Q: What makes The New Movement different than other improv training centers?

A:  TNM has created a unique syllabus focusing on specific techniques that will teach you to find your personal comic strengths. Our classes will help you write your script, nail the audition, find your comic voice, hone your stand up.

Q: Who takes your classes?

A: People who are interested in pursuing a career in comedy, actors who want to sharpen their skills, writers who want to find a new approach and anyone who is looking for a new creative outlet. We have students from all background and age groups.

Q: What kind of time commitment are classes?

A: Classes run for 8 weeks each at 2 hours a class or 10 weeks, 1.5 hours a class . We offer 5 levels of  improv curriculum.

Q: Where are classes taught?

A: All improv and sketch classes are taught at The New Movement Theater located at 1819 Rosewood, at the corner of Chicon in Austin, TX.  All stand up comedy classes are taught at Dan French’s studio, click here for more info.

In Dallas?  Our sister theater Dallas Comedy House is located in Deep Ellum in Dallas, TX.  DCH shares our training center syllabus as well as elements of our programming schedule.

Q: How much do classes cost? Are there discounts? Can I pay in installments?

A: Level 1 Improv and Sketch Comedy Writing Classes are $150 per 8-week session. Levels 2-5 are $200 per 8-week session.  We ask students to pay $100 by the first day of class and the remainder by week three.  In special circumstances, we can work out a pay structure for you. We offer discounts for classes in the form of internships and referral discounts.  Please inquire about available internships.

Q: What kind of improv will I study with The New Movement?

A: We teach and perform long-form improv. Our specific philosophy is based around the focus that scenes can be defined and mapped from the first several lines and actions at the top of the scene. We teach five levels of classes which evolve from introduction to improv skills and vocabulary to exploring character development, dynamic, patterns, devices, ensemble and advanced scene studies. We also offer elective classes for more specific focuses on forms and skills after completion of level 3. This is all for Del Close.

Q: Can I start taking improv classes at The New Movement as an upper level student, skip ahead?

A: Yes, we take each students experience into consideration and suggest they begin with either Level 1 or 2.

Q: How do I start getting on stage?

A: There are a number of ways to get involved with the Improv and Comedy scene in Austin.  We assemble student troupes and coach ad hoc groups formed from within our student body which perform regularly on our stage.  Every Thursday night TNM hosts Block Party, our anything goes open mic night.  Students and non students of TNM play at our weekly long-form improv jam, The Shootaround, every Wednesday night at 8:00p.

Q: Can I sample your classes?

A: Yes! Our Improv Zero class is every single Wednesday at 7:00p and is completely free. We occasionally do sample free classes for our Sketch, Standup, and Advanced Improv classes, just check back with us!