About Improv Spaces

Creating a character on the spot seems tough, but it can be done, and it can be done well, to top it off! Improv centers around making up things on the spot, from characters to scenarios to songs. These events are best known to bring imaginative and charismatic people together and invite people to explore the reaches of their creativity to create a scene that emulates a real-life situation.

There are many instances where improv is utilized as an event, which includes both corporate and personal reasons. From a corporate standpoint, an improv event allows workers to relax and have some fun, while also looking for employees that display charisma, team leadership and other vital qualities for bigger responsibilities. For more personal enjoyment, improv events are a great way to build relationships with friends and family, which is always a good thing.

Finding an improv space that has all that you may need can be a challenge but knowing what to look for makes it a whole lot easier to do. And look at it this way, planning and executing an improv is going to be a fun experience.

The Best Improv Venues

Improv spaces can come in a variety of forms, from bigger areas full of props and room to move to smaller venues that require creativity on the performer's part. Whatever type of improv event you have planned, having an improv venue that suits your theme can set the tone for fun.

• Pubs and Bars
  Ideal for smaller improv events, pubs and bars can provide you with an ideal venue that radiates a relaxed atmosphere. With a lot of ambient noise, these locations can give attendees and performers the confidence to act. Pubs and bars also have a surprising number of items that can be used as props.
  
  
• Theatres
  A classic venue that calls for all sorts of performances, theatres are your go-to venue if you are new to these kinds of occasions or are unsure of what to do. Theatres can cater to a larger capacity audience which can be a positive addition. A good theatre usually comes with built in features like spotlights and comfortable seating which can highlight performances and make them memorable for those attending.
  
  
• Entertainment Venues
  These can range from private lofts to mini theatres that are specialized in catering to all sorts of events. Each entertainment venue has amenities and features that make them desirable, and the challenge for you will be finding out what you need and searching for a venue that fits the bill. With each entertainment venue being vastly different from the other, the choices are endless.
  
  
• Houses and Estates
  These venues give off a homey feel which allows guests, speakers, and the audience to feel more comfortable compared to other venues which may seem impersonal. Homes have some props and décor which can be utilized to great effect in your upcoming improv. With each home having a unique design, you can pick and choose based on the size, amenities offered, and even the usefulness of the surrounding property.

What to Look for in Improv Spaces

Knowing what to look for when scouting out potential improv spaces can make your search more fruitful and can give you more locations that are suited to your tastes and liking. With each venue being different, it's wise to know what features they have so that you filter out those that don’t meet your criteria.

• Size
  Having a large enough venue to hold both your performers and the audience is vital, after all, you wouldn’t want a venue so crowded that the audience can’t focus on the performance, but at the same time, you wouldn’t want to book a massive warehouse or auditorium for a small number of people. Knowing how many will attend can help you decide on a properly sized location.
  
  
• Safety
  It's wise to consider both the safety of your audience as well as your performers. Ensuring that there are no dangers to the location as well as potential hazards for anyone attending means that everyone can perform to their full capacity without having to worry about getting injured or damaging equipment.
  
  
• Accessibility
  If you have many entrances and exits in the venue, the ways in which performers act out skits and engage with the audience can change, which adds to the beauty of the improv event. Having many ways to access stages and doors means that improv isn’t limited to the central stage. Instead, it widens the entire venue.
  
  
• Props
  What is improv without the props? Having many props on-site increases the range of improv that can occur at the event. Choosing a venue that has multiple props that can be used at the drop of a hat ensures a good time.

Improv Inspiration

Having trouble thinking of potential improv space? Here are a few that might give you ideas for planning your next improv event.

• Improv Workshop at a Theatre
  There’s no better way to get better at improv than being in the spotlight. Theatres are great for workshops as attendees can focus on the stage and take notes on the body language thanks to the spotlights focused on the performers. The event will be entertaining and a learning experience as well.
  
  
• Improv Get-Together at a Local Pub
  These events are a great way to de-stress after a hard day’s work and can allow you to showcase the inner creativity you have hidden inside. With many pubs being friendly with their patrons, you can be sure that they will be able to accommodate you and the improv crew.
  
  
• Comedy Night at a Quaint Cottage
  Imagine a fun filled night with some family and friends. A comedy night full of improv and skits at a quaint cottage is the perfect way to spend some quality bonding time with people you like.
  
  
• Corporate Improv at a Warehouse
  Ideal for larger groups and skits or even work related activities, warehouses can accommodate any capacity of people from a small group to hundreds of guests.