Teaching improv classes and performing full-length improvised comic plays in Bethesda, Maryland since 1995

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(202) 258-6888

Since 1996,
• Improvising hundreds of full-length comic plays
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• Teaching hundreds of improv classes, combining rigor and fun

Mon - Fri, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Sat, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Creating Great Art Improvisationally


Check Out Our Performance Schedule
Check Out Our Classes

Precipice Improv presents a festival of 4 full-length comic plays improvised from audience suggestions over 4 days

Check Out Our Performances

And check out our 1-session introductory improv workshop, Sundays at 4 pm at Imagination Stage in Bethesda.



Improv Shows Like No Other

Improv Classes in Bethesda, MD

Precipice Improv creates a different full-length comic play from audience suggestions at every performance, combining the energy and wit of sketch comedy with the depth and power of a good play. And each performance is accompanied by a live improvised piano score created by jazz musician Paul Rosenberg. Our next shows are September 26-29, 2024 at the Writer’s Center Theater in downtown Bethesda. You can purchase tickets here:

Tickets

"It's not theater like you've ever seen before. It's not comfortable and controlled. It's edgy and spontaneous, original and downright dangerous." — The American University Eagle Review

"Inspired, multi-chakra, nutty! What lunatic asylum did they escape from and is there room for the rest of us? " — Kelly C.

"The cast was so talented I was floored. They made improv look so easy. It flowed as well as a scripted play, but had more energy because it was not. " — John B.

Can you give me an example of a Precipice show?

At one performance, the audience suggested that our play take place at now-defunct Lehman Brothers and the Magic School Bus.

From these suggestions, we improvised a comic tale of a married couple and their best friend, who lose their jobs when Lehman Brothers goes bankrupt, triggering a journey of self-discovery that culminates in a trip on the Magic School Bus, where the couple's pampered, wimpy, and now anxiety-ridden 13-year old son sheds his high-pitched voice and shy demeanor to win the heart of the girl at school who rejected him.

What will happen at our next show?

Buy a ticket and join the fun. And who knows, maybe we will use one of your suggestions to create our play. Check out our performance schedule and buy a ticket here. 
 



Improv Classes Like No Other

Precipice’s improv classes are unique for two reasons.

First, they are taught every week all year, and allow anyone to join at any time.

Second, Precipice’s classes emphasize both fun and rigor. Playful theater games serve as the core of each class. They are taught in a supportive, no-fail environment, making it safe for students to move out of their comfort zone. And the exercises are carefully selected and sequenced so that by the end of each class, students have the tools to perform scenes and performance games for each other.

This is just fancy way of saying, it’s a blast. Feel free to drop in on a class to experience it yourself. Here’s where to purchase a 1-session ticket for our improv-for-everyone class, taught all year: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/precipice-improv-theaters-improv-for-everyone-workshop-1-afternoon-intro-tickets-681847493207?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

Improv For Adults in Bethesda, MD Live Improv in Bethesda, MD Improv Comedy in Bethesda, MD

What do students say about your improv classes?

Here’s what one student said about our classes. (Other reviews can be found on the Workshop page)

“I was always jealous of my friends who had an 'artistic outlet' — a way to express themselves outside of work and family. I can barely draw a stick figure and I leave musical instruments to people who can play them. Stepping into Gary’s beginning improv acting class opened that creative door for me. Anyone can do it. Blissfully, “talent” or being funny isn’t required. All I needed was the desire to have fun. Gary takes care of the rest. Going to improv class is a highlight of my week, and no, I’m not a recluse! As a bonus, the class has given me the confidence to speak in front of others when the need arises. Think wedding toasts and presentations. I’m so glad I found this class!” - Julie S

I HEARD YOU OFFER A WEEKLY SAMPLE CLASS. IS THAT RIGHT?

Yes. We offer a weekly, sample improv class. Come check it out! Just sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/precipice-improv-theaters-improv-for-everyone-workshop-1-afternoon-intro-tickets-681847493207?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete. But space is limited, so reserve a space in advance of the class you’d like to attend.

WHAT IF I’M AN EXPERIENCED IMPROVISER?

If you’re an experienced improviser with a hankering to try our advanced scene-work or play-improvising class, use the contact form below to say hi. Let us know a little about your background and interests, and which class you’d like to attend. We will reserve a space for you to check the class out for free with no obligation.

HOW ARE THE CLASSES STRUCTURED?

Unique in our experience, the classes are run every week, all year, and you can start whenever you like. You pay only for the classes you attend. Gary has taught this way for the past 25 years, and in that time, he has perfected this student-friendly model. Students tell us they appreciate the flexibility.

WHAT WILL THE CLASSES DO FOR ME?

Different students have different reasons they take classes. Some like to have fun engaging in adult, non-competitive play. Others wish to improve their communication skills at work. Still, others want to enhance their personal development. For others, the classes provide the opportunity to explore the artist within. And some wish to develop their acting and improv skills for fun or to perform. The classes are designed with each of these goals in mind.

Contact us to learn more about our classes and our performances. We delight in entertaining audiences in Bethesda, MD, and the surrounding area.

Read a Q&A with Our Artistic Director Weekly 1-Session Intro

Contact

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Phone
(202) 258-6888

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Service Area
Serving Throughout Washington DC, Bethesda and Suburban MD

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Creating spontaneous fits of laughter in our classes and shows in suburban Maryland, Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia since 1995