Zoom Classes – Every Tuesday, 6-8:00 pm
Live Classes – Every Wednesday, 6-8:00 pm
The Outcasters are a family-friendly improvisational comedy troupe and training center based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Founded by Joe Hammer—author of The Improv Edge: How the Art of Improv Can Boost Your Confidence, Enrich Your Life, and Fast-Track You to a More Energized and Motivated Presence! and Blank to Brilliant: Mastering Communication Skills Through the Power of Improv! We’re dedicated to making improv classes accessible and fun for everyone!
We host live, drop-in improv classes every Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in North Scottsdale, conveniently located just off the 101 at the Raintree exit. We also offer weekly Zoom classes on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 pm MST. For those looking to dive deeper into the art, we offer workshops and in-depth training in both short- and long-form improvisation. All of our classes are held in a safe, fun and supportive environment where creativity can flourish.
At The Outcasters, we pride ourselves on 100% pure, unrefined improvisation. We create scenes and stories on the spot using only audience suggestions—no planning, no scripts, no safety net! Fans of Whose Line Is It Anyway? will feel right at home with our stage antics!
We also offer a range of workshops, classes, and shows throughout the year. Through our Improv for a Cause program, we’re proud to support local non-profit organizations by offering shows to raise funds for their cause.
Our improv is all about quick thinking, spontaneous creativity, and a healthy dose of fun. We frequently invite audience members to suggest ideas for scenes—and sometimes even join us on stage! Each performance is a “World Premiere”—unique and unrepeatable.
We invite you to join us for a class or a show and flex your creative muscles with us. Scroll down to check out our improv classes; we look forward to making stuff up with you!
These are just some of the dozens of kudos we have on file from our many students...
"Joe Hammer’s Outcasters Improv classes are the best in the biz. Joe’s fun and engaging style of teaching Improv will enhance your game big time. Whether you are new to Improv or an experienced performer, Joe will take you to higher levels quickly. I highly recommend The Outcasters Improv classes, and Joe’s book The Improv Edge."
"I love how the program is so well organized into different exercises that end up getting one into a more flowing state of creativity! I am loving each second of the class."
"You're a great Improv Coach (and a great guy)! The games we played were 'spot on' for fine tuning all the top tools to facilitate the 'magic' in our improv scenes. Your Director Notes are really helpful too!"
"The way it was run, professionally, no ego from anyone, great fun and we learned a whole bunch of new funny stuff!"
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"I loved learning more about flashbacks and how we can put that into our performances. It was very insightful. The class was fun and we did a lot of fun games."
"I enjoyed learning so much from Joe! He reminded me how even the small things in a scene are what truly bring it to life."
"I very much enjoyed how positive and supportive Joe is when he runs the class. This is NOT a competitive environment and it attracts a wide range of interesting, kind students from various backgrounds."
"Everyone was extremely welcoming and Joe was a fantastic teacher. I felt comfortable participating and didn't feel I had to worry about any judgement, we were all in it together. The warmups and exercises were engaging and hilarious. I can't wait to go back!"
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"The Outcasters improv classes are a great way to build your interactive skills that you can use in any life situation. It is a fun way to learn how to listen and build off someone else's input, a priceless skill in the world of business. It is a safe, non-judgmental, encouraging environment!"
"The best class I’ve ever participated in! I can’t wait until next Wednesday! Laughter is the best medicine. Thank you Joe and everyone there."
"A great group of very talented individuals. I very much look forward to the next class."
"I came to The Outcasters having never done Improv. One night and I'm hooked!"
"I've hit rock bottom in terms of social interactions so many times and finally made the decision that enough is enough. I need to get better. This is exactly what I've been needing. I feel so happy and thankful to have been a part of it and will be attending every chance I get."
"I found myself looking forward to class every week! The games are always playful, fun and yet challenging and instructive."
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"If you have been considering diving into the art of Improvisation, take the plunge now with Joe Hammer’s, The Outcasters Improv Troupe, in Scottsdale. Joe is an excellent instructor and improvisor. His exceptional methods of teaching are more like lessons in fun."
"I have been attending improv classes with The Outcasters for six months and have found them to be an enjoyable diversion from my regular routine. Joe runs the class effectively, introducing games to hone our skills, providing insightful tips, and facilitating a welcoming and friendly environment. Mistakes and blunders are inevitable yet forgiven and I highly recommend the class for anyone looking to experience some laughs and develop their interpersonal skills."
"I loved how Joe related to people in a non-judgmental way. Totally "yes, and" posture. I also enjoyed his style of directing during the exercises as needed. The folk in the class were awesome, accepting, welcoming."
"I would definitely recommend Joe Hammer's classes , workshops, trainings after attending this first one. I plan to make this a habit. I'm not an actor, don't play one on TV, not a goal. I'm a psychotherapist at the VA working with vets diagnosed with PTSD, and all kinds of trauma related challenges. I teach Improv in virtual groups to help them heal, improve their life skills. Personally I find it improves my life if I intentionally practice the principles in my daily life. I am a part of an international post-modern therapeutic community that has been using performance therapies for many years."
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“I fell head over heels for improv classes on my first session. Everything was amazing … the people, the structure, Joe’s insights, the laughs!”
“I came to The Outcasters having never done Improv. One night and I’m hooked!”
The Outcasters Improv Troupe members had the opportunity to hang with Whose Line Is It Anyway? stars, Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff Davis and Joel Murray after their wonderful Whose Live Anyway? show.
Online Classes – Every Tuesday, 6-7/7:30 pm
Live Classes – Every Wednesday, 6-8:00 pm
Joe Hammer has been actively presenting powerful personal and business development seminars and entertainment programs for decades. Complimenting his book, THE IMPROV EDGE, Joe’s improv classes and workshops deliver high-impact content from his extensive training with Magnet Theater, Upright Citizen’s Brigade and Impro Theatre, including disciplines with fellow improv authors, Mick Napier of The Annoyance Theater and Will Hines of UCB.
Joe’s classes go beyond simple improv games; you’ll discover practical and constructive principles of both short and long form improvisation – all while enjoying ample stage time, personalized coaching and considerate feedback. There’s something new in every class!
And it’s all taught in a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental setting. No egos. No harassment. No criticism. Just progressive improv training in a positive environment!
Joe Hammer has been actively presenting powerful personal and business development seminars and entertainment programs for decades. Complimenting his book, THE IMPROV EDGE, Joe’s improv classes and workshops deliver high-impact content from his extensive training with Magnet Theater, Upright Citizen’s Brigade and Impro Theatre, including disciplines with fellow improv authors, Mick Napier of The Annoyance Theater and Will Hines of UCB.
Joe’s classes go beyond simple improv games; you’ll discover practical and constructive principles of both short and long form improvisation – all while enjoying ample stage time, personalized coaching and considerate feedback. There’s something new in every class!
And it’s all taught in a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental setting. No egos. No harassment. No criticism. Just progressive improv training in a positive environment!
The Outcasters are a family-friendly Improvisational Comedy Troupe and Training Center headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Founded by entertainer and improviser Joe Hammer, author of The Improv Edge, The Outcasters are a group of fun souls committed to 100% pure, unrefined improvisation comedy. We make up scenes and situations live using only audience suggestions. No planning. No scripts. No net.
Our stage antics will be familiar to those who have watched the hit TV show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? Our players are experienced in the local improv scene and we offer a variety of classes, workshops and shows throughout the year, performing regularly at local venues as well as private events. We are also proud to financially assist local non-profit organizations with our Improv for a Cause program!
Our improv antics are all about thinking on our feet, making stuff up on the spot, and deeply hoping nobody realizes we’re flying by the seat of our pants. We often invite our audience members to suggest topics for us to use in scenes and sometimes even join us onstage for fun games and imaginative stories!
The Outcasters hold drop-in improv classes weekly in North Scottsdale, just a couple minutes off the 101, Raintree exit. We also offer more in-depth training and workshops on both short and long form improvisation. We welcome you to join us for a class or show! Each of The Outcasters’ shows is a “World Premiere” that’s never been seen before and will never be seen again!
C’mon, flex your creative muscles and join us as we make stuff up! Scroll down and take a look at our many improv training and entertainment programs!
Note: We require registration for drop-in classes. Online classes are also available!
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As a perceptive chameleon, Banter recognizes the importance of being adaptable. Banter came to be the Outcasters’ mascot after trying to find a place to cool off from the blazing Arizona sun. He stumbled inside a drop-in improv class and, after seeing what The Outcasters were all about, he quickly realized he was home! Whether you’re an experienced improviser, just beginning your improv journey, or attending one of our shows, Banter invites you to join us!
Joe Hammer has been actively presenting powerful personal and business development seminars and entertainment programs for decades. Complimenting his book, THE IMPROV EDGE, Joe’s improv classes and workshops deliver high-impact content from his extensive training with Magnet Theater, Upright Citizen’s Brigade and Impro Theatre, including disciplines with fellow improv authors, Mick Napier of The Annoyance Theater and Will Hines of UCB.
Joe’s classes go beyond simple improv games; you’ll discover practical and constructive principles of both short and long form improvisation – all while enjoying ample stage time, personalized coaching and considerate feedback. There’s something new in every class!
And it’s all taught in a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental setting. No egos. No harassment. No criticism. Just progressive improv training in a positive environment!