Boom Chicago Academy – Learn Improv & Comedy with World-Class Instructors

Start with a clear plan: spend your starting week in two hands-on workshops that mix dynamic warmups, sketch blocks, and stage-ready exercises. The thrill comes fast when you practice with a lively bunch and a facilitator who keeps the energy focused on helping you connect with the crowd.

Boom Chicago Academy brings world-class instructors. Each class teaches practical improv and sketch techniques that translate to the stage, where timing, listening, and bold choices land in front of a crowd.

Costs vary by package. A starter option lets you spend a little to test two workshops and one feedback session; a full-season pass costs more but includes extra rehearsals, private coaching, and a live showcase.

Come for the content, stay for the vibe: a lively bunch of peers, friendly instructors, and a crowd that cheers. Weird prompts spark creativity, while a clear step helps you apply what you learn to real scenes.

Many alumni report laughter isnt forced and confidence to try new formats. You leave with a full toolkit to improv, connect with audiences, and carry that energy into every room.

Practical Classes for Improv & Comedy

Enroll in the upcoming Practical Improv Foundations track to lock in core techniques through hands-on games, quick setups, and feedback rounds with peers. This class suits students, actors, writers, and participants at the boom academy who want tangible results fast.

Afternoon sessions run twice weekly and provide plenty of time for partner work, scene experiments, and targeted coaching. After each class, you will leave with a concrete routine you can try on yourself or with classmates.

Holland-based coach Diogo leads a solo workshop that focuses on character work, timing, and stage presence. The protected space lets you test ideas without fear, and the format adapts to both newcomers and seasoned performers.

Look at stand-up, short-form games, and cultural sketches that translate into material you can perform in class, on campus, or at informal shows. Writers and actors will collaborate in quick feedback loops to sharpen instincts and your confidence.

Unlimited access options let you join multiple sessions across the term, while the page lists upcoming slots. For those planning a trip, we align schedules to maximize your time with the academy and its community.

What You’ll Learn in Each Class

Choose the Saturday beginners class to start quickly and see progress in minutes. Our Holland-based director leads a fantastic program that is available to local students and newcomers. The starting cost is transparent, and the format keeps sessions practical from the first night.

In Class 1, you’ll learn to listen actively, respond with yes-and, and establish quick scene setups. Most sessions run about 60 minutes, with warmups, micro-scenarios, and peer feedback guiding your practice. You’ll leave with practical tools you can apply in real scenes.

Class 2 expands rapid character work and relationships. You’ll learn to craft believable personas, adapt language and body cues on the fly, and sustain momentum. Individuals aiming for advanced work will find clear pathways here, guided by the director and supported by fellow students.

Class 3 shifts toward long-form structures and collaborative storytelling. You’ll develop overarching story threads, callbacks, and a sense of ensemble timing that makes performances feel cohesive. The Holland team keeps the format practical and engaging, with feedback paced to build confidence at every step.

Beyond core classes, evenings and booms nights workshops add extra practice time, with new cohorts starting on saturday. The cost stays transparent, and starting slots suit both beginners and students seeking more challenge.

Weekly Schedule and Availability

Reserve Friday 7:00 pm Drop-In now to jump into a live performance and see results after one session.

All programs run weekly with limited seats, so book early to secure a spot and maximize value. Each class follows a clear pattern, with active practice, immediate feedback, and a focus on performance that grows your imagination and stage presence alike.

Monday 6:00 pm–7:30 pm – Improv Foundations: beginner to intermediate. The lead instructor teaches a tailored program that covers core games, listening, and responsive scenes. Venue: Boom Chicago Academy Studio One. Cost: $22 drop-in; $80 for a 4-class pack. Seats: limited to 20. Accessible via ramp and elevator.

Tuesday 7:00 pm–8:00 pm – Writing for Improv: craft gags, openings, and tag lines to fuel scenes. Instructors teaches a focused approach that translates ideas into quick, sharp writing. Venue: Studio Two. Cost: $18 drop-in; $64 for four classes. Seats: limited to 16. Accessible facilities help every writer stay in the flow.

Wednesday 6:30 pm–7:45 pm – Advanced Scene Work: refine long-form structures and character transitions. Lead instructor Noor Tan guides a tight, collaborative program. Venue: Studio One. Cost: $26; Seats: 14. This session is ideal for performers aiming to elevate technical depth and onstage timing.

Thursday 6:00 pm–7:15 pm – Performance Fundamentals: timing, rhythm, and audience engagement. The team teaches actionable techniques you can apply right away on stage. Venue: Studio Three. Cost: $24; Seats: 18. Drinks available in the lounge after sessions for further practice and feedback.

Friday 7:00 pm–9:00 pm – Open Performance Night: short sets, real audiences, and live feedback. Host ensemble runs back-to-back performances to give you continuous stage opportunities. Venue: Studio One. Cost: $20; Seats: 24. This session offers a good chance to test material, meet venues, and connect with peers.

Booking windows open two weeks ahead; cancellations up to 24 hours before class allow a full refund. Waitlists automatically convert when seats free. All venues are accessible, with elevator, ramps, and assistive options available. We continue to expand capacity when possible, but spots remain limited to preserve quality.

Seasonal offers combine multiple weeks of programming with private coaching to maximize value. Just choose a package at checkout; costs vary by package. In addition, a small lounge area provides drinks and space to discuss writing, imagination, and magic from the night’s performance.

Instructors’ Qualifications and Teaching Style

Choose the introductory class to build your foundation in timing and listening. Seth leads the introductory track; he is a professional performer from the netherlands and collaborates with expats who bring real-world stagecraft into each session.

Part of our roster features professional instructors who have toured internationally and worked in live comedy clubs. They bring practical insight from on-stage work to the classroom, turning rehearsal into tangible performance skills. seth collaborates on technique demonstrations between sessions. Those experiences boost learning outcomes.

Teaching style centers on active participation and imagination. Each instructor teaches with a clear goal, and we tell you what to adjust, why it matters, and how tiny choices influence the scene. Expect concrete feedback, rapid iteration, and a supportive environment that keeps you moving forward. During drills, we jump between exercises to keep energy high.

Learning is structured around a clear range of options: an introductory course, a core comedy class, and electives that let you specialize. The roster includes an elective session such as a dedicated on-character work, a narrative-beat elective, and physical improv, each designed to build a specific skill set. Something you can carry into your own scenes is the goal of these tasks. The teaching staff teaches how to apply these ideas in real performance.

The program culminates in live performance. Students perform regularly in class drills and stage showcases during tours around the city, gaining real audience feedback before stepping into longer sets.

How to Prepare Before Your Class

Come prepared with a full plan for your first class: arrive fifteen minutes early, log into the session, and run a quick vocal and physical warm-up.

Review the eight-week syllabus and mark one clear goal for each session; keep it simple and trackable from week to week.

Watch a few clips in simon and peele-inspired styles to study timing and energy, then note two moves you want to try during warm-ups.

Prepare a short english-language scene (60 seconds) that highlights good timing and clear beats; cover your premise with a concise setup.

Pack essentials: water, notebook, pen, and a house-friendly prop if allowed; maybe a hat or scarf to paint a quick character.

Bring an open mindset; in class you will do eight-week, interactive exercises and receive supportive feedback from friendly instructors.

During the session, keep your head up, maintain eye contact with the crowd, and land each beat before you try a new idea.

After class, translate notes into a concrete plan for the next meeting, focusing on fundamentals rather than flashy lines.

Upcoming performances at Boom Chicago rely on collaboration, not solo showmanship; use that energy to build talent and connect with the room.

You’ll leave prepared to step into the next class with confidence.

What to Expect After Class: Feedback, Shows, and Progress

Book a private 15-minute debrief with your instructor within 48 hours after class to turn feedback into action. Thats a fast, practical start that keeps momentum and aligns your plan with the syllabus and the month’s goals. Please email to arrange the time and receive the debrief notes in your page inbox.

• Feedback
  • Delivered via email and posted on your page; focuses on three pillars: characters, timing, and relationship dynamics.
  • Includes concrete examples from your last session and a short action plan you can try in the next workshop.
  • Feedback references the syllabus and provides a private, professional evaluation that helps them understand what to adjust.
  • Thats why notes include explicit next steps you can implement before your next month’s session.
  • Having this clarity helps every student stay on course and feel confident in the build.
• Shows
  • Live performances happen monthly and are hosted on the official page; friends and classmates can watch live or stream the event.
  • Shows cover short scenes, character work, and easy crowd interaction that build confidence without pressure.
  • Sign-up opens two weeks before each event; look for a dutch host or other guest hosts like diogo.
• Progress
  • The adapted syllabus guides monthly goals; you’ll see clear milestones for trying new characters, trying new formats, and building timing.
  • Each month, you’ll update a two-column progress cover: wins and next steps, plus notes on what to explore in the next month.
  • Having a simple, private log helps track growth; this framework fits every student, from beginners to seasoned improvisers.
  • An addition to the routine is a weekly 15-minute dive with a practice partner to reinforce the day’s focus.
• Practical steps
  • Please email the coordinator with your three takeaways and a suggested date for the next debrief; use the page to confirm details.
  • Use the private book you keep to track characters, scenes, and booms–these entries feed into reviews and help build a personal demo reel.
  • During off weeks, explore new roles by swapping parts with a friend; exploring different POVs keeps you from getting stuck.
  • If you worry about missing a workshop, join the recorded session or do a quick study dive to stay on track.
  • For newcomers, the process is easy: read the syllabus, choose one habit to try, and book the next session to stay on track.