face, enjoying theatre games that encourage authentic play, laughter and personal interaction between kids.

Each of our workshop sessions ends with a casual and fun showcase for an audience of friends and family. This is not an obligation, but most kids – even those who thought they’d be too afraid – usually end up choosing to take part. (During COVID 19 restrictions, showcases are temporarily postponed until we can provide enough space for parents and friends safely).

It’s so much fun to hear people laughing, it’s addictive, and kids come back, again and again. Even the shy ones.

Theatresports (Teen Edition) May 6, 2022 for Youth Week at QEPCCC, for the Town of Oakville