Drop-in Workshops
Every week Improv Utrecht runs a drop-in improv workshop. This is an improv workshop where anyone and everyone is free to join, regardless of their prior improv or performing arts experience. Every week, one of our skilled teachers runs a two hour workshop in English on different subjects to share the delights of improv with the assembled group.
How do I sign up?
The workshops usually take place on Fridays from 20:00 until 22:00 at Buurtcentrum de Leeuw, however it’s always best to check the Meetup group in case there have been any changes. In order to join the workshop, you need the following, which you can get by emailing info@theatersportworkshops.nl.
- The keycode that allows you into the building from 15 minutes before the lesson start time onwards.
- The link to the signup site where you can secure your place for the workshop.
- A link to the WhatsApp group where information about the improv workshops and other fun things related to improv or performing arts around Utrecht are shared.
- Details on which door to use in order to access the building (small clue: it’s not the front one).
Where is it?
The workshops usually take place at Buurtcentrum de Leeuw, Samuel van Houtenstraat 1, 3515 EA Utrecht, but check the Meetup group in case there have been any last minute updates.
There is paid street parking nearby the venue, but you can also park a little further out where parking is free and walk there.
In order to get in the building, you will need to access the side door on the west side of the building. In the Google Map above, its specific location has been flagged. The picture below shows the part of the building where it can be found. This door is on Troelstralaan.
For entry into the building you will need the keycode in order to unlock and open the door. This can be obtained by emailing info@theatersportworkshops.nl. Please note that the code will only work 15 minutes before the workshop begins, and is only active after the organiser has arrived and used their code first.
Once in the building, take a right through the double doors into the communal area. Ahead of you on the right is a staircase, go to the top of the stairs. Ahead (slightly right) at the top of the stairs are another set of double doors, go through these. The lessons are held in the room immediately to your right.
When is it?
The workshops almost always happen from 20:00 – 22:00 every Friday evening. We ask that attendees do everything they can to arrive on time, and if you are running late to send a message in the WhatsApp group to say so. There are no workshops in the Christmas holidays, on national holidays and during the summer. We stop during school holidays with the exception of the autumn holiday lesson. If in doubt, always check the signup sheet or the Meetup group.
How much does it cost?
The workshop is donation based. This means that you pay what you think it’s worth. Our suggested donation is €20, but we understand that amount is easier for some than others. We believe that improv is a community-building activity and would prefer people to turn up and pay less than to not turn up at all. However we do have costs renting the rooms, hiring the teachers, running the administration, so if the number of attendees who have signed up is too low (less than 8) then the workshop for that week will be cancelled. This very rarely happens, but if it does it will be communicated in the WhatsApp group and the sign-up sheet.
On the night there will be a Tikkie code which can be used to donate or cash is fine too. The Tikkie code will also be shared in the WhatsApp group after the lesson is complete.
What should I wear?
Wear loose fitting clothing that you feel comfortable in. Bring a bottle of water with you also. There are taps with drinking water in the building if you need to top up again.
Is this workshop for me?
It doesn’t matter what your background is, you are welcome to join these workshops. It will be assumed that you have never attended a workshop like this before, and the majority of attendees speak English as a second-language. Questions and verifications are always welcome and you are always welcome to take a break if anything feels too much for you in the moment. The lessons are run in a safe-space where we respect each other’s boundaries and do our utmost to make sure that everyone has a great time and feels empowered to take risks and try new things.
The room is wheelchair accessable with an elevator. Please share with the trainer or with group if you have any injuries or limitations that people should be mindful of. If you are ill and possibly contagious we kindly ask you to stay home.
These workshops are not particularly physical, but please speak up if anything is uncomfortable for you. Your personal well being is the most important thing and we will do our utmost to ensure a safe space.
Anything else?
After every workshop, everyone is welcome to join for some drinks to get to know the other attendees better and to debrief on the evening’s fun. Tables are reserved at a nearby bar (usually O’Learys) where everyone can unwind and start the weekend properly getting to know everyone else. Improv is a great way to meet new people and build connections, especially if you are new to a country or city, and the atmosphere after the drop-in workshops is always fun and upbeat.
