The Hideout Theater

Q: Where do I start?

A: Register for one of our Level One: Playing With Risk classes. It’s a delightful six-week introduction to improv ala the Hideout Theatre.

Q: Can I test drive improv at the Hideout?

A: If you’d like to sample our classes, we offer a two-hour Free Improv Class twice a month (usually the first Wednesday and third Saturday). Or check out our Upcoming Show Schedule and come see one of the seven or more wildly different shows we offer Thursday through Sunday.

Q: What do people say about your Level One class?

A: You can read a boatload of student quotes on our testimonial page. Quotes like, “Improv classes are THE MOST FUN thing I have ever done. I immediately felt very close to all my classmates, as if we were going through an adventurous and exotic rite of passage.”

Q: What are the perks of taking classes at the Hideout?

A: Hideout students can attend any of our weekly improv comedy shows for free (as long as they’re not sold out by show time). You’ll also receive two free ticket vouchers that you can redeem at the box office 30 minutes show time (as long as it’s not sold out online before the box office opens). Hideout students also have free access to the Wednesday Electives, which are $15 to the general public.

Q: If I have some previous improv experience, do I really have to start with Level One?

A: That depends. We like to think that the Hideout’s approach to improv is fairly unique (based on the work of Keith Johnstone with a heavy emphasis on storytelling and a zen-like fearlessness and effortlessness) and if you haven’t studied with us before we’d much prefer that you go through the early levels to pick up our vocabulary and basic principles. But we also know that it’s a hassle to start over in a new program and are eager to ease your pain with a steep discount if you’ve already been through early improv classes elsewhere. If you think you qualify to skip some classes or want to register for Level One at a discount, email our education director.

Q: Do I have to perform?

A: Only if you want to. There’s no show in Level One, but starting with Level Two each six-week class culminates in a student showcase in The Weekender for friends and family. You can always opt out, but we’re pretty sure that by the end of twelve weeks of improv you’ll be itching to try it out on stage.

Q: How SOON can I perform?!

A: Levels Two through Four culminate in instructor-directed student showcases in the Weekender. Levels Five and Six each culminate in a run of three undirected showcases in the Weekender. If these class showcases aren’t enough to sate your hunger for performance, check out the Lottery Fridays at 8pm in which four audience volunteers are drawn from a hat to perform with four of the Hideout’s best (and most supportive) improvisers. And once you’ve completed Level Three, you’re eligible to submit your availability for Maestro, our weekly short form show.

Q: How do the six levels work?

A: Levels One through Three are our introductory series that everyone in the world should take — as a primer in improvisation AND for the mind-blowing life lessons you’ll pick up.
Level One: Playing with Risk is a playful introduction to making stuff up and getting out of your own way
Level Two: Playing with Rules gives you the basic techniques for initiating strong games and scenes
Level Three: Playing with Performance gets you playing full scenes, comedic and theatrical

Levels Four through Six are our performance series — for those of you who have decided that you’re giving this improv thing a shot as a hobby, social group, art form or career.
Level Four: Performing the Scene gets serious about scene work and understanding the audience
Level Five: Performing the Show gives you the tools to host and perform your own undirected show
Level Six: Performing the Story drops you into the thrilling world of improvised narratives

Q: What if one class a week is not enough for me?

A: We offer weekly Elective classes on Wednesdays — each week is a different topic and a different instructor. These classes are free for currently enrolled Hideout students and $15 for the general public. We also have an Extended Elective each month in which our most popular weekly Electives are expanded into a three week (9 hours total) master class. If you’d like to retake a Level class that you’ve already been through, we offer a repeat student discount of $75 (email the education director for more info). And we believe that multiple points of view are essential to your improv education, so don’t hesitate to check out classes at the other improv theaters in town.

Q: How can I get my friends involved?

A: Drag them to shows! Invite them to check out the Free Class! Forward them the charming Student Update emails that we send you. Sign them up for a Level One class yourself. For every “referral” you send us, we’ll give you $25 off your next class. And if you’re especially motivated, get a group of friends together and teach them what you’re learning in classes.

Q: Okay, I’m hooked — how do I get more stage time?

A: After Level Three you’re eligible to submit your availability for Maestro. Both Levels Five and Six culminate in a run of three shows. Form a troupe with other students and get on the Hideout schedule for the Threefer and Weekender by emailing our Artistic Director. Show up for the Friday 8pm show and put your name in for the Lottery. Check out jams at the Hideout and other theaters around town.

Q: How do I get plugged into the Hideout and greater Austin improv community?

A: Get invited to the parties and happy hours that are happening all the time. Hang out and socialize after shows (whether you’re performing or watching). Volunteer to help out with tech, box office or taking tickets for the weekend shows. Buy your instructors a drink.

Q: What can I do for the Hideout?

A: Help us spread the good word of improv. Send people our way for shows and classes. Connect us with companies and organizations that would benefit from professional development or entertainment. Volunteer for the special events that we do every couple months (The 43-Hour Improv Marathon, Improvised Play Festival, Out of Bounds, Waffle Fest, etc.).