Basic Improv Classes

If you’re a human who was alive during the last couple of years and you’re reading this, Empire Arts is about 10000000% sure you could use more laughter in your life this year. Was your New Year’s resolution to try something new, experience more joy, or have more opportunities for socially-sanctioned screaming?

If so, register for this basic improv six-week in-person class where you’ll learn the basics of improv in a supportive, compassionate environment. Whether you’re completely new to improv or you’ve dabbled and want to hone your skills, you’ll have a wonderful time in this class.

Instructor Jessilee Windhaus is a proud Sacramento native and a firm believer in the power of applied improvisation. With a background in both short form and long form comedy, she is a 20-year improv veteran who has trained with Upright Citizen’s Brigade and The Groundlings and performed in cities all across the country. With over a decade of teaching experience, Jessilee holds a BA in Theatre and Dance from Sacramento State University and is the Co-Founder of the local performing arts nonprofit Empire Arts Collective and the Founder of That Plus Chips live sketch and improv comedy ensemble. She has toured with the world-renowned Missoula Children’s Theatre and was a mainstage performer at Sacramento Comedy Spot and ComedySportz Sacramento where she served as the Director of the High School League program. Other comedy credits include Sutter Street Theatre, Garbeau’s Dinner Theatre, Dangerous Men/Dangerous Women, The Dinner Detective, CSU Sacramento, and Bike City Theatre Company where she served as the Director of Sketch.

Note: All students must be fully vaccinated (including the booster) and provide proof of vaccination (either vaccination card or digital record) on the first day of class at the door. All students must wear either surgical or N95 masks at all times. Masks will be provided if you do not have one. The maximum size for this class is 15 people.