About this Event
Curious about improv but not ready to commit to a full workshop?
This 2-hour session is an easy, welcoming way to try it out. No experience needed, no pressure to perform.
Whether you’re new to the area, looking to meet new people, or just want something different from another midweek happy hour, this is a relaxed, social way to step out of your routine and try something new.
It’s also a great way to stay sharp if you’ve taken improv before and want to practice with a new group.
No homework. No memorizing lines. No pressure.
This isn’t theater school. It’s improv as a playful, social, presence-building experience.
What You’ll Do
You’ll be guided through a series of beginner-friendly exercises that build throughout the session. We’ll start with low-stakes icebreakers and warm-ups and gradually moving into short-form games and light scene work.
Along the way, you’ll:
- Get comfortable speaking and reacting in the moment
- Practice the core principle of “Yes, And” through interactive exercises (not lectures)
- Build quick decision-making, commitment, and confidence
- Jump into short, low-pressure scenes to experience what improv actually feels like
The focus is on doing and being in the moment without overthinking.
What to Expect
- A welcoming, inclusive environment
- Light, social, after-work energy
- Small group setting (max 16 people)
- A mix of structure and fun without it feeling like a class
Who It’s For
- Complete beginners
- Those looking to meet people locally
- Those who want to get out of their head and be more present in the moment
- Those craving something more meaningful than another happy hour
- Those curious about improv, creativity, or trying something new
- Actors, comedians or other performers looking to sharpen their instincts and stay playful
- Anyone who has taken improv before and wants to stay sharp while waiting for their next class
Details
📅 Choose a date: Tuesday May 5th or May 19th
⏰ 6:45 – 8:45PM
📍 SMUSH Gallery 340 Summit Ave, Jersey City
💵 $30 per person
👥 Limited to 16 participants per session
Advance registration required
Our Drop-In Instructors
Benny Scheckner
Benny is a writer, improviser, and producer who has been active in the NYC comedy scene for over a decade. He currently teaches sketch comedy at Paper Mill Playhouse and currently produces benefit shows for the nonprofit Grassroots Comedy.
Benny has worked in production for industry legends like The Jim Henson Company, Broadway Video and Curb Your Enthusiasm. He was also a writer on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, sending material to and receiving feedback directly from Larry David and Jeff Schaffer.
Benny’s teaching style focuses on helping people drop self-consciousness and tap into a more natural, expressive version of themselves. His sessions are freeing, supportive, and built on the belief that anyone can be great at improv. Bring Benny a PB&J (low sugar jelly) and you’ve got a friend for life.
Fun fact: Benny famously produced the live stage reading of The Interview in protest of Sony’s decision to pull the film, a bold move that drew massive media attention from The New York Times, NPR, and Rolling Stone.
John Kennedy
John is an NYC-based improviser and comedy writer with over 7 years of experience performing and teaching. He performs regularly with the indie improv team Up to No Good and is a cast member of The Trial: An Improvised Court Experience.
By day, John deals with the rigid rules of litigation support at a law firm. By night, he helps you break all the rules of logic in the name of comedy.
John focuses on making improv feel accessible, relaxed, and genuinely fun, especially for first timers. As a devoted fan of the New York Mets, he brings a resilient underdog energy to the room that keeps the atmosphere low-pressure and supportive.
Fun fact: John once performed a legal-themed improv show in front of a crowd of actual lawyers. He lost the case on merits but absolutely won the room.
Want to Keep Going?
If you enjoy the session, we also offer 4-week Intro to Improv workshops (next one starts on June 2nd in Downtown Hoboken).
Refunds
All registrations are final but if you can’t attend, you may transfer your registration to someone else by emailing [email protected].
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
SMUSH Gallery, 340 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, United States
USD 30.00
