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(202) 258-6888

Since 1996,
• Improvising hundreds of full-length comic plays
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• Teaching hundreds of improv classes, combining rigor and fun

Mon - Fri, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Sat, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Creating Great Art Improvisationally


Check Out Our Performance Schedule
Check Out Our Classes

Precipice Improv presents Bethesda Improv and Comedy Festival

Check Out Our Performances

And checkout our half-price introductory improv workshop January 14th at 3 p.m.



Embrace the Unknown Through Improv Classes in Bethesda, MD

Improv Classes in Bethesda, MD

Can you think on your feet, go with the flow, let your freak flag fly, be in the moment, and other similar actions? If you can, then it sounds like you and improv were made for one another. Find out for sure by exploring your inner artist and unleashing it on the world through improv classes in Bethesda, MD.

We work with you to follow your innate artistic and theatrical flair, which is just waiting to be practiced and polished in a fun and entertaining setting. Each class allows you and your classmates to explore the depths of your collective talent and timing with the support of a professional improv teacher.

IMPROV SHOWS WITH A TWIST

Choose Precipice Improv Theater for improv shows that can be wildly funny and deadly serious from one moment to the next. We improvise full-length comic plays from audience suggestions. Like a lot of good scripted work, our live improv plays embrace the absurd and the logical, the wacky and the wise, the head and the heart.

To start our shows, we often ask for two contrasting settings. Then, we create an entire play instantly with no gimmicks and no safety net. It’s high-risk theater without apologies.

To the outside observer, it may appear very simple, like a game of make-believe. It’s a common refrain which some attach to improv theater, and on the face of it, it may appear true. But the ability to spontaneously create, adapt, and react in front of a live audience is a mark of skill and bravery. Some excel in this field while others wilt under the pressure. Our cast draws power and encouragement from our audiences, which lets you enjoy performances that range from subtle silliness to fleeting comedic masterpieces.

"It's not theater like you've ever seen before. It's not comfortable and controlled. It's edgy and spontaneous, original and downright dangerous." — The American University Eagle Review

"Inspired, multi-chakra, nutty! What lunatic asylum did they escape from and is there room for the rest of us? " — Kelly C.

"The cast was so talented I was floored. They made improv look so easy. It flowed as well as a scripted play, but had more energy because it was not. " — John B.

Can you give me an example of a Precipice show?

At one performance, the audience suggested that our play take place at now-defunct Lehman Brothers and the Magic School Bus.

From these suggestions, we improvised a comic tale of a married couple and their best friend, who lose their jobs when Lehman Brothers goes bankrupt, triggering a journey of self-discovery that culminates in a trip on the Magic School Bus, where the couple's pampered, wimpy, and now anxiety-ridden 13-year old son sheds his high-pitched voice and shy demeanor to win the heart of the girl at school who rejected him.

What will happen at our next show?

Buy a ticket and join the fun. And who knows, maybe we will use one of your suggestions to create our play. Check out our performance schedule and buy a ticket here
 



Improv Classes Like No Other

Improv workshops and classes are fun. And ours are no exception. It’s rare when our students aren’t laughing for the entire class, delighting themselves and each other with the collective creativity that gets unlocked in a structured and supportive environment.

In contrast, many of the best scripted acting classes have a reputation for rigor. These teachers have high standards and possess a deep and wide knowledge of acting training. This can lead to outstanding work and a sense of accomplishment that is exciting and deeply satisfying.

Our improv acting classes combine the fun of a good class with a commitment to excellence and a deep knowledge of improv. Our artistic goal is to unlock and channel students’ collective creativity into producing great scenes and plays, which are as good as the best-scripted scenes and plays performed today. All classes are taught by Precipice artistic director Gary Jacobs who has over 35 years of experience teaching, directing, and producing improvisational theater. Improv shows often grow from such humble roots.

Improv For Adults in Bethesda, MD Live Improv in Bethesda, MD Improv Comedy in Bethesda, MD

What do students say about your improv classes?

Here’s what one student said about our classes. (Other reviews can be found on the Workshop page)

“I was always jealous of my friends who had an 'artistic outlet' — a way to express themselves outside of work and family. I can barely draw a stick figure and I leave musical instruments to people who can play them. Stepping into Gary’s beginning improv acting class opened that creative door for me. Anyone can do it. Blissfully, “talent” or being funny isn’t required. All I needed was the desire to have fun. Gary takes care of the rest. Going to improv class is a highlight of my week, and no, I’m not a recluse! As a bonus, the class has given me the confidence to speak in front of others when the need arises. Think wedding toasts and presentations. I’m so glad I found this class!” - Julie S

I HEARD YOU OFFER A WEEKLY FREE SAMPLE CLASS. IS THAT RIGHT?

Yes. We offer a free, weekly, sample improv class. Come check it out! Just fill out the contact form below to request that we reserve a space for you. Space is limited, so reserve a space well in advance of the class you’d like to attend.

WHAT IF I’M AN EXPERIENCED IMPROVISER?

If you’re an experienced improviser with a hankering to try our advanced scene-work or play-improvising class, use the contact form below to say hi. Let us know a little about your background and interests, and which class you’d like to attend. We will reserve a space for you to check the class out for free with no obligation.

HOW ARE THE CLASSES STRUCTURED?

Unique in our experience, the classes are run every week, all year, and you can start whenever you like. You pay only for the classes you attend. Gary has taught this way for the past 25 years, and in that time, he has perfected this student-friendly model. Students tell us they appreciate the flexibility.

WHAT WILL THE CLASSES DO FOR ME?

Different students have different reasons they take classes. Some like to have fun engaging in adult, non-competitive play. Others wish to improve their communication skills at work. Still, others want to enhance their personal development. For others, the classes provide the opportunity to explore the artist within. And some wish to develop their acting and improv skills for fun or to perform. The classes are designed with each of these goals in mind.

Contact us to learn more about our classes and our performances. We delight in entertaining audiences in Bethesda, MD, and the surrounding area.

Read a Q&A with Our Artistic Director Read About Us in the Gazette Free Sample Improv Class

Contact

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Phone
(202) 258-6888

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Service Area
Serving Throughout Washington DC, Bethesda and Suburban MD

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