Action! A Movie-Themed Intro to Improv

Curious about improv but not ready to commit to a full workshop? This drop-in is an easy, welcoming way to try it out. No experience needed, no pressure to perform, and no need to be "funny" on command. This class takes inspiration from the familiar world of movies. The movie theme is just a playful starting point for scenes, games, and reimagining famous movie moments. To be clear: you do not need to be a movie buff. You won’t be quizzed on trivia, you don’t need to have seen the “right” films, and there are no wrong answers. The movie theme is just a playful starting point for scenes, games, and reimagining familiar movie moments. Show up as you are. No homework. No memorizing lines. No pressure. This isn't theater school. It's improv as a playful, social, presence-building experience. What You'll Do You'll be guided through a series of beginner-friendly exercises that build throughout the session. We'll start with low-stakes warm-ups and gradually move into short-form games and light scene work inspired by familiar movie moments - the genres, characters, and over-the-top scenes we all recognize. Along the way, you'll: * Get comfortable speaking and reacting in the moment * Practice "Yes, And" through interactive exercises, not lectures * Build quick decision-making, commitment, and confidence * Play with characters, genres, and big cinematic moments * Jump into short, low-pressure scenes to experience what improv actually feels like The focus is on doing, reacting, and being present without overthinking. What to Expect * A welcoming, inclusive environment * Light, social, low-key weekend energy * A small group setting * A mix of structure and fun without it feeling like a formal class * Beginner-friendly exercises with an experienced instructor * A playful theme that gives us an easy starting point for scenes and games Who Its For * People curious about improv, comedy, creativity, or trying something new * Movie lovers who want a playful new way to channel that passion * People looking to meet others locally * Anyone craving something more interesting than another weekend scroll * Actors, comedians, or performers looking to stay playful * Anyone who has taken improv before and wants to practice with a new group Details 📅 Date: Thursday, July 16 ⏰ Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM 📍 Location: Symposia Community Bookstore, 510 Washington Street, Hoboken 💵 Price: $40 👥 16 Spots Max (advance registration required) Your Instructor The workshop is led by Nick Carrillo, an actor and improv comedy instructor who has been teaching and performing throughout New York City for several years. Nick has trained, performed, and taught with UCB, The PIT, and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. He was an original cast member of the Off-Broadway hit Puffs; Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, and has appeared on NBC, VH1, Comedy Central, and truTV. As a massive movie buff, Nick was a host of The Official Marvel Podcast and is the producer of The Secondhand Movie, a popular movie-fueled improv show in NYC. As an instructor, his absolute priority is creating a supportive environment where students can let go of overthinking, take risks, and have genuine fun. What Students Have Said About Nick "Nick was so welcoming and encouraging - he pulled us out of our comfort zone, but not in a scary way." "Nick was an amazing teacher. The group was filled with talented people I can now call new friends." "As a teacher myself, I thought Nick did a great job overall - he broke improv down into the skills you need, modeled what he wanted to see, and gave great advice." "The guidance from Nick to let go of overthinking and intellectualizing your responses was really freeing." Want to Keep Going? If you enjoy the session, Jersey Improv Lab also offers 4-week Intro to Improv workshops in Downtown Hoboken. Refunds All registrations are final, but if you can't attend, you may transfer your registration to someone else by emailing hello@jerseyimprovlab.com.