Rediscover the Joy of Play You’ve Forgotten
Feel Freer, More Present, and Deeply Connected
A 6-Week Social Improv Experience for Adults
Next Improv 1 Raleigh Cohort: Wednesdays, March 11 – April 15, 2026
7:00–9:30 PM • Only 14 Spots • 
5.0 Google Rating
“This class is the best investment you can make. It’s a warm and safe place to explore, express yourself, and have fun while learning meaningful life lessons.”
— Yira C.
Most adults never mean to stop playing. Life simply gets full.
Work, responsibilities, and the pressure to “get it right” slowly replace curiosity, laughter, and social creativity.
Improv 1: Let’s Play! is a place to return to that joy.
Is This You?
- You overthink what to say in groups and wish you could relax.
- You’re thoughtful or shy and want to feel more at ease being seen.
- You miss feeling playful as an adult.
- The unexpected tends to stress you out — you prefer to always have a plan.
If a few of these feel familiar, you’re in the right place — and you’re not alone.
Many students come to Improv 1 to feel more comfortable being themselves around others.
This is Leela Improv Theatre’s signature beginner course — designed for adults who want to have fun, meet new people, and rediscover authentic play in a welcoming, supportive group.
At Leela, we believe something powerful happens when adults are given permission to play together. For 23 years, Leela has guided more than 18,000 students through this kind of playful, ensemble‑based work. People come for fun and connection — and many are surprised by how much that playful experience enriches confidence, creativity, and everyday life.
The transformation happens naturally through play.
What This Experience Feels Like
Improv 1 is less about performing and more about playing with other humans.
Through joyful group games, creative exercises, and ensemble exploration, students often discover they:
- Build real friendships and meaningful community
- Feel more relaxed and playful around others
- Laugh more and reconnect with curiosity
- Become more comfortable being spontaneous
- Explore voice, movement, and imagination in supportive ways
- Notice new confidence and authenticity showing up in daily life
Many students notice these changes showing up not just in class, but in work, relationships, and everyday conversations.
Shy and introverted adults are deeply welcome.
We begin with gentle, low-pressure games. You share only when you feel ready. Many students describe this class as their favorite weekly reset — a creative place to relax, connect, and play.
What to Expect in Class
Classes are experiential, social, and ensemble-based. Each session includes:
- Theatre games inspired by Viola Spolin (the foundation of modern improvisational play)
- Group improvisation and collaborative storytelling.
- Movement, sound, and expressive play
- Mindfulness exercises that help bring you fully into the present moment
No scripts.
No memorization.
No pressure to be funny.
Just structured, welcoming play in a supportive environment.
All Improv 1 classes are taught by trained Leela faculty using our established curriculum and teaching philosophy.
How the 6 Weeks Unfold
Each cohort moves through a clear arc. We begin with acceptance and connection, and gradually build voice, movement, creativity, and ensemble awareness.
**Class 1 – Saying YES & Meeting Your Ensemble**
Say “YES” to your own impulses and to each other’s ideas. You’ll develop awareness of your inner critic while strengthening your inner cheerleader. Through personal connection, we begin building trust and acceptance within the group.
**Class 2 – Listening, Body Language & Mistakes as Gifts**
Shift your focus outward — learning to truly listen and communicate through body language. Through emotional and physical expression, you’ll explore how connection goes beyond words. Mistakes become gifts and moments for growth.
**Class 3 – Voice & Synching Up**
Explore the full range of your voice — sound, tone, boldness, subtlety. You’ll practice other‑focused listening and learn to synch up with partners by making clear, confident offers they can follow.
**Class 4 – Physical Expression & Spontaneity**
Bring the body fully online. Learn to trust spontaneous physical choices and let movement inspire character, dialogue, and scene work. Your body becomes a creative partner.
**Class 5 – Giving & Receiving Gifts**
Improvisation becomes collaborative artistry. Practice giving gifts to your partner through emotion, dialogue, character, and initiations — and receiving those gifts with openness and creativity.
**Class 6 – Yes, And & Co‑Creating the Whole**
Deepen “Yes, And” — listening, honoring, and integrating every contribution. Learn how to build scenes that serve the ensemble and co‑create stories that feel unified and alive.
By the end of six weeks, you’ll have a lived experience of what it feels like to play, listen, and create with others in real time.
What This Is (and Isn’t)
This is:
- A 6-week lab for play, presence, and connection
- Ensemble-based training in a safe, supportive group
This is not:
- A stand-up comedy or joke-writing class
- A competitive or roast-style environment
If you want more play, confidence, and connection in real life, you’re in the right place.
⭐ What Students Say
“Before coming to Leela Improv I was afraid to be my true silly self in front of people. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was welcomed with a smile into a non-judgmental atmosphere. I was able to have so much fun, laugh, and just be free.”
— Shanelle Walker
“The six-week Improv 1 class exceeded my expectations. Jill has an exquisite ability to make people feel comfortable, and because of that, our class was able to do some amazingly weird and funny things. She builds authentic community in the classroom.”
— Brandon Hudson
“Jill cultivates a warm and welcoming safe space, pushes me out of my comfort zone, and inspires a continually introspective lens when it comes to improv.”
— Jonathan Yiv
Course Details
- Age: Adults 18+
- Prerequisite: None
- Schedule: 6 sessions (once per week for 6 weeks)
- Class Length: 2.5 hours per session (15 hours total)
- Class Size: Intimate class of up to 14 students
Tuition
- Regular Tuition: $297
- Early Bird Tuition: $267 — Save $30 (10%) when you register at least 2 weeks before the course begins
Your tuition includes:
- 15 hours of live guided play with professional Leela faculty
- Individual feedback in a supportive small group
- A welcoming community of creatives and professionals
🔄 Optional: Play-Flex Pass (+$49)
For students who want an added layer of scheduling flexibility.
Move your enrollment once to a future Improv 1 cohort within 12 months.
Requests must be made at least 7 days before your first scheduled class.
Most students never need it — but many appreciate having the option.
This pass does not provide refunds or cash value; it only allows a one-time date change.
🔄 How to Redeem Your Play-Flex Pass
If you need to move your enrollment:
- Email [email protected]
- Include your full name and enrolled class section
- Submit your request at least 7 days before your first scheduled class
- We will help you move to another available Improv 1 cohort within 12 months
Play-Flex allows one transfer per enrollment and cannot be applied after your class has started.
🤝 Enrollment Commitment
Because our classes rely on a consistent ensemble, each enrollment helps shape the experience for the entire group. When you reserve a spot, it becomes unavailable to another student.
For this reason, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable once enrolled — similar to reserving a ticket for a live performance.
This structure helps support trust, creative continuity, and meaningful ensemble connection.
📅 Choose Your Improv 1 Section
Cohorts often fill in advance — early registration is recommended.
All sections offer the same curriculum, faculty training, and ensemble experience. Choose the schedule that works best for you.
⭐ Wednesday Evening Section
Dates: Mar 11 – Apr 15, 2026
Session Dates: 3/11 • 3/18 • 3/25 • 4/1 • 4/8 • 4/15
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Instructor: Nick Parker
Seats: 14 max
⭐ Tuesday Evening Section
Dates: Mar 31 – May 5, 2026
Session Dates: 3/31 • 4/7 • 4/14 • 4/21 • 4/28 • 5/5
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Instructor: Jill Eickmann
Seats: 14 max
📍 Location & Arrival Info
Location
Leela Improv Theatre
309 N Boylan Ave
Raleigh, NC 27603
Parking
Free street parking available on N Boylan Ave
Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before class begins.
P.S. Many students join looking for something fun and social — and discover a creative community that becomes an important part of their lives. We’d love to welcome you into the circle.