What Groundlings School offers and who teaches there
Groundlings School is a comedy training facility in Los Angeles run by The Groundlings, a comedy troupe that has been performing since 1974. The school teaches improv, sketch comedy, and stand-up through classes, workshops, and performance opportunities. Instructors are working comedians and performers, many of them current or former members of The Groundlings ensemble.
The school operates out of a theater space in Hollywood and offers both daytime and evening classes to accommodate different schedules. Classes range from absolute beginner to advanced levels, and students can take single workshops or enroll in multi-week courses. The Groundlings also produces regular shows where students and alumni perform.
Unlike some improv schools that focus only on games and group exercises, Groundlings School emphasizes character work, sketch writing, and the comedic voice of individual performers. This approach reflects the troupe's own style, which blends improv with scripted sketch comedy.
Key Takeaways
- Groundlings School is located in Los Angeles and run by The Groundlings, a comedy ensemble that has performed since 1974.
- Classes cover improv, sketch comedy, and stand-up, taught by working comedians at beginner through advanced levels.
- The school emphasizes character development and individual comedic voice rather than improv games alone.
- Students can perform in regular shows at the theater and connect with the broader Los Angeles comedy community.
Class structure and what different levels cover
Groundlings School organizes classes by skill level, starting with Level 1 for people with no improv experience. Level 1 focuses on basic improv principles: listening, responding in the moment, building scenes with partners, and understanding how to support other performers. Students learn foundational games and exercises that teach these skills through repetition and performance.
Level 2 builds on those foundations by introducing character work and more complex scene structures. Students learn to create distinct characters, maintain them across scenes, and use character to drive comedy rather than relying on jokes or tricks. This level also introduces sketch writing basics and how to adapt improv skills to written material.
Level 3 and advanced levels focus on developing a personal comedic voice, writing original sketches, and performing in ensemble shows. At these levels, students often work on longer-form improv (scenes that develop over several minutes rather than quick games) and learn how to direct and produce their own comedy projects.
The school also offers specialized workshops in stand-up comedy, sketch writing, and character development. These workshops typically run for shorter periods—a few weeks to a few months—and allow students to dive deep into one skill without committing to a full-level course.
Cost and enrollment process
Tuition varies depending on whether you take a single workshop or enroll in a multi-week level course. A typical level course runs for several weeks and costs more than a one-time workshop. The school's website lists current class schedules and pricing, which changes seasonally.
To enroll, you register directly through Groundlings School's website or by contacting the school by phone or email. Most classes have a maximum class size (often 12 to 16 students) to may support instructors can give individual feedback. Classes fill up, particularly popular evening sessions, so registering early is common practice.
The school occasionally offers introductory workshops at a lower price point, which can be a way to try improv before committing to a full level course. Some students also attend a single class as a trial before deciding whether to enroll in the full course.
Performance opportunities for students
Groundlings School produces regular shows featuring student and alumni performances. These shows are held at the theater in Hollywood and are open to the public. Students in higher-level courses often perform in these shows as part of their training, and some shows are organized by level or by the type of comedy (improv-only, sketch-focused, or mixed).
Performing in front of an audience is a core part of the Groundlings School experience. Many students say that the performance opportunity is what makes the training stick—explore what they learned in class to a real show with real stakes. The shows also give students a chance to network with other performers and with people in the Los Angeles comedy scene.
Alumni of Groundlings School have gone on to work in television, film, and theater. The school's connection to The Groundlings ensemble and the broader Los Angeles comedy community means that performances can lead to other opportunities, though the school does not promise or may provide any particular outcome.
How Groundlings School differs from other improv training
Many improv schools focus heavily on improv games and group exercises, teaching students to think fast and build scenes collaboratively. Groundlings School does teach these skills, but it places equal or greater emphasis on character, sketch writing, and developing a personal comedic voice. This means students spend time not just playing games but also writing, performing scripted material, and thinking about who their character is and why they are funny.
The Groundlings troupe itself is known for a particular style of comedy: character-driven, often absurdist, and blending improv with carefully crafted sketches. The school's curriculum reflects this aesthetic. If you are drawn to improv schools that emphasize pure improvisation and group dynamics, Groundlings School's focus on character and writing may feel different from what you expected.
Another distinction is location and community. Groundlings School is based in Los Angeles, so it connects students to the local comedy scene and to people working in television and film. If you are training in another city, you would need to travel to Los Angeles to attend classes.
What to expect in your first class
A typical first class begins with a warm-up: physical exercises, vocal exercises, or straightforward games to get everyone loose and present. The instructor will explain the core concept for the day—maybe "yes, and" (accepting what your scene partner says and building on it) or "playing the game of the scene" (finding the unusual rule or pattern that makes a scene funny).
Students then practice that concept through exercises and short scenes, usually in pairs or small groups. The instructor watches, gives feedback, and may demonstrate a concept by performing a scene themselves. By the end of class, students have usually performed multiple times, even if only in front of the small group in the room.
Groundlings School classes are interactive and hands-on from the start. You will not sit and watch lectures; you will perform. This means the first class can feel vulnerable if you are not used to performing, but it is also why people find the training effective. The instructors are experienced at making beginners feel comfortable while still pushing them to take risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any improv experience to start at Level 1?
No. Level 1 is designed for people with no improv background. The class teaches all the foundational skills from the beginning. Many students in Level 1 have never performed comedy before and are nervous about it; that is normal and expected.
Can I take classes if I do not live in Los Angeles?
Groundlings School classes are held in person in Hollywood. If you live outside Los Angeles, you would need to travel to attend. The school does not currently offer online classes, though this may change. Check their website for the most current information about class formats.
How long does it take to get good at improv?
That depends on what you mean by "good" and how often you train. Most students see noticeable improvement within a few weeks of regular classes. Performing in shows, taking multiple levels, and practicing outside of class all speed up progress. Some people train for years and continue to feel like they are learning.
Do I have to perform in shows?
Performance is a core part of Groundlings School training, and most level courses include performance opportunities. However, the school does not force anyone to perform. If you are uncomfortable with public performance, talk to your instructor about your concerns; they may be able to suggest ways to ease into it or discuss whether the training is the right fit for you.
What happens after I finish a level course?
After completing a level, you can move to the next level, take specialized workshops, or both. Some students continue through all the levels; others take a break or focus on one skill like sketch writing. You can also join the performance community and audition for shows, though that is separate from the class structure.