Got questions? We’ve got answers...

Yes. The Outcasters offers a weekly drop-in improv class every Wednesday night from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in North Scottsdale, AZ. It’s designed for beginners and experienced players alike, and you can attend on a week-by-week basis. No multi-week commitment is required.

Online pre-registration is recommended so we can plan for class size, but it’s not required. You’re also welcome to just show up and pay at the door, space permitting.

Nope… our classes are all about diving in and having fun! At The Outcasters, we believe the best way to learn improv is by doing. Don’t worry though, you’ll be guided every step of the way through exciting, low-pressure activities and exercises designed to spark your creativity and confidence. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to surprise yourself!

Absolutely not. That’s the beauty of improv. The “funny” happens in scenes with others just like you!

No. Even though they both can be in the improv realm, stand-up comedy is generally scripted. It’s delivered solo in telling jokes. Improv comedy is a “team sport” in that everyone works together, without a script, to create funny scenes and circumstances! Improv often relies on suggestions from the audience to launch scenes.

Absolutely not! The Outcasters’ improv classes are committed to assisting folks from every walk of life to learn, enjoy, and experience the skills of improv comedy. No previous experience, acting or otherwise, is required to attend our classes. We treat our students with kindness and respect!

Not at all! In fact, you’ve been improvising your whole life: every time you navigate a conversation, solve a problem, or adapt to something unexpected. Improv is for everyone, as long as you’re ready to say, “Yes, and…”

We’re not here to turn you into a stand-up comedian; we’re here to teach you the foundational and advanced skills of improvisation, helping you create engaging scenes, build meaningful relationships on stage, and embrace spontaneity. Along the way, you’ll discover that improv isn’t just easier than you think; it’ll change how you see the world. Oh, and comedy? That’s just the side-splitting bonus. But if you’re not ready for all that fun and growth, there’s always pottery.

Don’t be! We embrace new students and support you in every way possible. We are a non-judgmental group of fun-seekers, led by Joe Hammer, a professional improv director who adheres to a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental setting. No egos. No harassment. No criticism. Just progressive improv training in a positive environment!

Our live classes are $20 per class. Class sizes vary; however, you can expect between 15 and 35 participants in the class. See our class overview page for current class pricing.

Drop-in classes are for those who aren’t as devoted to their improv practice, or choose to only occasionally attend classes. Drop-in class students are required to register for class on our website or may pay at the door. Classes are held on Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, $20 per class. Virtual classes are held via Zoom on Tuesday nights, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, $10 per class.

Our Premier Class Membership is for the more serious improv student. It includes both Wednesday night LIVE and Tuesday night Virtual classes as well as Joe’s Quarterly Immersive Workshops. Registration for any class is not required for Premier class members. Premier class membership is $75 per month via autopay. This equates to approximately $8.65 per class.

Zoom classes run from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Live classes are held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. We start and end on time. Class admission closes at 6:05, so don’t be late! Late arrivals are disruptive to the class, so please plan on arriving at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. This also gives you and your fellow classmates a chance to catch up on life before class. You’ll discover class time going by quickly and you’ll likely be a little sad when it’s over! You will be actively engaged!

FYI, if you are not feeling well, we request you respect the health of your fellow classmates and stay home.

Absolutely! Doing improv over Zoom is a lot of fun! You get more screen time as well as more one-on-one feedback! Plus, you get to improvise with people all around the world while enjoying Zoom-specific improv games! See our online classes.

Of course! Many of our more experienced players enjoy doing just that! By purchasing our Premier Class Package, you’ll get both virtual and live classes as well as our quarterly immersive classes!

Our Masterclass Package includes both virtual and live classes as well as our Masterclass Long-Form training immediately following the Wednesday night class. The Masterclass is only for Premier members who are invited to participate in this advanced class. Masterclass membership is $100 per month via autopay. This equates to approximately $11.50 per class.

No. Although we may occasionally offer levels 1-6 classes, we choose to make our classes more informal and less restrictive for new students.

No worries! Life happens and you’re bound to miss a class. This is why we’ve included our virtual Zoom classes in our Premier and Masterclass packages, so just jump in on Tuesday night from 6:00 to 7:30 pm!

The standard path to performing with us is to attend all classes, actively participate in training, and express an interest in performance opportunities. You must embrace and demonstrate the finer points of improv theater. Our troupe size is limited; however, we strive to include feature performers in our shows. These are students who have shown impressive improv skills from attending our classes. We also hold occasional student showcases, where our newer members have the opportunity to perform in their own venue for friends and family!

Not necessarily, but likely. We desire to have not only our designated Troupe Members participate in our shows, but also feature “guest performers” as well. Just show up to all classes, continue to grow your improv skills, actively listen, and apply feedback and notes given to you during classes. In doing so, your abilities will start to shine and you will most likely be asked to participate in shows!

No. However, should it be a corporate show, yes. Conventional shows normally don’t pay enough to divvy up among multiple performers, and any stipend provided by the venue is used for show promotion, overhead associated with show production, marketing, equipment, etc.

Absolutely! Improv increases both confidence and listening skills, both valuable for everyone in their life and career. Improv training also encourages risk-taking, a skill many have lost. Improvisation abilities also eliminate the dreaded “stage fright” many experience when in front of an audience.

Yes! The best improvisation is a combination of sharp communication skills, creative problem solving, and effective teamwork. These are the very same skills valued in the workplace, except they are employed in the conference room or client dinner instead of in front of a sold-out crowd. For more information on our progressive improv training for organizations, check out our Corporate Training page.

Absolutely! Check out our corporate and team-building training programs! Whether at our training center or on site at yours, you can depend on our programs to bring an all-new level of communication to your staff!

Get Joe’s books!

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!

Blank to Brilliant: mastering communication skills through the power of improv!

You can purchase them in class, from Amazon, or from our websites. Author-signed copies are also available.