Weekly Classes

our original improv curriculum


The first stop in our improv school is The Joy & Ease of Improv, our original multi-level curriculum of improvisation (and maybe life) focusing on patient, mindful improv comedy in a highly supportive, positive environment.
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​New-to-HVC students of all experience levels begin with Improv 1. 
HVC has a specific approach to improvisation with a particular vocabulary, and Improv 1 is the place to learn it. ​(We don't make exceptions to this requirement.) In Improv 1, Head of Happiness Pam Victor teaches a mindful, easeful approach to improv comedy in an incredibly positive, accepting, playful way through improv exercises, games, and simple scenework. 
please check out our "where do i start?" page here

    Want to get in early the next time this class is offered?
    join the early registration list for improv 1

"I’ve never had this much fun in my life! It was amazing to learn what I could do and be authentic.
There was so much to learn in the class and to apply to the rest of my life."
—Fred Baumgarten
click here to see what's currently open for registration

what's after improv 1?

the joy & ease of improv 2: Jump into the unknown and Catch your Friends

This class picks right up where Improv 1 left off.  We continue to practice the “ease-full” approach to improvisation in an incredibly positive and accepting atmosphere that will build your confidence as you strengthen your skills and expand your improv toolbox. We'll get more comfortable jumping gleefully into the unknown and selflessly supporting our teammates. 
PREREQUISITE: Improv 1 or Improv One-Day Intensive
"You are taught to step out into a scene with nothing, observe your scene partner’s facial expressions, body language, mood, and begin a scene, using what is already there to move ahead with the scene, expanding it as you go along, naturally, being genuine and real, creating interesting and perhaps funny life stories."
-Michael S.

the joy & ease of improv 3: EMOTIONAL POINT OF VIEW & Agreement 

Improv 3 is when students can really see everything come together as we use the all-important skills of agreement and finding and holding onto your character's emotional point of view as your anchor in scenework.  In Improv 3, you get an opportunity to apply your strengthening improv muscles to longer scenework. So much juicy stuff! 
Teacher: Pam Victor
PREREQUISITE: Improv 2

the joy & ease of improv 4: Two-Person Scenework

In Improv 4, we immerse ourselves in two-person scenework, the very heart of longform improvisation.  We add more tools to our improv tool box and practice how to edit scenes.  Ooooh, baby, this class will make you feel sooooo good while stretching and challenging you in all the right places. 
PREREQUISITE: Improv 3

"All was perfection..."
- Improv 4 Student
"This class definitely increased my confidence and sense of ease with improv, and let me feel more and more that I'm simply playing and others are too and that it's fun to just relax into it and not worry about it and forget trying to 'do it right.'"
- Improv 4 Student

the joy & ease of improv one-day intensive

Offered only once or twice a year, the One-Day Intensive is great for people who want to get the whole Improv 1 curriculum in one improvluscious day. It's open to beginners and experienced performers who'd like to get a healthy dose of the Joy & Ease of Improv approach. After completing this class, students are eligible for Improv 2 (or, for some experienced improvisers, Improv 3.)
PREREQUISITE: None! Open to one and all.

Advanced Improv CLASSES

After Improv 4, the next step in your improv journey is our Advanced Improv program, which offers three tiers of advanced improv classes taught by a rotating cast of teachers. You can learn different approaches to improvisation and play in new styles and forms. We also work on providing more individual feedback, giving you confidence to improve your weaknesses and strut your strengths.
PREREQUISITE FOR TIER 1 ADVANCED IMPROV CLASSES: The Joy & Ease of Improv 4
check out advanced improv classes
questions? contact us

WHAT PAST STUDENTS have to SAy

"I took a class thinking it would be great for working on my public speaking fears. But I discovered a path to greater presence and connection in my whole life. And its fun! And funny! I'm totally hooked now. Who knew?"
-David M.
"I went to a fantastic improv class given by Pam Victor tonight. Fun, and exactly as she promised, a break from all the pressure of being in my head all the time. Usually only sex does that, so I'm impressed."
-Joli H. (a sex educator, so she should know)
"I love love love the class and SOOOOO appreciate Pam's teaching! It's the perfect combination of challenging, exciting, instructive, AND kind. And encouraging.
-Kyra A.
"...Improv has been the perfect way for me to loosen up, have fun, laugh my head off and 'play well with others' ... Best of all, I’m much more readily saying Yes to each day as it comes."
-Kevin M.

notice of nondiscrimination

The Happier Valley Comedy School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.