3 hours
Austin Public
Free Tickets Available
Thu, 25 Sep, 2025 at 06:30 pm to 09:30 pm (GMT-05:00)
Austin Public
1143 Northwestern Avenue, Austin, United States
This is a workshop where you learn by doing. You will play games, do storytelling exercises, meditate and have fun.
This class is for all skill levels; no prior experience necessary.
Pixar, Stanford, IDEO, Forbes, the New York Times, Harvard Business Review and many other organizations have advocated for improv (i.e. imaginative play) and storytelling in a variety of contexts.
Nurturing your imagination and playful practices increases creativity, improves communication, increases productivity of teams who collaborate often, helps reduce anxiety and stress and be more resilient in the face of uncertainty and rapid change.
But what’s the deal? How does practicing improv storytelling help us?
Arrive 10-30 minutes early so you can check in, find the classroom, get water or use the bathroon if needed.
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk.
Austin Public, 1143 Northwestern Ave, Austin, TX 78702
We will be in Studio 1
Check in at the front desk 10 - 20 minutes before class time begins.
"Committed to freedom of speech and expression, Austin Public is a non-exclusive and content-neutral media studio that offers low- and no-cost training, equipment, facilities, and content distribution services to all Austinites.
Its programs empower individuals and nonprofit organizations to create film and media projects that speak to the local community, facilitate community building, and diversify the media landscape."
Source: https://www.austinfilm.org/austin-public/about-austin-public/
"AUSTIN PUBLIC’S PRODUCER PROGRAM
To learn more about utilizing Austin Public’s resources and content distribution please go to our become a Producer page or read about our Producer First Steps, Classes & Equipment.
Please contact Charles Wright for questions about channel programming, Josh Rodriguez about equipment and studio reservations and YXVzdGlucHVibGljIHwgYXVzdGluZmlsbSAhIG9yZw== for questions regarding classes and general info regarding the Producer Program (access to resources and content distribution)."Source: https://www.austinfilm.org/austin-public/about-austin-public/
Wear clothes you're comfortable moving in.Athleisure, casual or business casual are all great.
In terms of footwear, we recommend closed toe tennis shoes / athletic shoes or socks that have good grip.We DO NOT recommend sandles or heels. Wear comfy shoes that you feel confident moving in.
Bring a bottle of water.
Instagram: @joyofimprovFacebook: The Joy of Improv
Jennifer LeMarte-Tran: “This is such a fun, inclusive group to learn and have fun. Jared is an awesome teacher and creates such a safe space for improv and play!”
Leila Ryndak : “I hadn’t tried improv before, but felt very supported by my classmates and instructor. This environment allowed me to tap into a creative flow I didn’t realize was in me! Improv is a great way to play, collaborate, build creativity, and laugh your butt off… Jared made the experience very approachable and FUN— I highly recommend it!”
: “Engaging, collaborative improv sessions led by Jared. Time flies while you learn new skills through experiential methods in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. I highly recommend Jared and The Joy of Improv!”
Helena Oh: “This introvert highly recommends this class to everyone! I keep coming back for two main reasons:
1) It's FUN! Yes, you might get nervous and make mistakes but Jared creates a safe environment that encourages everyone to support each other and actually celebrate mistakes. And we just keep playing!
2) I learn something new each time I come back. Whether it's how I can listen better, be more open to other ideas or not overthink as much.
I’m definitely a work in progress but this class is such a fun way to build these skills. I never regret going. Give it a try!”
Andy Jay Babkes: “I've never taken an improv class before but had the privilege to take one of Jared’s workshops recently. What a fun time!
Jared makes everyone in the class feel so safe and supported. He expertly guides you through exercises that help you get out of your head and be present in the moment to just BE!
If you’ve ever wanted to explore improv and storytelling, but don’t know where to start, just take a workshop by Jared Polivka. You will not be disappointed!”
Swan Bay: “Whether you’re a ‘storyteller’ or ‘rock-n-roller’ or ‘entrepreneur’, Jared’s workshops will give you some valuable deep insights about how to hone your stagecraft. Very encouraging and inspiring! If Jared’s in your town, and you’ve a story to tell, go and sign up with hisclass and then share it with the world! Thank you Jared!”
Marta Chernova: “I recently had the pleasure of attending Jared’s class 'Rediscover your sense of play.' It was an amazing experience! Thanks to Jared, I felt super welcome straight away. Jared makes sure that everyone is always on the same page, offers lots of opportunities to ask questions, and gives detailed answers. He is also great at leading by example: personally, I was amazed and inspired by how smoothly Jared is able to switch between his “teaching self” and being deep in character for a demonstration (the man knows what he is doing!). I received concrete tips on the various aspects of play, had all my questions answered, and left with a better understanding of what improv can be. It was also a lot of fun, the 4 hours flew by in a flash! I’m definitely planning to attend another session.”
Adrienne Tran, Product Manager, Tesla: “I had a lovely time in Jared’s classes! I felt so relaxed and happy afterwards. I feel like my neurons have been firing differently since. Improv play and improv thinking is helpful to me as a product manager."
Bethany Hebbard, Community Corps Director, Mobile Loaves and Fishes - A Community for The Homeless: "I so enjoyed Jared's class. I work with people who have experienced chronic homelessness, and the games he taught have given me new, joyful, playful strategies for really *listening* to the men and women I have the privilege of serving."
Valerie Krygsheld, Mobile Loaves and Fishes: “Jared came to our non-profit organization, Mobile Loaves and Fishes. What a great relationship-building time to have with fellow staff members. His time spent with us was focused on one of our guiding principles. It was a really creative and fun way to interact. Everyone can do improv and have a blast while doing it! Definitely want Jared to come back!” -
Connor Warnock, Lead Engineer, Notable Labs: “ Jared has a knack for establishing a safe environment of trust and empathy so participants can play, take creative risks, and have fun learning."
Liz Bogart, Marketing Manager at AngelList: "Jared ran a team building workshop for a team offsite I hosted and there couldn't have been a better way to kick it off! The exercises he ran us through helped set a positive tone and encouraged the group to feel comfortable with each other. We practiced effective ways to communicate and listen and we found that later in the week we used these techniques. Highly recommended for a group activity - whether purely for fun or for more professional, work related scenarios!"
Heidi L. Bianco, Class Technologies, Director, Global Field Marketing: “We hired Jared to facilitate workshops at our annual Company Kick Off in Las Vegas. Two words come to mind: TRANSFORMATIONAL and FUN!
In the sessions, Jared fostered a safe and supportive atmosphere where my colleagues and I felt confident to take risks, be creative and connect in meaningful ways. During the sessions, an ethos of listening, trust and collaboration were emphasized so that we truly heard and supported one another.
As an ed-tech company, my colleagues and I value experiential learning— this was embodied in Jared’s workshops as we unearthed discoveries about ourselves (both as individuals and as a team) by playing, reflecting and sharing.
If you’re seeking a fun team building experience that brings you closer to your teammates, and where you will learn collaborative communication skills that can be applied to work and life, I recommend Jared and The Joy of Improv.”
Brian Arthur : “Our club, Chiangmai Toastmasters at Chiangmai University, had a great time with Jared during his Art of Improv-You have presence workshop. It introduced to us a new experience to better understand ourselves as a speaker and how to build our confidence. Jared was good in making us feel comfortable and ready to open up ourselves and jump in! It was a very valuable experience for all our members and guests!”
Magie Hogan: “Jared's influence was a gift to our budding improv community in Chiang Mai, Thailand! His workshops were well crafted and his teaching style flowed with the needs of the group. Learning and laughing were in equal ratios! Thank you Jared for your wisdom and motivation!”
Ola Komolafe, Software Engineer VMware: “Moving to California, I had trouble finding things that I enjoyed to do and people to do these things with. Jared's improv and storytelling classes were a life saver. His approach made players of all levels feel welcomed and ready to participate. I found out about his workshop when I first moved in San Francisco and attended the Storytelling for Technologists workshop. I'll never forget that workshop- there were over 150 people and I was super impressed by how Jared facilitated it alone with relaxed ease. I learned a lot of great skills in the storytelling for technologists class and I'm excited for Jared to come teach workshops for my engineering teams at work. ”
Elliott J Brecht : “Took a class with Jared which was so much fun, entertaining, and informative! He had such a passion for sharing his knowledge that it made the class so welcoming and brought everyone out of there shell. I can't recommend participating in a class/workshop enough. Everyone will be able to get something out of attending!” -
Alison Tugwell : “It’s tons of fun, great place to meet new, interesting and diverse people. Jared was a present, passionate leader and shared interesting wisdom about the craft of improv. Highly, highly recommended for anyone in sales, collaborative teams, or those in creative professions!”
Curtis David Williams: “The Joy of Improv. How fitting a name. Honestly, trying out Jared’s class was one of the best decision I’ve made as an actor. He teaches not only sound technique but his kindness and generosity allows every single person in the room to feel included and on the same level while also nurturing and challenging each individual based on their own experience and skill set. Wonderful, wonderful class. I highly recommend giving his class a go!”
Michelle G. Lathe : “I enjoyed the online class. Had fun and learned more about myself too. I recommend trying out one of their classes” -
Ava Mauriello : “I liked the exercises. I liked that Jared ran the class in a really accepting and knowledgeable way. I felt comfortable and engaged. I would recommend this class!”
Cherie Fransen : “Good God, where to start?! If YOU wish to get out of your comfort zone with somebody that is patient, sweet and very much an educator - Go see and play in Jared Polivka’s classes. My personal experience and sometimes triggered self consciousness as an actress can be triggered in acting classes, but with Jared’s class you will feel the freedom to create and connect. I highly recommend his workshops place if you wish to grow your skillset that include acting, speaking, opening up, emphasizing, improvising, storytelling and growing in life.”
Diego Gonçalves: "Improv skills are really helpful for my career where I need to wear multiple hats everyday and the classes are also fun! Thanks Jared!”
Kyle Edquist: “The Class:
- a combination of play and silly with feelings and brain scrambling.
- I would highly recommend anyone to check out any engagement from the Joy of Improv, you never know what life possibilities may be fostered after an event.
Jared, the Instructor:
- incredible human who I’ve energized from being around, he naturally creates a safe and playful experience in general.
- his product, entrepreneurial background creates for a really unique and consultative experience for participants in his wide range of talents ranging from improv to story telling for technologists.”
“Highly recommend this improv class, I’ve been twice this year and I plan to attend more often.
Also check out other Workshops in Austin, Arts events in Austin.
Tickets for Intro to Improv - Spontaneity and Imagination (In Person) can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Register | Free |
