Beginners improv theatre

Do you want to experience what improv theatre is really about and see what it can add to your life? This beginners improv course is a playful, supportive introduction to improvisation, designed for people who are curious, open minded, and ready to try something new. You do not need any theatre or performance experience at all. Many participants join simply because they want to build confidence, meet new people, or reconnect with their creativity.

Improv is about much more than being funny on stage. It is about learning to trust yourself, listen properly, and respond in the moment. Through simple and enjoyable exercises, you will discover how freeing it can be to let go of overthinking and perfectionism. You will learn how to work with others, support ideas instead of blocking them, and stay present even when things feel uncertain.

Over the course of the programme, you will explore playfulness as a serious skill. You will practise listening with real attention, not just waiting for your turn to speak. You will learn to accept mistakes and use them as opportunities rather than problems. You will be encouraged to tap into your imagination and creative thinking, often surprising yourself in the process. As the weeks go on, many people notice their confidence growing, both on stage and in everyday conversations. Communication becomes clearer, more relaxed, and more authentic. Above all, the course is about enjoyment, connection, and having a lot of fun together.

The course is structured so that everyone can learn at their own pace. Each session builds on the previous one, gradually introducing core improv principles and techniques in a way that feels safe and achievable. There is no pressure to perform, and the focus is always on collaboration rather than individual brilliance. At the end of the course, you will take part in a small, informal show where you can share what you have learned with friends and family in a supportive environment.

Course details

The course is taught by Burgert Kirsten and consists of twelve lessons, followed by a small show. The total cost is €305. The show date will be confirmed closer to the end of the course.

Classes take place on Wednesday evenings from 19:30 to 21:30, running from 21 January to 14 April 2026. There is no lesson on 17 February. The location is ZIMIHC Wittevrouwen, Bouwstraat 55 in Utrecht.

Tickets

The course fee is €305. Tickets are available via improv-utrecht.weticket.io or by clicking the blue button below.

Improv Utrecht offers one or two funded places per course with a 20 percent discount for people with limited financial means. If this would help you, you can contact Marieke van Laar to discuss the options. It is also possible to pay the course fee in two instalments.

About the teacher

Burgert Kirsten is an organisational psychologist with a strong passion for helping people and teams unlock more adaptive, creative, and connected ways of working together. His Master’s research focused on how improvisational theatre practices can stimulate innovation in work groups and was published in the South African Journal of Industrial Psychology.

He holds multiple certifications in individual and team coaching, accredited by the International Coach Federation, and has extensive experience facilitating leadership, team innovation, and creative collaboration programmes for leading South African business schools, companies, and international conferences.

Alongside his professional work, Burgert has a deep background in improv theatre. He trained at the renowned iO Theater in Chicago and performed for many years with Lagnes, South Africa’s longest running Afrikaans improv group. The group toured nationally and even created its own television series. Burgert brings this rich mix of psychological insight, coaching expertise, and stage experience into the classroom, creating sessions that are thoughtful, practical, and genuinely enjoyable.

If you are curious about improv, want to challenge yourself in a gentle way, or are simply looking for a creative and social activity to add to your week, this course offers a welcoming place to start.