The short answer is that improv is fun and you need more fun in your life!
Here’s the long answer that starts with a question:
When was the last time you were in a room with a bunch of people, with everyone on the same wavelength, and you absolutely lost your mind laughing — we’re talking nearly doubled over, running out of breath, and getting lightheaded — over something that someone did or said in the moment with no pretense; something that if you tried to explain it later to a person who wasn’t there, you’d be met with a blank stare.
I won’t say that level of fun happens all the time in improv (either in classes or at shows) but it happens way more than, say, at office parties and I’m willing to bet that however you get involved in improv, it’ll happen a lot more in your life.
Improv is for everyone and anyone can improvise. In fact, you do it everyday; you navigate all the ups and downs of your day, all of your conversations, and the unexpected surprises that pop — without a script.
Furthermore, improv is the art of play, everyone knows how to play, and play is essential in multiple ways.
Ever played peekaboo with a baby? Ever see kittens or puppies chase each other and pounce on each other? That’s the simplicity of play at work! Though not improvised, this short — “How They Get There” by Spike Jonze — is a great example of play(fulness) out in the real world. Please note, though, it’s also a really good PSA on paying attention to your surroundings at all times.
Being central to improv, play:
– is fun and a nice break from your day to day life, which would probably be great for you TBH. Think of it as a mental vacation!
– stimulates your brain which increases its neuroplasticity helping prepare you for new experiences, can boost your creativity and problem-solving skills, and can keep your mind active and healthy as you get older.
– is understood by evolutionary biologists to be a way for animals to explore their environment and their connection to other animals. Similarly, improv deepens human understanding and promotes empathy, even when what’s happening in class or on stage is lighthearted.
Those are just a few reasons that play is essential, so here are a few of the benefits:
– Learning to be more present. Improv invites you to be in the moment at hand, so you get to practice worrying less about the past and the future.
– Practicing deep listening. You’ll strengthen your listening skills by fully absorbing the words that are being spoken and understanding the intent behind them.
– Being and celebrating your authentic self. In improv, you might play a character that seems nothing like you but you’re at the core of that character and your personal experiences play into what you say and do. You have valuable life experiences that you’ll bring to the table in some way, probably surprising and delighting yourself and others.
– Enhancing your confidence. Once you get comfortable with not knowing what comes next, you really learn the value of softening or even letting go of expectations. Knowing the value of being authentic in what you improvise, you’re likely to move through the world more assuredly.
– Making new friends and building community. Old friends are great! But new friends help you expand your worldview in interesting ways, especially when it might get harder to make new friends as an adult. Improv students come from all walks of life — poets, artists, mechanics, musicians, medical professionals, college & grad students, baristas, roofers, DJs, office workers, plumbers, web developers, designers, welders, etc; you’ll get to connect with them in a totally unique way inside the classroom and get to know them outside the classroom, growing your connections to the people in your community.
I’m pretty biased but I think improv is great, a worthwhile art form, and something that you’d enjoy but you don’t have to take my word for it!
Go off and check out all of the improv theaters around the valley. Each one has its own distinct style and, for the most part, what you see on their stages reflect what they teach in their classes. Most even offer a single-session intro class (usually free or low cost) and/or jams (shows with open participation, no experience required) so you can get a taste of what they offer. Either way, sample what the valley improv scene has to offer and feel out what aligns with what you’re looking to do. In my nearly 25 years of doing improv in Phoenix, that’s been my advice anytime someone is new to town and is looking to get involved in improv.
Monster Improv is dedicated to having multiple ways for folks to get involved to do so but there are so many options in the valley! Go check out improv hotspots like the Arizona Actors Academy (East Phoenix), the Bridge Improv Theater (Mesa Riverview), NCT Phoenix (Downtown Mesa), Second Beat Improv Theater (Uptown Phoenix), and Verve Studios (Scottsdale).
BONUS: The 2025 Sonoran All-Valley Improv Festival (aka SAVI Fest) is Friday, February 14th, through Sunday, February 16th, and it’s a great way to see a wide range of the best improv around!
Whether you decide to get involved with Monster Improv or another theater or studio, improv is for everybody which means that improv is for you.
Give it a shot and you’ll be able to answer, Why Improv?, for yourself and anyone who asks you about it.