Improv 101: Intro Part 1 - 6 WEEKS

Improv 101: Intro Part 1

This is a six week course with sessions running 2-4pm on the following Saturdays:

January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14.

Classes are for students aged 18+

Please register with your preferred name so we know who will be in the class and what to call you!

Note: The scheduling issue has been resolved. The registration limit has been set back to 24. Note that the first two classes will be held as one large group with two instructors.

Maybe you’ve heard the amazing ways improv helps with creativity and communication. Or maybe you’ve seen a show and thought: “I want to do that one day!” Either way, Improv 101 is the place to start!

Learn the basics of improv in a fun, safe, and low-pressure environment, taught by one of the fantastic Kinkonauts instructors.

This is Part 1 of a two-part introduction course – each part is six weeks long. It is offered multiple times throughout the year. 

This class assumes students are starting with no improv experience. If you have some improv experience already, email Devin to see which class would be appropriate for you.

Note: If 13 or more registrations occur, this class will be split into two separate classes running simultaneously in different rooms with different instructors. Students who register will be notified if this split occurs, and will be given the option to indicate instructor and classmate preferences.

Instructor (Class 1): Mark Laws

A teacher by day, performer by night: Mark (he/him) is excited to be your instructor! He started taking classes with The Kinkonauts in 2022 before being accepted into their Conservatory Programme that same year. He discovered that improv is a great way to build confidence, find self-expression and create new neural pathways! Also that he likes to play pirates, that kook!  You may have seen him in Fringe Fest 2024’s Surprised by Love, improvised film noir Secrets and Shadows, Cage Match 2025-winning BassN’H, and more! Known for his inclusivity, self-deprecating wit, and passion for the craft, Mark hopes to create a safe space for his students to play games, learn new skills, and (most importantly) have fun!

Instructor (Class 2): Jessica Belbin

Jessica Belbin has been performing improv for 18 years. She is the Director of Corporate Events for the Kinkonauats and has performed for clients like WestJet, Calgary Zoo, Alpine Canada, and many more. She is also a Facilitator of Applied Improv, where the skills of improv are used to help develop soft skills like communication, collaboration, and trust. For 10 years, she has worked with teams and companies at UofC, ATCO, Benevity, and TCEnergy to name just a few. Combining these skill sets she is a compassionate and fun Improv teacher who creates a safe space for all students. Her teaching ensures students can use improv skills on the stage and in daily life.