When I moved to Long Beach I attended one of Held2Gether's Last Laught Saturday's at Hot Java and, frankly, left there with my stomach hurting from all the laughter. A few weeks later I got enough nerve to take a half day Improv Workshop with Darren to get my feet wet in the world of improv. It was a blast! I left there wanting more. In October 2012 I started taking Improv Classes with Held2Gether and never looked back! The instructors are supportive, knowledgable, and a lot of fun. Darren and Sonnjea do a great job of creating a family in each class. In fact, through Held2Gether I made some pretty amazing friends from class. Being new to Long Beach it was a great way to meet some fun, creative, and super nice people! As well, many of the skills I've learned through taking improv with Darren and Sonnjea are easily applied to my daily professional life. So, if you're looking for an excuse to play each week, want to make new friends, or gain some valuable skills that translate into the professional environment I highly recommend checking out one of the Improv Classes offered by Held2Gether! read more

OK so when i signed up for Darren's class, i was pretty nervous even though for me it was just for fun. i love humor. I love comedy. love the idea of acting, but even being a grown adult still terrified of public speaking or being on any sort of stage. I was pretty intimidated when i first signed up and still nervous walking up.... I'm glad i went because it was AMAZING. nothing like i had feared, no pretentious actor cliques or anything my imagination had whipped up. It was just a room full of people just like me wanting to do something different, or get out of the house, or improve their public speaking skills or try acting. The range of people was really neat. We all shared somewhat of the common vein of "i love comedy and Improv, but have never really thought of doing it, so what the hell" Even the experienced Darren veterans were amazing (Hi Jaye!), and welcoming, and merely excited to be a part of Darren's teachings. The class is super fun, you meet great people of all ages and backgrounds, and this wouldn't be such a special place without it being led by Darren. He makes the vibe what it is, comfortable, warm, light hearted, and manages to still give you great direction and moves you forward into acting, or just simply being comfortable in front of a crowd! It was so fun and beneficial for me i took Darren's class twice in 6 months, and trying to do one in September. i would suggest this to anyone, really. Thanks Darren for all you do! read more

I've taken a 6-week intro workshop and participated in a 1/2 day workshop. Both experiences have been amazing! Darren and Sonnjea, the co-instructors, are great instructors! They treat everyone the same, whether you're a total newbie like me or a professional actor. The thought of Improv can be very intimidating but the instructors' approach make everything seem easy and fun. In the 6- week intro workshop, you get to do a lot of activities and exercises that will teach you valuable tips to use on the stage. You also get really great feedback from the instructors and your fellow students. If you don't have a lot of time but are interested in Improv, the 1/2 day workshop is right up your alley - but after that you'll be left with wanting more. I highly recommend Held2Gether. It'll put you out of comfort zone in non-scary way and you'll be laughing your heart out. read more

Yes Woo Hoo! I've been taking class from Darren for at least a couple of years now. It's not only fun, but you meet nice people. You don't even need to be funny to take this class. Just come and have fun! Being funny just comes naturally in this class. Darren makes everyone feel comfortable and the class is a very good atmosphere for experimenting with your "wild side". It's a class that's definitely for adults. read more

Darren held a corporate workshop for the Aquarium of the Pacific, where I am employed. What a wonderful experience! Not only did the workshop help to grow my communication skills and personal confidence, but it offered an opportunity for my colleagues and I to get to know one another better and expand our abilities to work together more positively and harmoniously. Prior to working with Darren I had never thought of improv as anything other than entertainment, but I now know that it can offer many personal and social benefits as well. The class was creative, super fun, and challenging. In addition, Darren is a great guy who has a unique ability to put students at ease. While there is indeed a sense of discomfort in any good improv class, by the end of the series of classes, I think we all felt we had successfully moved outside our comfort zone and learned a lot about ourselves and each other. I highly recommend contacting Held2gether and Darren for corporate as well as personal growth! Thanks, Darren! read more

We've attended quite a few shows at the Expo, Long Beach Playhouse and Hot Java. Every show has been unpredictability funny. You never know what you're going to encounter! The musical numbers are a great addition and showcase the talent of each performer. If you want to laugh out loud then go see a Held2gether Improv show! It's a refreshing experience! read more

I am learning improv over zoom. I was waiting for covid to end and then finally I just jumped in. The teachers are good. Really good. I recommend looking up Held2gether on youtube to see them for yourself. The website is fun and easy to navigate. Emails and phone calls with questions get reasonably quick responses. Seriously check out Held2gether online. I am glad I did. read more

Held2gether is a great affordable way to explore your creative side and make amazing friends. I've taken several Held2gether classes from improv to expanding on your techniques. Darren and Richard give specific feedback that builds on your strengths and areas of improvement. You also become a better listener and teammate. I highly recommend working with this amazing team! read more

Held2gether online classes have really help me "hold it together" during the last few months and have given me a safe and constructive creative outlet. These classes are the most fun I've had on Zoom in all of 2020! I look forward to continuing to take online classes until it's safe for them to reopen in-person. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying getting to know the Held2gether community virtually, being silly, and laughing a lot. So far I've taken classes taught by Richard Martinez, Darren Held, and Tim Stoltenberg (Standup 101). read more

The improv classes here are great. Darren has created an open and welcoming community in Long Beach. In addition to the classes, the monthly Jams and Last Laugh Saturdays provide additional opportunity for inspiring improvisors to perform and play with others. The entire troupe is very friendly and open to new improvisors and actually coach student teams on a rotating basis. And can't beat the price for a 6 week class! read more

Took a free online beginner class recently and it was really fun! Looking forward to taking more classes with them

Taking Improv classes with Darren and Sonnjea has and continues to be fun and funnier.They provide a positive,encouraging environment.You do not néed to be an actor.Try the 4 hour intro class and you will not be disappointed. If your looking to just meet people and make friends the Improv shows are in Long Beach and have a great connection to the community. I promise you will LOL the whole time.What is better than that? read more

Seriously, you need to consider this...take a class, or at least come to show. Held2gether is a hidden local gem! What's refreshing, besides the talent and creative force, is the company's ethos. This is for everyone, not the chosen few because everyone has something to offer. It brings out the best in people and is run like family (not the dysfunctional type btw). The good that comes from Held2gether classes and shows is the stuff everyone needs--laughter and light. read more

Don't deny yourself the genuine treat of experiencing Darren Held's Held2Gether Improv classes! And unlike so many other treats, Darren's classes are non-fattening, low-carb and life-changing. Darren is no ordinary teacher--notice other reviewers' adjectives: " very caring, gentle, fun loving and highly intelligent" and "so nice, professional and creates an amazingly comf ortable environment to grow in." I couldn't agree more--if anything, take the classes just to experience Darren himself. If you do, improv will just come naturally to you (yes, he's that good). I've personally watched him gently coax wonderful, colorful and hilarious performances out of people who would never, ever otherwise have gone near a stage. He is brilliant at sensing each person's unique Inner Improv and just encouraging her/him to simply come out and play. Treat yourself to the most exhilarating playtime you've had since you were a kid!! read more

Hi Yelp Readers! The Held2gether Comedy Improv Classes Rate 5 Bright Stars!! Teacher Darren Held's Held2gether Improv Comedy Classes are Absolutely Fabulous! Do you Want Fun?? Get it here! Learn, play, work, think, laugh and enjoy progressing through Classes of Happiness. Darren is a wonderful teacher and the people in class are Great!!! I am now in my 3 set of Exciting Classes and every class has been a Total Blast! Darren is a very caring, gentle, fun loving and highly intelligent teacher. If you have comedy experience or not does not matter. Darren will guide you to the understanding of Comedy Improv. You will have a Lot of Fun through this exciting enjoyable journey. So sign up, relax, think, learn and Laugh!! Thank You Darren! "I'll be backkk" for a long time to come. AstarRa/Val read more

We had Darren Held facilitate two packed corporate workshops at Hyundai Capital America earlier this week. He had my coworker's rolling with laughter, brought people out of their shells, and we couldn't stop taking about it all week!!! Definitely a closer staff, definitely inviting him back! Thanks, Darren! read more

Expand your horizons, meet nice people and spend an evening laughing. This is truly a little gem. I came across by accident here on Yelp looking for things to do in Long Beach. I came back for a second session because I enjoyed the first one so much. Darren is a great instructor, warm, encouraging and just an all around nice person. read more

I was looking for improv in Long Beach and found Held2gether. Since then, I attended a free workshop and went to a show before signing up for Improv 1. Since I have finished my first course with them, I feel confident saying that Held2gether really is for EVERYONE! The skills you learn in improv can be carried into all situations in life. My class was filled with people from busy corporate LA, students, librarians, and people who have studied with other improv companies. Held2gether provides a welcoming, fun atmosphere for people, and you don't have to have any previous skills to start playing! Held2gether teaches you the basics and lets you run with it. I think these classes are wonderful for people hoping to improve upon public speaking, LISTENING, and just being in the moment. I have been able to take classes with Kendra and Darren, and they are both brilliant. They have a wonderful approach with ALL students, and I never found classes to be intimidating. I will say that they expect each student to COMMIT to the exercises we do - it makes it more fun! Their shows are also hilarious! They have a free show at Hot Java in Long Beach - the last Saturday of every month. The troupe is hilarious and you can tell they love working together. Overall, this is an amazing school and everyone should give it a shot!! read more

I took a Saturday 6 week beginner improv class to improve my public speaking skills and also have fun and try something different. I had a fantastic experience! Sonnjea Blackwell was the course instructor and she was extremely supportive and encouraging on how she taught the class. The environment is safe and non-intimidating, so being a newbie I felt comfortable practicing in front of strangers. I really recommend taking this class if you want to improve your professional communication skills and have a great time doing it! read more

I was looking for a unique idea for my son's 21st birthday party, so I contacted Darren from the reviews I read here. I had high expectations and he delivered. He set up activities that held everyone's interest. My son and his friends had a blast! read more

My husband Dan recently completed the Held2gether intro 6 week improv class. He really enjoyed it! He had this to say about his experience: Darren is a wonderful and talented instructor. He did an excellent job of explaining and demonstrating what he wanted us to do. Then after each student performed, he took the time to evaluate and give us feedback. He was always extremely gracious and positive in his reviews, and this really helped to make the class more fun and enjoyable. I highly recommend this class! Dan read more

We hired Darren Held to be the keynote speaker for the CSULB Counterparts Conference. He was Fantastic! There were 320 attendees and he did a great presentation that was funny, insightful and people were very happy to participate. He is a natural and was super easy to work with. Following the keynote and throughout the rest of the day I overheard people still using some of the catch phrases from the presentation. I highly recommend Held2gether if you want an educatioal and entertaining presenter. read more

I have had the pleasure of taking 2 classes with Kendra, and she is truly a wonderful instructor. She not only creates an incredibly supportive and fun environment, but she also consistently demonstrates a passion for making you better. I have studied with great instructors from Second City, and Upright Citizens Brigade and Kendra (and Darren of course) are just as good if not better than those instructors. I have been very impressed with their organization, and will continue studying with them and supporting them. Long Beach is fortunate to have them. read more

So far, I've attended one class, which was not held in perfect conditions considering the construction within the building, but I've only noticed it during the breaks. Still, this is exactly something we've been looking for. Other improv training we've tried were either too impersonal or too serious. This one seems just right. We're actually commuting all the way from DTLA, but it seems worth it. The instructor is friendly and patient. Highly recommended for all actors, those who wish to improve their creativity and people who just want to do something fun. read more

Taking improv classes through Held2gether has been a wonderful experience. There is something for everyone. If you're an actor, improv is fundamental to your craft. If you want to improve your public speaking, improv will help you feel more comfortable in front of an audience and think quickly on your feet. If you just want to have fun, improv let's you "shake off" reality and create your own world. Best of all, the environment is nurturing and positive. The instructor creates a classroom where stepping out of your comfort zone is encouraged and laughing at yourself is a must. I highly recommend Held2gether classes and the instructor. read more

I've never done any acting, but I happen to be on the Long Beach Parks and Rec email list, and when I saw "Improv Classes" I thought to myself about how embarassing/difficult/uncomfortable it might be to do such a thing. Something inside me, however, told me to give it a shot. So I did. Though I'd like to think I'd be great at Improv, it turns out I'm often scared, worried, or in my head -- and while it is sometimes fun and freeing, it is at other times stressful. But the cool thing is that the class was lead in such a safe and nurturing and empowering manner that even when I was beating myself up mentally, it was still OK. Darren was so supportive and paid so much attention to each person and always gave useful and specific and balanced feedback and coaching. I was really impressed with the positive vibe and upbeat morale that Darren has and that he creates with all the people in the class. read more

YEPPERS! When I started taking Level 1 class about 2 years ago - I was just HOOKED IMMEDIATELY! I felt like I had gone to heaven! I love taking "breaks from brutal reality" (just call me the "Escapist Queen") as much as I can - AND I LOVE to have FUN...so going to these classes felt like going to a blast party every week! And after about 2 years of classes - - I STILL feel that way! I was SO HAPPY to discover the other students who- looking like " ordinary drone workers" from the outside - quickly revealed their 'inner' child who is insane, clever, fun loving and exuberant. Finally! I had met other kindred alien life forms! I realized I had entered a Fabulous Mind Set taught in class. I find these classes nurture an 'interactive social creativity' by teaching the group improv comedic "Tools and Rules' - - where I learned to get "plugged in" to a collective "Improv Comedy Higher Consciousness' . Whew! See what I mean? I've been an addict ever since day one- under the tutelage of "Darren" (whom I call the "Group Improv Guru") He is incredibly knowledgable, kind and has really HIGH ENERGY! He gives INDIVIDUAL quick critiques after each exercise vignette Unlike many instructors, Darren has the gift of positive feedback - he's never a turn off to learning about yourself and your skill level. .I really got to learn how I 'present' and 'communicate' without getting all hung up and shut down. I encourage ANYONE OF ANY AGE to take these classes. I am not a professional actor nor have I ever been interested in this type of performance work. And it doesn't matter! The classes are SHEER enjoyment, lots of laughter and learning AND its right here in Long Beach!! And you meet the coolest people around!! read more

Darren Held and the Held2Gether crew are a wonderful group of performers and instructors. Through the years I've been taking class there, I have surprised myself with how much potential I could mine. Darren has a way of bringing out the best in people. He does it without judgement or mind-games. The students are made to feel welcome and safe. They are encouraged to take chances and have a ball. Critiques are in the same spirit. Darren is approachable- one of the warmest people walking the planet. His enthusiasm for Improv is contagious. He is well trained in the craft, and a natural teacher. He also sets the tone for other instructors and company members. They are a unique group of collaborators. Whether you are new to game- or have been burned by it... Whether you are twentysomething or in retirement- bring all your fears, your preconceived notions, whatever baggage you claim- all of it will lighten, or at least wait in the car while you are taking class at Held2Gether. read more

These improv classes are great. I've taken a handful and not only is it the funnest part of my week but it has improved so many other aspects of my life as well! If you don't know what a positive environment is ( I always forget), Held2Gether will show you! Darren and his crew are very good teachers and will show you a side of yourself that you might not think you have! The music class is incredible! read more

New to California and excited to meet people, I attended a free workshop and was pleasantly surprised, everyone including my self were entry level improvisers, BUT not 12 minutes in, people were out of their shell and these "average" law abiding citizens were instantly hysterical. VERY cool experience and would do it again in a heartbeat. read more

If you want to "let go" but just can't see yourself doing that, and if you like to laugh, this is the class to take. Darren's class a very warm and safe environment to let go and be yourself with nothing but fun "games" and lots of laughter. It is never the same (except for the laughter and fun) and each week you grow with the new challenges. Darren is a very warm and supportive instructor. This is a not to miss class!! This class deserves 5 stars, but in the class, you are a star!! read more

"Attack of the 50 Foot Sketch Show" was a hilarious and laugh out loud show. Honestly it takes a lot to make me laugh. and I wasn't really sure how the show would hold up. The performance did not disappoint. The actors were quick, funny and worked really well together. They were engaged, relaxed and it all flowed nicely. I left talking about it for days. I would recommend this show for anyone with a sense of humor who wants to laugh and have fun. I can't wait for the next one! read more

Darren and his improve troop are rocking. I had to pleasure of seeing them at the long beach playhouse last month and I was pleasantly surprised... go figure! They actually made me laugh! Which I have never done. Way to go Held2gether I'm definitely going to be checking them out again in the coming months at there free show at Hot Java. read more

I do not usually write a review but I think it is so important to get the word out about this place. I have no history of theatre training,comedy or Improv but yet I knew I needed to infuse joy into my life. I had experienced a significant trauma in my life and had lost my smile, lost hope and lost laughter....I was emotionally raw. The day I stepped into the free intro class I discovered this magical place created by Held2gether's founder, Darren. I found a place where every size, age, shape and talent were welcomed with open arms. My teacher Richard has this way of making you feel valued, accepted and loved in the way our world does not often provide. Richard has a natural gift, a warmth that makes everyone feel that their existence and their contribution matters. Held2gether has created a sacred place where you are able to tap into joy and express vulnerabilities without harsh criticisms or judgement. It is a unique place and perhaps a "best kept secret," a conduit for healing, the true essence of a chosen family. Darren and Richard will likely never understand how much this place has changed me nor the healing I have experienced. I want to thank you for the gift of Held2gether, thank you for creating a place of universal acceptance, a family, a home. Thank you Darren, Richard, everyone in the troupe, in the classes who make you feel like you are actually....good enough. And, thank you for helping me find my smile!!! read more

Darren is so caring and compassionate ...It is so nice to take an Improv class with so much Love! Take the course, class...You will love it! read more

I would not recommend this company. They make it seem like they are trying to help but in the end it's just ultimately a confusing atmosphere where none of the instructors know what to do and they are never on the same page. They kind of just have you go up there, get mad at you for not knowing what to do and you're just left embarrassed or confused. They cater to the crowd that goes for easy jokes, making their job easier really and anyone who is looking for more than being a part of something so local and low level is scrutinized and alienated. It's sad really this place exist and that they call themselves an improv troupe. More or less it's just a lame excuse for one. read more

I needed to break out of my very busy, "serious" mindset. I was having difficulty tapping my creative energies. I also found it hard to stay in the moment no matter what I was doing. So when I saw this discount coupon offered through one of the online services I knew I had to try this class. I was especially happy to see the website promoting "everyday" people doing improv, as in the past I mostly tried improv with actors who were usually fantastic at this art. Trying improv with other beginners made the experience way less intimidating for me so that all I could do was get lost in play and have fun. I'm remarkably - unfunny. I 'kept forgetting the "rules" of the game (yes improv has rules!). Sometimes I dropped the ball, altogether. But I was so excited I continued to try, and the process of growth was always as fun as it was challenging. And I took the class again! In both classes, the mates were always supportive. That's because the instructor, Darren Held, was very professional and radiated a sense of fun and positivity. It is a great feeling to forget everything and play - to laugh, and I have felt the effects of this class in my day to day life. This class is therapeutic, only far far cheaper than therapy. Thank you, Darren, for having a positive vision and allowing your talents and passion for improv to work wonders in people. read more

We saw the crew tonight at Hot Java and they were at their best! We laughed until our sides hurt and had a great time. We'll be at the next show for sure! read more

I've been working with Darren for about six months on various projects for my company. Darren worked with our entire company during an annual training event and was the highlight of the whole event. He and Viet were amazing - they created fantastic energy for our event, and did a great job helping our team translate the fun they were having into real, practical everyday skills that they use in their jobs. Darren is currently partnering with us on developing curriculum that will become part of our basic training program. He is helping us transform the way we teach skills like listening, building rapport and trust, and creativity that are notoriously difficult to teach. I can't recommend Darren highly enough! read more

I took the six week Improv I class on a lark. Thought it might be good fun and a change of pace from my everyday routine. BINGO. The class exceeded my fondest expectations. It allows you to exploit your natural ability to be genuinely funny. You learn to let it all hang out, think on your feet, and sometimes go beyond your usual level of comfort in a non-judgmental, safe and supportive environment. Darren's infectious, fun loving personality pervades the room, and is almost magically passed on to all of the class participants. Even if you don't plan on giving up your day job, taking one of the Held2gether: Improv for Life classes is an opportunity that you shouldn't pass by. Last Tuesday was the final class session, and I had so much fun that I had to sign up for another round! read more