Adult Classes
All Asheville School of Improv classes are taught by Tom Chalmers.
Current/Scheduled Classes:
Improv I: The Basics of Inspired Improvisation
Taught by Tom Chalmers
Ages 18+
Improv I – Mondays 6-8 PM – June 12-July 24 (Showcase: Sunday, July 30)
No class on July 3rd
This class will be offered in person at ACT, following all the recommended protocols for safety and sanitation. Limited to 10 students. For ages 18+.
This six-week course taught by local comedian Tom Chalmers covers the fundamentals of improvisational acting with an emphasis on comedy; such as listening, commitment, intuitive reaction, as well as recognizing and capitalizing on emerging patterns. A final showcase will be held on Friday, May 26th.
**If the class if full, we encourage you to sign up for the waitlist. If there is enough interest, we may add an additional class for the session.**
Tuition is $180– Scholarships are available.
NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.
Improv II: Beyond the Basics – Learning to Fly
Taught by Tom Chalmers
Ages 18+
Mondays 8-10 PM – June 12-July 24 (Showcase: Sunday, July 30)
No class on July 3rd
This class will be offered in person at ACT, following all the recommended protocols for safety and sanitation. Limited to 10 students. For ages 18+.
PREREQUISITE: Improv 1 or extensive improv experience (must be pre-approved by instructor)
This six-week course taught by local comedian Tom Chalmers reinforces and advances all of the skills learned in Improv 1. Students will apply their skills to advanced scene work, character creation structures, and at times intentionally conflict-filled scenarios.
**If the class if full, we encourage you to sign up for the waitlist. If there is enough interest, we may add an additional class for the session.**
Tuition is $180– Scholarships are available.
NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.
Physical Comedy: Being Funny In & With Your Body
Taught by Tom Chalmers
Ages 18+
Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 PM – June 13-July 25 (Showcase: Sunday, July 30)
No class on July 4th
This course covers the spirit and techniques involved in creating and performing physical comedy, and will teach many of the tools used to build a bold physical comedy bit, such as trips, stumbles, falls, takes, double-takes, slow burns, and more. Final showcase to be held on the Mainstage.
**If the class if full, we encourage you to sign up for the waitlist. If there is enough interest, we may add an additional class for the session.**
Tuition is $180– Scholarships are available.
NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.
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About the Asheville School of Improv
The Asheville School of Improv has emerged as the central training ground for aspiring improvisers in the Asheville area. Led by esteemed instructor Tom Chalmers, the Asheville School of Improv offers classes that cover the fundamentals as well as the finer points and far-reaching possibilities of performing in an improvised format. More and more people from more and more places are saying “yes” to The House of “Yes And,” from those focused on a future as an improv comedian, to aspiring actors seeking to expand their skills, to interested individuals who are intrigued by the challenge of the sport of spontaneity.
Launched in 2016 , the Asheville School of Improv grew out of the former Asheville acting conservatory, NYS3, which had been offering improv classes since 2012, all taught by one teacher, Tom Chalmers. A graduate of Columbia University, Tom has been absorbing, performing, and advocating improv comedy for over thirty years. While at college, Tom spent summers in Chicago studying with Second City and Improv Olympic, where he learned under improv legend, Del Close. Tom chose to stay in New York where he trained with The Groundlings East / Gotham City Improv. He was a student, performing company member, teacher, and eventually Artistic Director. While in New York, Tom also trained with the Upright Citizen’s Brigade and Burn Manhattan. Tom’s former students have gone on to work on such shows as Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and Family Guy, as well as several successful feature films. Tom has been an instructor at NYU, a guest lecturer at Columbia, and is currently an Adjunct Professor at Warren Wilson College. Tom takes all the best ideas and approaches from all the people and programs that he has worked with and blends them together to define his supportive yet demanding style of teaching
Other Information
If you have questions, please contact Education Director, Zoe Zelonky or Box Office Manager, Joshua Runkles.