As we get older with our busy day to day routine many of us have that little kid inside us all, that just wants to be set free. If you are bored and looking for something fun to do in LA, I highly recommend that you join The Improve for the people on Pico, A friend of mine told me about this & I had no idea what to expect. The classes are Fun, Outgoing & Crazy in a nice way. The Teachers are great & the class mates are fantastic. read more

Professional and personal- a warm and supportive atmosphere with great lessons. Good for first timers and experienced actors

This was my first time taking any sort of improv class and I'm glad I took it at Improv For The People. I took improv because it's been a fear of mine forever, and I wanted to conquer it. I wanted to be able to break out of my shell and be okay with not being perfect, be able to think quickly on my feet, and to just let loose and have fun. I was in Matthew's Saturday class and he is an amazing teacher (and performer!! If I was in a scene with him, I would always break character and laugh). All the other people in my class were very friendly and supportive and I never felt judged -- it was just me overcoming my own insecurities. I definitely know if I keep doing more classes that it would get easier to just jump out there without hesitation. I had signed up for a month to get a taste of it and I learned a lot in just a few days. I hope to come back again more consistently once I figure out my work schedule. It was a good mix of people from what I could tell -- actors/non-actors, all walks of life. Everyone had their personal reasons of why they do improv. Even if you aren't doing improv for performance reasons, the lessons you learn do translate well to every day life. I highly recommend IFTP! Come for a great experience! And you will definitely feel and see the camaraderie. They are a family here. read more

I began my improv journey in Aug. of 2021. We had to wear masks since we were still dealing with COVID. It was amazing to do improv when we had to look at each others eyes, as well as being active listeners. It worked and I was hooked. IFTP provides a safe space with positive support. instructors are all amazing in their own right. IFTP is where you want to be if you want to IMPROV your life! read more

Was here for almost a year and it was such a great experience! Everyone is so kind and welcoming and it's a great way to break out of your shell, build public speaking skills, meet funny people. Would definitely recommend! read more

Come for the experience, stay for the connections. The entire community at IFTP is so fun and supportive and we love to see each other succeed, inside and outside of classes. The shows, the classes, the instructors, and the students all deserve 5+ stars. read more

LOVE IT! I started classes back in May. From the first audit class, I felt comfortable going on stage and interacting with others. You do not have to worry about being an actor or an actress; I'm definitely not. I'm a manager at a juice bar, so I have to have good listening and communication skills. This class has helped me a lot with those skills. Good things take time so please to do not expect to develop these skills overnight. It might take a month or more than a year to develop confident skills because not everyone works the same way. As the saying goes, you get out what you put in and you'll be fine. read more

Improv For The People is a great word of mouth Improv class. It a nice mix of people who come from different walks of life. There are actors who book and people make their rounds on the Stand Up circuit. The Eclectic mix ranges from documentary film makers, to teachers, to rocket scientists. I am not kidding. That's not hyperbole, I am stating that quite literally. I was invited to Improv For The People by a friend of mine who used to be in a short form group with me in New York City. She ended up in LA as a working actress and wanted something uber-local since she lived in Culver City and did not want to commute very far. When she found it she would not stop talking about how awesome her class was. Eventually I audited and became a real member. The lead instructor and proprietor Matt is an effective, encouraging, instructor who can get to the heart of what improv is quite quickly and gives awesome notes. He has a knack for finding and highlighting peoples strengths and critiques in a professional and tactful where group members wind up feeling inspired and not discouraged. Another great perk of Improv For The People is Stage Time. Matt is a promoter of the "Alley Cats" show at M.I.'s Westside Comedy Theater the Santa Monica Promenade. (Yea, the really touristy one!) There aren't just "class shows" This is a real honest to goodness dues paying LA audience. Within two months I was up on stage performing with the group. Unfortunately, I had to scale back the 'hobbies' to focus on other things but I know Matt still running a cracker jack class and from what I hear now a full studio. One other awesome thing about this group is the community feel when members have performances or are involved in other things the group comes out to support one another. Sometimes the number is small and sometimes its big but the members of this studio/class really care for one another and show their support whenever work/scheduling allows them to. I think they might have moved from the Original Location which was the Fanatic Salon so check the website. And tell Matt you found it on Yelp! read more

Improv for the People - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I can't begin to describe what Improv for the People has been for me. It's such amazing school. I started about a year and half ago when I was going through some really challenging personal things. I needed to get out, meet new people and more then anything, laugh. It has been the best therapy I could ask for. Even though I have a theatre background, I loved that most of the people who attend the school do not. It created such a diverse group of people that are so supportive (not competitive like some schools can be) and so eclectic. The teachers are phenomenal, the cost is totally reasonable and worth every penny in my opinion. Several people in my class have said how it has changed their life. I know it has changed mine. read more

Improv For The People is an awesome place to get out of your comfort zone in a supporting environment. The people and the instructors are so amazing, I personally met a few friends for long term and I can't wait all week to come back to class. It got to the point that I'm going to do it 2 times a week. The return on cost is more than expected. I learned so much and so eager to learn more. I got one friend to sign up and he's very happy. I urge you to try this place for one month and see for yourself that it's just the best thing ever! read more

Joining IFTP was the best thing that I had done for myself! My husband recommended me to check out improve classes when I decided to make a career transition. Granted English is my second language, public speaking has been one of my worse fears. On the night of my audition, I decided to sign up and committed to coming back weekly. The class offers me a tremendous boost of energy that keeps me happy, productive, confident, energized, thinking positively, and being in the presence for the whole week! I absolutely love the diverse crowd and the coaches; they doubled up as theme partners and cheerleaders. IFTP is a safe community where everyone can be who and what they want to be while having a blast. By the way, I still can't rhyme, don't understand many slangs, can't name three top teams of any sports in the US or in the world, but who cares? As a side note - within two months of attending the improve class, I successfully landed my dream job! I believe IFTP brought out the best in me. read more

The magic ingredient that makes this place so great is right in the name: improv FOR THE PEOPLE. I was freaking terrified my first class. Improv has always been something I was interested in, but my fear of interacting with other humans held me back. Heck, I wasn't even the one who signed myself up for this class. It was a Christmas gift from my girlfriend. It was her way of saying, "Bruh. It ain't cute anymore. Get out of the house. Do something for yourself." I decided to attend my first class on Feb 1, one day before my 26th birthday. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Matt, Ava, and everyone else attending the class immediately make you feel as comfortable as possible. You step inside the building and just kinda feel safe, which is a strange thing to say, but that's the best way to describe it. If you're thinking about signing up for a class but you're worried about dying...don't be. I've been twice and I've never felt more alive. read more

I've taken improv all over Los Angeles and this is one of the most fun, supportive and caring studios I've been to. Matthew Moore is an incredible teacher, performer and founder. Love this diverse improv community. I've made so many awesome friends and learned so much! read more

This class is the one of the constant highlights of my week! So. Much. Fun. Such good energy and support. Matt (the instructor) is so good what he does. The class is just a great time for anyone. I'm surprised at how much it has helped me in my everyday life; truly. It may be the best way to end a Monday evening. Come check out the free class and if you don't like the free class, you can get your money back. Seriously, come by and check it out, I'm so happy I did. read more

Very glad I found Improv for the People! I started taking the class to improve my communication/presentation skills in the business setting and it is clear that I will get that and much more. Both instructors (Matt and Brian) are extremely supportive and give you frequent feedback so you can grow quickly. Believe it or not, everyone can be funny! Plus, I am laughing my ass off every week just watching the other IMPROV-ers. The first week I was there, I laughed so much my abs were sore at work the next day (definitely beats doing crunches). On top of that, I kept remembering some of the scenes and just laughed out loud by myself throughout the week. The laughs alone are worth the price. Definitely cheaper than therapy! read more

Improv for the People is a great concept. There's no one out there who wouldn't need a little improv in their life, we all need to build our courage and our ability to think on our feet and most of all, the ability to say yes when life presents us with opportunities. I myself am an actor and I love being able to be inspired by someone who's not in the industry. To see IT-consultants or hotel staff come up with funny and ridiculous stuff is not only hilarious, it provokes you and inspires you to work harder and better. Matt's a great teacher, nurturing everyone's needs and excellent at finding people's strengths and talents. Take improv to improve your life! read more

Matt is a really encouraging teacher. He's great at getting everyone to feel comfortable and makes sure everyone gets to participate. Improv is not only good for people on stage, it's good for people who want to become better speakers and listeners. Overall its a good skill you can apply to everyday life. $150/month to become a better you! read more

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I took a training course with Improv For The People, and even took my Mom to the training. Such a warm and inviting group of students and the teacher - Matthew - was able to bring everyone out of their shells, and drop all insecurities. We had a great time exploring fun improvisational games - we did object transformation, mirror games with partners, and more. Furthermore, it did not feel as though there was competition to be the funniest, rather, 100% support to make everyone explore feel safe and encouraged. Highly recommend looking into an open house, or just going for it, and signing up for a class! read more

Love Love Love Improv For the People. Small, supportive and fun people. I especially like the diversity of the students, not only performing types but many from various walks of life that add to the improv process. read more

I could not be more grateful for Matt and his team at IFTP. I wanted to find a new creative outlet outside of work and not only has IFTP helped me do that, but it's also helped me in developing self-confidence and listening skills while at the same time reminding me of the importance of playing and having fun. What's great about IFTP is that it's a studio that caters to both actors and non-actors, which creates a safe and welcoming space for everyone who participates. IFTP may not be as prestigious as some other improv classes in Los Angeles, but it has just as much heart (if not more) and is a heck of a lot cheaper. IFTP has had such a profound impact in multiple areas of my life that I wouldn't be the person I am today without it. read more

I am currently attending this school. Its been 4 months now. Would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to start improv lessons. Since I have been attending the school I have noticed drastic improvement in my listening skills communication skills and my Self Confidence. read more

I consider myself lucky to have found IFTP. What started as my friends idea to sign up for an improv class, lead to me having a second family. It is one of the few places I can say/do the silliest/weirdest things without having the fear of being judged or looking stupid in front of others. This is because of the extremely warm environment Matt and all of the teachers have created. Interested in improv or not I definitely recommend this class because everything I've learned in class is applicable to everything outside of it: staying in the moment, working with a team, and taking on challenges you didn't think you could do until you did it. read more

I came to IFTP to work on my communication skills. I was hooked after the first class with Andrew and Matt and enrolled right after that audit class. The instructors are very good and every class flys by because we have so much fun! read more

IFTP and Matt are great, he is a very supportive, sensitive teacher and makes efforts to build community within the studio. I like this studio because as a beginner at improv (with a little prior experience) I still feel welcome and not alone. I get to practice with both beginner and more advanced students, see familiar faces and meet new people each class. I like that the participants are diverse, and I hear that it is more affordable than places like UCB. Parking is also free and easy. :D read more

The past two years have been my best years in Los Angeles - thanks to Improv For the People! Let me be clear here, this is not an ordinary improv comedy school where you are just one student in the middle of hundreds of others. No, this is the boutique school of improv comedy, where you get a lot of attention and feel that you are a comedy superstar. IFTP is a magic place where all us anxious and frightened actors (Iike myself) turn into confident comedians, who love every moment and every second on the stage. And all this is because of the teacher and comedian Matthew Moore, who is the most encouraging and most positive acting teacher in the entire world. He creates this supporting environment where you can exercise your comedy muscles and explore in which ever way you want. I have taken classes with The Second City and other improv comedy schools in LA and I also have a M.A. in acting and theater directing, and I have to say that I have grown most as an actress, comedian and as a person while I have been with Improv For the People. I have performed in several improv comedy shows and got my first experiences with stand-up comedy. And not to mention that this school is also "accent friendly".....which means that if you don t have an accent ( like I have), you can come up with the weirdest , most horrendous British accent if you like...or any other, and you ll still be cherished and loved. Now that is something.... read more

Love these classes & love Mat's amazing teaching! I feel I learn something with every class! And it sooooo fuuuuun!!! This is my go to class whenever I'm in LA!! I get very excited to go back whenever I'm in the US read more

This review is long overdue! I have been taking classes at IFTP for about a year and a half now and I can honestly say it's one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I'm usually the type of person who gets super excited about trying a new class, but after a while I lose motivation and stop going. I have never felt this way about IFTP. I consistently look forward to going to class every week. Matt is a wonderful teacher and person and he makes every class so fun and informative. You do not need to be an actor or actress to take improv. In fact, most of the folks who take classes here are not. They come from all walks of life and have all sorts of different careers, and it's so nice and interesting to see so many different types of people come together to create the magic that is improv. I started taking classes here because I'm an introvert and I've always been extremely shy and awkward my whole life. Social situations always frightened me, and even making small talk with a stranger would make me blush, which was always so embarrassing, because people would think I had a crush on them, but really, I was just flustered to have to be speaking with anyone! I was sick and tired of letting my shyness get in the way of my life, so I looked up some nearby improv studios and decided to give IFTP a try based on the reviews. I was so, so nervous on my first day, and to be honest the nerves didn't go away for a long time, but I was so, so happy that I pushed myself to give it a try. It's like going to game night or group therapy every week. It's seriously so much fun. Even if I'm having the worst day, I go in and just laugh it all away. It's made me a better person all around. I am nowhere near as shy as I used to be. I can make eye contact with people without hesitation and I am no longer afraid to make small talk with strangers. I am a better listener and can think better on my toes. Best of all, I am a happier person because I found something that I love to do and a great group of people to share these awesome experiences with. I highly recommend IFTP for anyone who is interested in improv or in improving their communication skills, or even just interested in having fun! :) read more

Improv for the People is the best improv group I ever played with! Matt Moore creates a safe, fun environment that is conducive to creativity and FUN! Like attracts like so...all the members of this group (all levels) are talented, fun, friendly & supportive people. I feel I'm finally HOME! :) read more

Fantastic class! I forgot to do this review earlier and had to get it done now. I was sorry I couldn't make the timing work for my schedule to continue attending the classes after a work schedule change. After only one class I almost instantly felt at ease and enjoyed all of the classmates I interacted with. I felt confident that I could have made some amazing friends and I can't wait until my schedule frees up again and I can get back to it! read more

Wow is all I can say. I took this class to help me be more comfortable and present when talking to people and I am learning that and more. There are so many similarities to improv and life. I am becoming a more confident person every week. Matt is so funny and allows you to be yourself. He gives you a lot of feedback and direction, but is never critical of what you do. I did not expect to have so much fun taking this class. I really love IFTP and would recommend it to anyone. read more

i took couple weeks he is very helpfull,ive never taken improv and he helped me feel comfortable !!and he is affordable really important !!

Super happy at IFTP ... which I found a few months ago by reading this very Yelp page. Part of what attracted me initially is that this is an improv place where just anyone can go. I am no actor and am doing this just for fun. Most of the people in my class are not actors by profession, and it took a while to even realize who was and wasn't, because the attitude (or lack of attitude) is so easy and supportive and fun-centered. Easy to experiment and let it go. Matt sets a super comfortable and fun tone, there are no worries at all - I am a somewhat shy person and I felt comfortable from minute 1 the night I first showed up. I am learning improv and growing personally, but that all sorta happens by osmosis while 'playing' with my classmates & Matt. It's located in a random somewhere in the middle of nowhere Wash. Blvd (yeah, parking is sorta suck), and it's the best part of my week. read more

Improv is like juggling 15 elephants while standing on your head. Matt Moore provides a warm , safe environment where you can drop those elephants and still feel like a winner. The students are very supportive of one another and we perform for real audiences at the Westside Comedy Club. Improv is a blast and will Improve your game in performance and in life. read more

The Workshop Classes at IMPROV FOR THE PEOPLE are outstanding! The warm-ups loosen you up and prepare you to express yourself freely in a safe environment. Students are encouraged to reveal their genius through characters, space-work, and scene ideas. Long form and short form. The class format makes it easy and completely possible to do. I love the experience. The other students are complimentary and supportive. Matthew Moore, the instructor, knows his stuff! A Master teacher and one of the best in Los Angeles. While honing your technique, be prepared to laugh a lot, be silly, and act out your wildest dreams! One of the most important skills that you will develop is a trust in your ability to be spontaneous. This will help you in Improv, dramatic scene study, and life in general. And most importantly it is FUN! FUN! FUN! read more

I had Matt bring a team to entertain 200 young adults where I work at a local university here in LA. The show was fabulous and catered to this very specific crowd. My students laughed their guts out and a great time was had by all. It is always a pleasure to work with Matt as he is very professional, flexible and just fun to work with all the time. I have also had him come and do workshops with my students and it is always a favorite activity for them. Matt gently challenges and encourages people and that is a fabulous combination! read more

Improv For The People is a very fun and team based environment. It is a great opportunity for anybody. Whether you're a comedian or not, I suggest giving it a shot. It helps develops team based skills such as listening, adapting, reacting, contributing, and thinking on your feet. The people are nice, and most of all, it helps get you comfortable in your own skin. read more

Great school I have improved my skills in communication tremendously and proud to be part of it

I started taking classes at Improv for the People well over a year ago. I was able to try my first class free and I got hooked immediately. I am not a comic or actor, I am a producer/director and used to being behind the scenes. I love this art form. Once a week I feel like I'm going to my adult recess! It's a total escape from my normal life! Matthew Moore teaches in a way that's not only fun but offers tools to use in every day life. I have tried Improv classes at other studios but never stuck with it because I wasn't an actor and felt a little intimidated taking the class just for the fun of it. The bonding between the people that come together for class, all there for different reasons, is incredible. I have a whole new group of friends that I would have never connected with otherwise. I highly recommend everyone giving this studio a try! But I warn you, it's addictive! read more

This class has changed my attitude and outlook on so many aspects in my life. I look forward to going every week and am so sad when I'm not able to make it. It is a comfortable, productive, and FUN environment where you learn how to apply the techniques of improv on and off stage. I highly recommend this program. Matt is an amazing, passionate, and personable instructor who will take great care of you, regardless of your experience with improv. read more

I have been attending Matt's improv classes for a while and it has been a great experience so far. I learned a lot about commitment, listening, cooperation, teamwork which are important skills for business life. I work as a corporate trainer and these classes increased my flexibility and spontaneity, resulting in more self-confidence. I highly recommend IFTP for acting and non-acting professionals read more