Arizona’s Premier Improv Training Center

You don’t have to be funny. You just have to show up.

Improv classes for adults in Scottsdale. No experience necessary. No scripts. No pressure… just a room full of people learning to listen, react, and laugh at themselves.

Whether you’re after a fun night out, a way to loosen up, or a real boost in confidence and communication, this is where it starts… Join us in the fun!

The Outcasters Improv Training with Joe Hammer

Spots are limited. No experience required. Register now!

Adult improv classes at a glance

When

Every Wednesday

Classes run from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Fast-paced and full of surprises, including our exclusive “Scene of the Night!”

Cost

$20

Every class is a drop-in class. Register online to secure your seat, or pay at the door. Pre-registration recommended as seating is limited.

Who

Adults 18+

Our classes are for adults only, and no experience is necessary. We offer youth classes on occasion.

Where

North Scottsdale

8360 East Raintree Drive, #110
Scottsdale Arizona 85260 480.612.0298

Improv isn’t about being quick. It’s about listening.

At The Outcasters, our adult improv class is built for people who’ve never set foot on a stage and don’t plan to, as well as those more experienced in improv. Each session mixes warm-up games, group exercises, and short scene work in a low-stakes, high-energy environment.

Most students come for very different reasons… some want a creative outlet, some want to get better at public speaking or thinking on their feet at work, and some just want a genuinely fun way to spend an evening with people who don’t take themselves too seriously. Whatever brings you in, you’ll leave every class a little looser, a little braver, and probably still laughing days later.

Serious about improv?
No long-term commitment is required, but we have a Premier Membership program for serious students.
No experience necessary.
No scripts. No pressure.

What our students say…

All of our class testimonials are legit and on file! Here are just a few of them.
“It’s an experience for all. It’s safe and fun. Class members are so inviting it makes you better. I had never done improv before; now I’m hooked!”
★★★★★
“I fell head over heels for improv classes on my first session. Everything was amazing: the people, the structure, Joe’s insight, the laughs!”
★★★★★
“It is so fun! In fact I plan my weeks around Wednesdays now!”
★★★★★
“It’s been great. A fun time. Lots of laughter. Your stomach is going to hurt by the end of the night!”
★★★★★
“It’s a really welcoming environment. I guarantee you’re going to have fun and learn a lot!”
★★★★★
“The interaction and live experience of doing improv was awesome, mixed with Joe’s knowledge. Awesome class! I plan to continue to attend.”
★★★★★

Questions people actually ask us…

“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.”

Outcasters student

Improvisation, or improv, is a form of live theater in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are made up in the moment. Improv players will often take a suggestion from the audience as a source of inspiration to get the party started.

No. Most students walk in with zero performance background. Some come specifically because they’re not naturally outgoing and want to get more comfortable speaking up or thinking on their feet… on stage or off.

Active listening, focused thinking, physical presence, and staying calm when a scene doesn’t go the way you expected. These translate directly into everyday skills like public speaking and handling awkward moments at work.

A mix of people… from curious hobbyists, folks prepping for auditions, and a lot of professionals working on communication and confidence for their job. You don’t need a reason beyond “this sounds fun and slightly terrifying.”

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.

Have a question we haven’t addressed? It’s okay to have questions… and we have the answers! Visit our FAQ page or ask us directly.
Joe Hammer, Director - The Outcasters Improv Training Center
Meet your instructor…

Joe Hammer

All classes are taught by Joe Hammer, corporate trainer and founder of The Outcasters Improv Training Center. He’s the author of The Improv Edge and Blank to Brilliant, two books exploring how the principles of improvisation build real-world skills in listening, confidence, and communication.

Joe has spent decades working with professionals and organizations, translating improv into practical tools people actually use… on stage and off.

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!

Your first class is closer than you think.

Spots are limited each session. No experience required. Register now, show up, and be ready to laugh at yourself a little… We got your back!

Joe Hammer, founder and instructor at The Outcasters Improv Training Center in Scottsdale, Arizona Joe Hammer has been actively presenting powerful personal and business development seminars and entertainment programs for decades. Complimenting his books, THE IMPROV EDGE and BLANK TO BRILLIANT, 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!

Meet the Outcasters' Chameleon Mascot, Banter!

banter peek

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!