FAQs:
What is the Improv Ensemble Project? (Mission statement vibes)
Okay, but what is the Improv Ensemble Project? (Straight forward stament vibes)
More Qs to be added soon!
Answers:
What is the Improv Ensemble Project? (Mission statement vibes)
Some improv theaters see themselves as a beacon of creativity. The performers that they produce see themselves that way: a singularly funny person—or one of just a few—surrounded by everyone else. Within these bounds, someone might feel successful.
Improv Ensemble Project stands in contrast to this. We see ourselves as part of the greater harmony of artistic innovation in New York City. The performers that we produce see their community as something to unite—not their competition. Success is found whenever any member of our community connects with someone else. What comes to life is boundless.
Have fun. Be Patient. Trust the Process.
Okay, but what is the Improv Ensemble Project? (Straight forward stament vibes)
We aim to add to the landscape of improv in NYC. Our offered forms center around ensemble play, a familiar approach if you’ve taken improv courses abroad. Currently, this style of improv comedy is not widely practiced in NYC.
Our mission is to change that.
Presently, we provide classes and workshops on various forms not commonly taught in NYC, and if they are, they lack an ensemble focus.
Looking ahead, we plan to introduce class levels, as is the practice with other improv schools. This will be a gradual process, with a meticulous focus on maintaining the high quality and consistency of our teaching.
At the core of our philosophy is the belief that there is no singular correct approach to improvisation. In the Improv Ensemble Project, the term ‘ensemble’ embodies a holistic perspective, highlighting that the unique skills we teach complement the offerings of other NYC improv schools just as theirs do ours. We value the reciprocal nature of this relationship, understanding that the strengths we each bring to the table enhance the overall improv experience. This principle extends inclusively to all theaters and instructors throughout NYC and beyond, fostering collaboration and on a larger scale, an ensemble of improv theaters.
Join us in fostering the success and growth of improv in NYC. Enroll in classes, broaden your skill set, and contribute to the thriving improv community.
We’re thankful to have Fourth Wall Tickets as our service provider for class registration and payment. Payment can be made via credit card or Venmo. For detailed information on payment policies, please visit the class registration page.
The Improv Ensemble Project was founded by Richard Krysztoforski (he/him), an internationally trained improviser and off-Broadway comedy producer with over fourteen years of experience. Richard’s journey includes studying and performing at renowned venues such as Upright Citizens Brigade (NY/LA), Reckless Theatre (NY), Magnet Theater (NY), IMPRO Amsterdam Festival, and ImproFest in Gothenburg, Sweden, among others. Collaborating with esteemed instructors, including the late Anders Fors (Sweden/NY), Jason Geary (Australia), Jill Bernard (Minnesota), Elana Fishbein (NY), Amey Goerlich (Denver, CO), Daniel Orrantia (Colombia), and more, has enriched his experience and shaped his paradigm of improv.
Additionally, Richard serves as the artistic director and coach for the Cat’s Cradle Ensemble, the inaugural house team of the Improv Ensemble Project, holding an improv residency at The Players Theatre, an off-Broadway comedy venue in New York City. Formed in January 2023, the Cat’s Cradle Ensemble, under Richard’s guidance, evolved from a group unfamiliar with each other to a cohesive ensemble, producing an improv comedy show worthy of an off-Broadway residency in just 9 months.
The instructors at the Improv Ensemble Project are experienced teachers and former members of house teams from various improv theaters.
We love improv just as much as you do.
Currently, we have one Improv Ensemble Project house team with a residency at an off-Broadway theater, and we’ve established a revenue-sharing agreement (check out the Shows tab for showtimes!). The performers are prioritized for payment through this revenue-sharing model.
Our future plans involve holding auditions for a second house team. However, we are committed to a gradual and intentional growth strategy to ensure all our performers are compensated and maintain the high quality of our shows.
If you’re interested in auditioning, the best way for us to gauge your suitability is by taking a class. Each class plays a crucial role in developing the fundamental skills we seek in our ensembles.