Longform course: The Flat

Longform course The Flat

level: advanced (4 courses, or a good base in character building, the storyspine and/or editing)

What happens behind closed doors?
In The Flat, a long-form improv course inspired by Rear Window, you’ll explore the hidden lives of your neighbours. Step into a shared apartment building, create rich characters, intertwining storylines, and perform a gripping improvised show of 40 minutes or more.

Are there romances? Underworld dealings? Or perhaps just a lonely man living with his cat? Discover the art of long-form improvisation—and let the audience peek through the windows.

This course will teach you how to:

• Understand the basics of long-form improv;
• Perform collaboratively with multiple players on stage;
• Edit scenes smoothly and effectively in front of an audience;
• Create and sustain storylines for a show of at least 40 minutes;
• Develop strong, recognizable characters and stay true to them over time.

Who it’s for:

Improvisers with prior experience who want to explore advanced scene techniques, character work, and emotional depth. Not suitable for beginners.

This format has been directed and taught by Matthijs and played by other groups, such as Pure Chocolade  (at the Impro XL longformfestival in Hoorn) and Liever Veul Bloemen in  Wageningen.

About the teacher Matthijs Meulblok

Matthijs Meulblok studied Media Studies at Utrecht University. He runs his own podcaststudio at Wolvenplein, where he records podcasts and voice-overs and coaches people in voice acting, podcasting, and media performance.

He has performed with several improv groups in multiple countries, trains a variety of ensembles, and teaches specialised workshops. Since 2025, he has also been exploring stand-up comedy as part of his own performance work. Matthijs enjoys creating thematic lessons and innovative formats for both short-form and long-form improvisation.

Course details

Location ZIMIHC Wittevrouwen, Bouwstraat 55 Utrecht
Mondays 20:00-22:00. 9 sessions: 8 lessons plus a show. €240 inc 21% VAT
Dates 19 January, 26 January, 2, 9, 23 February (no lesson in school holiday unless planned differently with the group), 2,9, 16 March. Show date t.b.d.

We need a minimum of 7 sign-ups to start this course, maximum 10. 

Improv Utrecht offers 1  funded course with 20% discount for people with less finances. Send a message to Marieke van Laar.

tickets: improv-utrecht.weticket.io or the blue button