Attending classes with Bill Chott at The Improv Trick was a phenomenal experience, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone! I'm NOT an actor and don't want to be one. I'm a real estate agent looking to improve my communication skills and am naturally a bit reserved and introverted. I was told improv would help me open up and think on my feet and that I had to try it. I reluctantly signed up and was SO happy I did! Bill was friendly and welcoming and the vibe was comfortable and low-key. He's a great teacher and gives great feedback so every week I felt I was progressing. The space we 'play' in was great! I was scared of being on a stage and the Pasadena class was in a perfect location. I'll for sure be attending again and coming back! read more

I sat in on a first class and in 10 mins I knew I wanted to be apart of this work/group. Highly recommend Bill Chott's improv class. He's fun, informative, guides us well and encourages fun and respect. read more

I first enrolled in Bill's class about a year ago.()summer 2024). I enjoyed it enough that I reenrolled again. Ive had no experience in the creative arts or acting. But what a refreshing addition To my normal routines and hobbies, I gravitate to. Bill's teaching is great. He's a large part of what makes it enjoyable. He's patient and respectful. I would never have considered enrolling in something like this had it not been for another of his students recommending it to me. I'm so glad he did. What a great creative outlet for me. Perhaps it would be for you also. Give Bill Chott's improv trick a try. read more

I haven't performed improv in years, but Bill Chott got me on stage, coached me, encouraged me, and I ended up really proud of my work. Thank you Bill, can't wait to do it again. read more

Improv Trick - Performing Improv in front of an audience - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Valley Village, California

Great class! It has so far helped me loosen up, get out of my head with overthinking and also work on self consciousness. All in a safe and positive environment. Bill is a great teacher. read more

What a FUN experience with The Improv Trick! I had a goal this year to 1) take an improv class and 2) do more activities without worrying about merit (aka PLAY). The Improv Trick helped me in fulfilling both goals! Bill Chott is incredibly gifted in so many ways. His witty, quick humor always made me laugh. I can be shy with those I don't know and overly sensitive (like a turtle in a shell) but Bill created an environment where I poked my neck out and dropped into the moment. I highly recommend for all to take classes with Bill and The Improv Trick! Such a wonderful experience! read more

The most welcoming experience you can have for breaking out of your shell, even if you are an introvert. I specifically tried Bill's class over others because I read about how welcoming it was, AND IT WAS! Improv can be an intimidating thing to do but Bill's class creates the most fun and non-judgmental environment for learning it regardless of your age, experience, or personality type. Forget about what you think improv may be or how hard you think it is, the story in your head is holding you back from doing something great for yourself. Bill's class will become the highlight of your week and teach you so much about the human experience. You're guaranteed to leave feeling empowered and with a huge smile on your face, no matter where you are coming from. read more

I have taken the intro class twice and I'm now taking a level two class and I'm having a blast. Bill's classes have met my expectation and beyond. He creates a safe and fun environment and continuously reminds the class there are no mistakes in improv. The classes are reasonably priced, conveniently located and so much fun!!! Thank you Bill for helping me climb out of my introverted shell. I'd recommend this to anyone, especially non-actors looking for a personal growth experience. read more

I have been taking improv classes with Bill Chott for a while now, and I can honestly say that, not only have I seen improvement in my improv technique by taking classes with him, but I have such a blast every time I go. I laugh a lot! It's really therapeutic. I'm always in a great mood at the end of class. When you become a "lifetime member", you can take the class over and over again without having to pay. You pay the first time you take the series, and that's it. I've taken the Lifetime Class at least a half a dozen times since then, and I have learned something new every time I went. Bill sets the tone the first night you attend. You are made to feel relaxed, welcomed and free to be creative. You receive constructive feedback when necessary and are never made to feel awkward or embarrassed. It's all done in the spirit of learning and having fun. If you've always wanted to take an improv class to improve your confidence in speaking to others, to help yourself become a better listener, to improve your ability to focus and concentrate, to think quicker on your feet, and just play and have fun, then give this class a try. I promise that you will benefit so much from it. read more

The Improv Trick is one of the best improv schools I've ever seen, and an insanely good value. Bill Chott is one of the most dedicated improv coaches in the nation, and so very much wants to make improv accessible to everyone. The lifetime class offer is unlike any other improv school I've seen (and I've seen quite a few). Being able to take a class as many times as you'd like is fantastic, and completely unheard of in many improv circles. Believe me, if you want to do improv, this is a deal you should absolutely have. And the community surrounding IT is superb. These are fantastic people who genuinely care about one another. Their dedication to bettering each other as well as themselves is a genuine delight, and that's a quality that's not always present in the other schools. This a truly a place where we succeed together. Bill Chott and the Improv Trick are great, and I can't recommend them enough, whether you're a beginner looking to start or a veteran looking for a community. Bill is a true pro, having been in the improv scene for over 20 years, and a part of some of the greatest improv teams in history. Do yourself a favor, and check out the Improv Trick. read more

An amazing group. The improv 101 lifetime class is a steal, and you can repeat the course as often as you like until you are comfortable moving on. What makes the improv trick more attractive than the UCB-- the endless other competition out there- the class is truly designed for ANYONE. Also, Bill Chott is a nice guy who genuinely cares for students. A caring personality in this business is such an outlier too! In addition, the class is only $125 dollars? To put that in perspective, the eight class session I considered at UCB cost over three times more than that! Oh, and you get to attend the FREE sauce shows as well! You can also take the lifetime class in Pasadena concurrently with the Hollywood class. read more

The IMPROV Trick may not have name drawing power like Second City, iOWest or UCB but Actor/Improviser/Comedian Bill Chott who leads the charge, does! Improv Trick classes and workshops are designed to strengthen specific skill sets. There are classes and workshops for beginners as well advanced improvisers. Bill helps you grow your skills in a supportive atmosphere and prices are reasonable! read more

I was nervous to go to an Improv class after so many years of not acting. A professional Improviser suggested Bill's class and he was 100 percent right. Such a comfortable environment to dive back in. I learned a lot, had fun and even pleasantly surprised myself a few times. Bill is knowledgeable, he seems to genuinely love improv and he has created a welcoming environment. read more

Not only is Bill an exceptional teacher but also one of the nicest people you'll meet! He creates a supportive and joyful space to play and take risks. His class stretched me in ways I didn't think possible which I now take into my play with others. He's genuinely interested in seeing his students grow, individually and as a group. I highly recommend taking a class with him and watching him perform! read more

Bill is a really great improv teacher! He makes you feel at ease with his very warm and inviting style. He has such a wealth of knowledge and skill that you will leave his class definitely having learned a great deal! I highly recommend experiencing a class with him! read more

Bill is a great teacher. He always creates a positive environment even when he's challenging you to step out in new ways. It's clear he both loves improv and helping people grow. Try coming to one of the free nights and see for yourself. read more

Whether you're new to acting, or a seasoned professional, this is the place for YOU. I been to many improv groups and acting schools. Improv Trick is where it's at! Bill Chott, the instructor, goes beyond the surface of performing onstage and uses his training to teach students how to use acting skills to bring out the best in each individual. I suffered from dyslexia unknowingly since childhood, and I was ostracized a lot for not being on top of my abilities to follow direction. Thus making me very introverted, and highly aggressive dealing with others who took these things as an insult. Bill was very patient with me and helped me turn my disability into a strength by allowing me to focus on responding to material naturally as opposed to being under pressure and uptight. For me, the art of improv went beyond acting, and into learning how to respond to others, communicate clearly, and get into character without being so technical. I use what I learned from improv trick in my business by being concise with generating sales and giving instruction. As well as taking it too. As actors, ( & as people too) We tend to get into or heads too much trying to figure out what folks want out of us instead of seeking answers organically. Improv Trick teaches you exactly how to do that. Nothing is too obscure, or outlandish. There's no mistakes in Improv. I highly recommend this group to anyone who's looking to improve their approach to their trade on a inter/intrapersonal level. Plus you'll make some really good friends who'll support you along the way while doing different exercises. read more

This is a fantastic class. I believe it can be helpful for anyone from any walk of life. It's also extremely fun and uplifting. Bill is a wonderful teacher and exquisitely funny. It's a great time. I encourage anyone even considering it to give it a try. read more

I can't imagine a more welcoming and excellent improv environment than what I experienced with Bill Chott at the Improv Trick. Students of all levels are encouraged to push their boundaries as improvisers, which can translate into all areas of human interaction. Bill is truly a great teacher and a great friend. read more

I took Improv Trick's free beginners class about four years ago, and that introduced me to how much fun improv is. Bill's experience speaks for itself and both his improv and teaching skills are top-shelf. You will learn a lot from him and have a great time too. read more

If you have an interest in stepping outside of your comfort zone I can't think of a more comfortable place to do it. Welcoming, friendly, always positive, and loads of fun. And you get to meet a wide range of people who are taking improv classes for a variety of reasons. The Improv Trick (and Bill Chott) is an LA treasure. read more

Bill is a wonderful and supportive instructor. His classes are super fun. AND he's not only a comedy teacher, but works as a comedic actor on television. Improv class is a great way to have fun while developing wonderful skills that help in everyday life. I recommend checking out The Improv Trick...right now! read more

This is where I first learned about improv and it's also the reason I have never stopped wanting to learn more about improv. Bill Chott is one of the best improv teachers and coaches in the nation. Samantha is also great, knowledgeable, personable and she makes learning fun. Do yourself a favor,change your life by taking this class. You will leave a better person ,make two life long friends in Bill and Samantha as well as countless others. Thank you Improv Trick read more

Let's just say I'm glad this is a lifetime class. I can see myself attending for a long time. I highly reccomend Improv Trick. :)

Bill is AMAZING!! He really helped get me back into thinking about improv. The lifetime class is 100 percent worth it! Thank you!!

Best improv class ever! Bill Chott is a master, and his teaching style is perfect. I was pretty nervous when I started out. The whole idea of improvisation scared me, but within a few weeks, I was loving every moment. Bill leads each class with just the right mixture of challenge and fun! The Lifetime Class is the greatest. You pay once and can continue at that level for the rest of your life without paying another dime. I should know. I have taken the Lifetime Class three times! I have also taken The Zone class which is more challenging, and I loved it! I would recommend the Improv Trick to anyone! read more

I have been very intimidated by improv and never felt comfortable performing in front of people, but with Bill's excellent teaching style I am able to relax and just have fun. Great class! read more

Bill is an extremely talented and gifted instructor! It's a really fun time. You'll learn a lot and feel very safe.

Bill is the best, creme de la creme of Improv. He knows Improv inside and out. I really enjoyed this class. He gives positive feedback and does a great job teaching technique. Check it out; he offers free audits. read more

Just had my first class today and can't wait to go back! I felt safe, accepted, and valued. Bill has so much talent and seems to truly love sharing that with everyone. Definitely recommend if you are uncomfortable speaking in front of people or introverted like I am/was. Check em out! read more

I have been taking Bill's improv classes for almost a year now. I was so very nervous when I first started. Bill makes it fun. I learn a lot in his classes and have fun doing it. I highly recommend joining in. read more

Nothing but good things to say about this class. I enjoy the sense of community, the knowledge I have gained, and Bill gives positive constructive advice and is incredibly helpful. read more

This is the place to be and the folks to be with. You'll never experience a warmer welcome and more fun than with Bill Chott and gang. Don't miss the opportunity to study and play with this amazing teacher and funny guy. You'll learn so much, open up, dare to be yourself, and have a huge amount of fun. read more

I have been going to jams and classes with Improv Trick for several years. I miss the jams and classes in Pasadena, and hopefully they will return this Fall; however, this theater is a nice location with good AC and plenty of room. The classes and jams are really like therapy for me as you just leave everything else at the door for a couple hours, and everyone from beginner to advanced is there to to help you learn and improve. Initially, I only did the jams because I was dragged along, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming that I got addicted. Eventually, I started taking classes, and that really improved my comfort at the jams. Bill Chott teaches almost all the introductory classes, and each time I have picked up something new as well as practice the basics. Occasionally, you will get a substitute, but that is uncommon; plus, after taking the class over a dozen times it is great to get another person's perspective on the material. I have also enjoyed the "Enter the Zone" class multiple times and I have taken the Long Form class, which are both good. I would suggest you take advantage of the classes while they still have the lifetime feature but even if that disappears at least you know you will get the senior instructor who has refined the learning process and you will be surrounded by people that just want to learn and have fun. read more

I had the pleasure of performing with Bill in the past and have also seen him on stage dozens of times. He knows improv, he knows acting and he knows comedy. And most germane to this review is the fact that Bill knows how to teach these things. I highly recommend studying at the Improv Trick. Five stars! read more

Whether you're a grizzled, old-timer or a newbie to improv, Bill is there to help you grow and feel comfortable with friendly feedback. So, take your trepidation by the throat and have fun while you learn! read more

Bill Chott is a brilliant performer, an improviser extraordinaire -- and has one of the most generous spirits of anyone I've ever met. I was teaching a class at a week long summer kid's camp and thought some improv games might be a fun way to inspire the kids to connect with each other and encourage them come out of their shells on the first day. I reached out to Bill for help and he responded immediately -- generously overflowing with fun and fantastic ideas. The kids LOVED the games he suggested. The camp was a huge success, and I think that is entirely due to the wonderful tone that Bill and his ideas helped me establish from the get-go. Bil Chott is AMAZING. When it comes to improv, The Improv Trick is the place to be! read more

As well as being an incredibly talented performer, who is well-respected throughout the improv world, Bill is a wonderfully fun, kind, considerate teacher! read more

If you want to learn improvisation skills in a great atmosphere, with an incredible teacher and surrounded by fun, smart, hilarious people... The Improv Trick is definitely the way to go. I'm truly appreciate for all the love and support this place has shown me. #trickster read more