Learn Improv in Cologne and Düsseldorf

Improv – short for improvisational theatre – is a form of theatre in which scenes, characters and whole stories are created spontaneously on stage. There is no script, no rehearsed dialogue, and nobody knows in advance what will happen next – not even the players themselves.

Instead of following a fixed plan, improvisers listen closely to each other, pick up ideas from the audience or from the scene and build something new together. That can be a touching story, an absurd comedy, a short sketch or a full-length show – depending on the format.

Improv combines acting, storytelling, comedy and sometimes music. What all its forms have in common: they are created in the moment, they are different every time, and they live from the energy between stage and audience.

Expat Improv is an improv school in Düsseldorf and Cologne focused on openness, playfulness and community. We run improvisation workshops in English for the international community.

Each session is built around its own theme – with plenty of room for creativity, play and experimentation. You'll learn to respond spontaneously, listen actively and create scenes together – no scripts, no pressure, just play.

Yes. Our Open Improv Workshops are single drop-in sessions, each with its own theme. You book one session at a time – no series, no commitment. It's the easiest way to find out whether improv is for you.

In our own studios in Düsseldorf and Cologne:

• Düsseldorf-Unterbilk: Volmerswerther Str. 21, stairwell 5, 1st floor, 40221 Düsseldorf
• Cologne Neustadt-Süd: Dasselstr. 51, Cologne (Kwartier Latäng)

For companies, we also run in-house workshops in Düsseldorf, Cologne and across Germany.

Improv is open to everyone who is curious – regardless of age, background or experience.

You don't need to be loud, funny or extroverted. It's not about "acting", it's about responding in the moment, listening, playing together and discovering something new about yourself.

• No prior experience needed
• All language levels welcome
• No performance pressure
• Mistakes are allowed and even encouraged

What matters is openness, playfulness and a willingness to try something new.

No. All language levels are welcome. The workshops are held in English for the international community – and in improv, what matters is listening and responding to each other, not perfect grammar.

Improv builds spontaneity, creativity and presence – and above all it brings together people who want to laugh and have fun together.

In play, you learn to stay in the moment, listen and respond to what's offered. Along the way it builds confidence, encourages flexible thinking and helps you handle uncertainty with more ease.

Many participants experience improv as a space to:

• have fun and laugh together
• become braver and try things out
• expand how they express themselves
• improve communication and teamwork
• connect with new people

Companies use improvisation to strengthen collaboration, communication and team dynamics.

Improv workshops for companies help teams to:

• communicate more clearly and directly
• respond more flexibly to change
• think together rather than against each other
• engage openly and constructively with mistakes

The formats are interactive, practical and can be adapted to different teams and working contexts – in English for international teams.

We offer different formats to suit your goals and schedule:

• Open Improv Workshops – single drop-in sessions, each with its own theme
• Weekend Workshops – longer, more intensive formats on character work, scene construction, storytelling and more
• Guest instructor workshops with experienced teachers from the international improv community
• In-house workshops for companies

You'll find all current dates in the calendar.

It depends on the format: an Open Improv Workshop costs 20 €, Weekend Workshops start at 79 €, and guest instructor workshops vary in price and length. You'll find all current dates and prices in the calendar.

Yes. Our German-language sister school SPONTAN THEATER runs taster sessions, beginner and advanced courses and weekend workshops in German – in the same studios in Düsseldorf and Cologne.