Arizona’s Premier Improv Training Center

Arizona Improv Classes

Our weekly improv training classes are rooted in Scottsdale and open to students from Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, and every corner of Arizona! All classes are taught by Joe Hammer, author of The Improv Edge and Blank to Brilliant.

Ages 18+  ·  Wednesdays 6:00–8:00 pm  ·  $20  ·  No experience needed

Author Joe Hammer's Improv Training
Inspire. Innovate. Collaborate. Commit.

Arizona improv classes at a glance

Live

Every Wednesday

6:00 to 8:00 pm at our North Scottsdale studio. $20 per class, drop-in.

Online

Every Tuesday

Zoom classes open to students anywhere in Arizona and beyond. $10 per class, drop-in.

Who

Adults 18+

No acting experience necessary. All levels welcome, whether you’re naturally outgoing or painfully shy.

Where

North Scottsdale

8360 E Raintree Dr #110, just off the 101 at Raintree. About 20 to 25 minutes from downtown Phoenix.

Laugh more. Communicate better. Step outside your comfort zone.

Looking for a fun, supportive way to boost your confidence, think faster on your feet, and connect with others? At The Outcasters Improv Training Center, our improv classes are designed for real people who want to laugh more, communicate better, and step outside their comfort zone… no acting experience required!

Joe’s classes combine professional coaching with an energetic, welcoming atmosphere that helps students grow at their own pace. His unique teaching style blends comedy, creativity, confidence-building, and real-world communication skills into an experience that’s both transformational and ridiculously fun.

Whether you’re naturally outgoing or painfully shy, improv helps you become more comfortable in conversations, more confident speaking in front of groups, and more present in everyday life. You’ll learn how to trust your instincts, quiet overthinking, react in the moment, and have FUN doing it. Many students join simply looking for a creative outlet… and end up discovering a whole new side of themselves! But don’t take our word for it, see what our students have to say!

Come join us!

Our studio is at 8360 E Raintree Dr #110, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, just 20 to 25 minutes from Phoenix via the 101. We serve students from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler & Gilbert.

No acting experience necessary.
All levels welcome.

What our students say…

All of our class testimonials are legit and on file! Here are just a few of them.
“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.”
★★★★★
“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 would definitely give this class 5 stars… Joe is the bomb!”
★★★★★
“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.”
★★★★★
“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.”
★★★★★
“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!”
★★★★★

Arizona improv classes: FAQ

“It’s a really welcoming environment. I guarantee you’re going to have fun and learn a lot!”

Outcasters student

No. All Outcasters classes are built for total beginners as well as experienced performers… no auditions, no experience required.

The Outcasters hold live classes every Wednesday in North Scottsdale (just off the 101 at Raintree), with online Zoom classes every Tuesday that are open to students anywhere in Arizona and beyond.

Drop-in Zoom classes are $10, live drop-in classes in Scottsdale are $20, and monthly memberships range from $75–$100. See full pricing on our Classes page.

The best way to train is regular practice… weekly classes, Joe’s immersive workshops, and stage time. The Outcasters’ progressive class structure builds core skills like listening and spontaneity week over week.

Our North Scottsdale studio is about 20–25 minutes from downtown Phoenix via the 101… easy to reach from Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert. Can’t make the drive? Our online Zoom classes every Tuesday are open to students anywhere in the Valley.

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!

From Phoenix to Gilbert, 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!