Learn improv from an expert instructor who has taught all types & levels of improv!
About the Instructor, Patrick McInnis:
Through teaching and performance, Patrick McInnis has shared his love of improv with students and audiences across the US. His team The Third Thought has performed regularly in national festivals, and he has built vibrant improv communities in Boulder, Colorado, Tampa/St. Petersburg and now here in Carlsbad. Learners from elementary schools through assisted living facilities have played and learned with Patrick. His teaching engagements include American Stage Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, and the University of Southern California. His corporate training clients include organizations from small to large, including iRobot and Johnson & Johnson. He is delighted to have the opportunity to bring improv to New Village Arts.
Check out our Upcoming Improv Courses:
Weekly Drop-in Improv | Wednesday Nights
*AGES 18+*
$17 Drop-in Rate | ($14 + $3 processing fee)
Whether you have never done improv or are a seasoned veteran of the art, Patrick can instruct and extend your understanding of comedy improvisation. Patrick has studied with many different schools of thought (UCB/iO/Annoyance/Second City) as well as created unique exercises and forms of his own. *All skill levels welcome! (Beginner to Expert)
New to the class? Get $5 off your first visit! No code needed – your discount is automatically applied at checkout. One discounted ticket per new student.
Please Note: While our drop-in classes are open to all, participation is subject to the instructor’s discretion to ensure a supportive and respectful environment. We reserve the right to determine if the class is not the right fit for a participant and may ask them not to continue.
Love Wednesday Improv Drop-In? Now you can save your spot (and save a little, too)!
We’re excited to introduce brand-new 3-, 5-, and 10-Class Packages for our weekly Wednesday Improv Drop-In. These flexible packages make it easier to keep the laughs going, build your improv skills, and spend more time playing with our community. Choose the package that works best for you and use your classes at your own pace!
Improv 4 Everyone | Saturday Mornings
7 Week Course from August 29th to October 10th
(There will be optional showcase on Sunday, October 11th!)
$225 per participant*
Through fun, engaging exercises and classic improv games, students will learn the essential tools of improvisation — including listening, collaboration, spontaneity, and making confident choices in the moment. The emphasis is on play, connection, and skill-building, not performance pressure or being “funny.”
This class creates a supportive, encouraging environment where students can experiment, grow, and enjoy the creative process. No acting background required — just curiosity and a willingness to play.
This class is open to complete beginners and to those with some improv experience who love short-form games and want to strengthen their fundamentals!
The Game of the Scene: Improv Level II | Saturday Mornings
7 Week Course from August 29th to October 10th
(There will be optional showcase on Sunday, October 11th!)
$225 per participant*
Improv II at New Village Arts builds off of the concepts learned in Improv I. This class focuses on refining and expanding the fundamental skills learned in the previous level and introducing new concepts such as editing, group scenes, emotional engagement, and more.
The class emphasizes identifying and playing the “game of the scene,” a core concept in ‘long form’ improv. Students learn to recognize patterns and comedic themes within scenes and how to heighten these elements for maximum comedic impact. This principle helps students create scenes that are not only funny but also intellectually engaging. Students will learn how to create ‘premise based scenes’ as seen in the ‘Armando’ & ‘Asssscat’.