Frequently Asked Questions
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. Have more questions? It’s okay to have questions… and we hope to have the answers! If you have a question we haven’t addressed, please ask us!
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 lives 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 chose 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 night from 6-8:00 pm, $20 per class. Virtual classes are held, via Zoom, on Tuesday Nights, 6-7:30 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 from Premier class members. Premier class membership is $75 per month via autopay. This equates to approximately $8.65 per class.
Zoom classes are 6- 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 from people all around the world while enjoying Zoom-specific improv games!
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. Master class 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 6–7:30 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 be most likely asked to participate in shows!
Absolutely! Improv increases both confidence as well as 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 eliminates 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!
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 also available.
Do You Have a Question We Haven’t Answered? Contact Us!
“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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Current Classes:
Online Classes – Every Tuesday, 6-8:00 pm
Live Classes – Every Wednesday, 6-8:00 pm
Meet Your Instructor...
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!
Meet Your Instructor...
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!
Improvisation is the practice of unplanned observation, unbridled acceptance and compelling reaction.
– Joe Hammer, The Improv Edge
