Riverside’s improv classes have helped hundreds of individuals ignite their creativity and find their voice. Whether you’re an introvert looking to break out of your shell or an extrovert seeking to refine your creative skills, our classes welcome everyone!
SPRING 2026 IMPROV CLASSES
Whose Drink is This Anyway?
SHORT FORM IMPROV
Get ready for quick thinking, big laughs, and the kind of joyful chaos that makes the perfect end to your Monday. Short and Sweet Improv is all about the fast-paced, Whose Line Is It Anyway? game-based side of improvisation—those classic short form challenges that spark creativity, reward bold choices, and keep everyone on their toes. We’ll jump into fan-favorite formats: guessing games, character pops, rapid-fire scenes, and impulse-driven silliness that’s designed to be fun for absolute beginners and seasoned improvisers alike. And because it is happy hour, every participant receives one drink of their choice (beer, wine, soda, sparkling water, etc.) each week. New friends, short-form improv games, and a moment to breathe in Riverside Theatre’s beautiful lobby… a great way to start your week.
Mondays, 5:30-6:30PM – Lobby
March 23 – April 27
Yes, And Two More Beers
LEVEL 2 IMPROV
Already taken an improv class? Performed improv before? Have a clear idea of the fundamentals…but want to learn more? LEVEL UP your improv skills in this intermediate class designed to deepen our knowledge of storytelling, character development, and improv scene/format skills. If the thought of improv scares you, we’ll bring some liquid courage… each participant will receive 2 drinks (beer, wine, soda, sparkling water, etc) at each class!
Mondays, 7-9PM – Lobby
March 23 – April 27
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Kathleen Johnson, Riverside’s Director of Education & Outreach, has been teaching improv, theatre arts, and communication throughout the midwest for the past 15 years. She attended Notre Dame University and earned her BA in Theatre and English. She went on to earn her Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of Iowa. She studied improv from performers at Second City Improv, Improv Olympic, and Huge Improv Theatre, has performed on short form and long form improv troupes, coached adult improv teams, and has led dozens of improv classes and corporate improv workshops.
Dan Junis, an improv instructor at Riverside, has been involved in Iowa City’s improv scene for the past 7 years. He attended the University of Iowa and earned his BA and MA in Linguistics. Dan studied improv through Willow Creek Theatre, Riverside Theatre, and several workshops offered by IO from Chicago. He has co-taught improv classes at Riverside, is a founding member of Willow Creek’s house team Lady Franklyn, and has been performing long form with Lady Franklyn for 3 years.