Creative Things to Do in English in Cologne: Try Improv
Improv is hands-down one of the best creative things you can do in English in Cologne: no German needed, no experience required, and you'll laugh more in 90 minutes than you have in weeks — while actually meeting people.
Looking for something creative to do in English in Cologne? You don't need fluent German, and you don't need any stage experience. English-language improv is one of the easiest ways to be creative, laugh a lot, and meet people — all in the same evening. And don't worry: nobody is ever put on the spot or forced to perform. Whether you've lived here for years or just arrived, here's what it is and how to try it.
Who this is for
This is perfect for you if:
- You want to make friends in Cologne outside of work.
- You'd like to practise your English in a relaxed, supportive setting.
- You want to boost your confidence, presence and creative thinking.
- You've never set foot on a stage in your life — and that's exactly fine.
Why improv works so well in English in Cologne
Improv is unscripted theatre — you make scenes up on the spot, together, from simple suggestions. There's nothing to memorise and nothing to prepare. That's what makes it such a good fit for an English-speaking crowd: it's social by design, it doesn't require advanced German, and almost every session ends with the group hanging out afterwards. People come for the creative outlet and stay for the friends they make.
You don't need any experience (or any German)
Our Open Improv Workshops welcome complete beginners as well as players with some first experience. There's no acting background needed, no scripts, no pressure to be funny — the laughter comes naturally from playing together. Sessions run in English and all language levels are welcome, so language is never a barrier. Most people are surprised how quickly they relax and start enjoying it.
You don't have to be funny. You just have to show up and play — the rest takes care of itself.
What a typical workshop feels like
You'll start with light, playful warm-up games to shake off the day and get everyone laughing. From there you move into simple scene work in pairs and small groups, guided step by step, in a small group with personal attention. Nobody is put on the spot or forced to perform — you play as much as you're comfortable with, and it builds naturally. By the end, most people leave energised and already looking forward to the next one.
Meet people who love to laugh
This is what keeps people coming back. You'll meet a friendly, easy-going crowd who simply enjoy laughing and having a good time together. After most sessions we head out as a group for a bite to eat or a drink — no obligation, but it's where a lot of the friendships actually start.
The group is genuinely international: people from all corners of the world end up in the same room, and that mix is half the fun. And to be clear — you don't have to be an expat to belong here. Germans are just as welcome; plenty of locals join simply because they want to play, laugh and meet open-minded people from everywhere. Whatever your background or first language, if you like to laugh, you'll fit right in.
What participants say
It's a great and fun experience taking part in Expat Improv. As a newbie, I value the safe, easygoing and non-judgemental atmosphere that Albert creates; it's easy to feel comfortable and get into the experience. He creates fun and dynamic pair and group activities that inspire creativity, spontaneity and teamwork. And another big plus is the great people who also take part. 🙂 — Wei, via Google · Participant Open Improv Sessions
Wonderful and engaging. I took the entry level workshop here on a Friday and met some great people. I cannot recommend more to anyone interested in improv, or comedy, or acting, or just wants to play games and nurture their inner child — Luke, via Google · Participant weekend workshop
Our studio in Cologne
The workshops take place at our studio at Dasselstraße 51, 50674 Cologne, in the Neustadt-Süd / Kwartier Latäng area — central, lively, and easy to reach. It's a relaxed, welcoming space made for playing: room to move, no stuffy classroom feel, and everything set up so you can jump straight in.
Good to know before you come
Getting here: By regional train, Köln Süd station (Dasselstr./Bf Süd) is about a 4-minute walk (270 m). Zülpicher Platz is roughly a 5-minute walk and connects to several tram lines. Bike parking is right in front of the building.
What to wear: Just comfortable clothes you can move in. No special gear, no costumes — come as you are.
Afterwards: Most evenings we head out together for a Kölsch or a bite to eat nearby. It's optional, but it's a great way to get to know everyone.
How to try it — book a single Open Improv Workshop
The easiest way in is one Open Improv Workshop. Our open workshops run regularly in Cologne, each one centred around a unique theme, and you can book each session individually — no commitment required. Just come once and see if you like it.
If you want to go deeper, the Summer Improv Course in Cologne takes you through the fundamentals over four weeks. See all upcoming Open Improv Workshops in Cologne →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak German to join?
No. Expat Improv's Open Improv Workshops in Cologne run entirely in English, and all language levels are welcome, so you can take part with no German at all. They're designed for English speakers and internationals — and German speakers are just as welcome.
Do I have to be an expat to join?
Not at all. The group is genuinely international, with people from all over the world, but you don't need to be an expat to belong here. Germans are very welcome too — anyone who likes to laugh, play and meet open-minded people fits right in.
Is improv suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The Open Improv Workshops assume no experience and no acting background. They're playful and supportive, and they're a common first step for people who have never performed before.
Do I have to be funny or good at performing?
No. Improv isn't about being funny on demand — the humour comes from playing together and reacting honestly. You don't need to prepare anything, and you're never forced to perform.
How long is a workshop and what does it cost?
Each Open Improv Workshop runs about 90 minutes and is booked as a single session, so there's no long-term commitment. Current dates and prices are listed on the workshops page.
How do I get to the studio?
The studio is at Dasselstraße 51, 50674 Cologne, in Neustadt-Süd. By regional train, Köln Süd station (Dasselstr./Bf Süd) is about a 4-minute walk. Zülpicher Platz is roughly 5 minutes on foot and connects to several tram lines.
How do I get started?
The easiest entry point is a single Open Improv Workshop, booked individually with no commitment and no experience needed. Expat Improv runs these workshops regularly in Cologne, plus a four-week Summer Improv Course for those who want to go further.
Ready to try it? Our Open Improv Workshops in Cologne require no experience and no perfect English — just the willingness to play. Book a single 90-minute session at Dasselstraße 51, all language levels and backgrounds welcome. See the next dates and book →
See you in the studio!