Improv is here in Rochester, MN! Learn the foundations of improv scenework through improv games, 2 person and group scenes with guided feedback, and a supportive environment. We also explore musical improv, learning how to improvise scenes that burst into song that will eventually come together to create an entire musical on the spot, complete with entirely improvised accompaniment. No specific theater/music background is required, and you don't have to be great at singing either. What makes it work is commitment to your character and supporting your scenemates.

NOTE: These drop-ins are currently for adults ages 18+. We hope to offer more classes for teens and all ages soon!

Cost
Our drop-ins currently have tiered pricing to allow people in all financial situations to be able to learn improv and to grow our community. The money you pay goes towards space rental + paying the instructors & accompanist + supporting Double-U's mission of cultivating creativity and community through improv education and unforgettable unscripted live performances. If the cost is ever a concern, but you'd like to participate, please reach out to matt@uuimprov.com to ask about scholarships.

About the instructor

Hi, I’m Matt Hoffman (@thehoffmattman). I moved to Rochester in August 2025 from NYC along with my wife, Megan, and our 2 cats.

I’ve been doing improv since 2019 and started musical improv in 2021 at the Magnet Theater with their classes, and eventually found myself performing, musical directing, producing, and coaching for musical improv workshops and teams. Before moving to Rochester, I co-founded Unheard Of! Musical Improv which is still going strong in NYC. I’ve also dabbled in hip-hop improv through North Coast and performing with a hip-hop improv team.

While I’m not improvising, I work as a software engineer, perform in musicals (most recently Old Man Jenkins in The SpongeBob Musical),  teach piano, write music, play board games, and enjoy exploring the outdoors via biking.

Improv isn't scripted, so most workshops will focus on learning how to improvise through games and scenework. For musical improv, we'll learn how to create songs on the spot using song structure, singing from a character's point of view, along with other skills like choreography and rhyming. However, there is some structure: improv teams choose a "form" for their show to guide what kind of scenes come next, and musical improv has "song structure" which you'll learn.

A sample workshop might be 

1. Introductions

2. Warm-up improv games

3. Vocal Warm-up/Rhyming Game/Warm-up Improvised Song
4. 2 person scenes with side-coaching

4. Learning song structure

6. 2 person/Group scenework (into song)

7. Practice Show in groups of 6-8

To get an idea of improv shows:

1. A musical improv showcase I produced in NYC
2. A 45min show with Unheard Of! my indie musical improv team
3. Professional Musical Improv Shows

  a. Play it by ear (by Dropout) show

  b. Off Book: An incredible musical improv duo: https://www.thezachandthejess.com/podcast-off-book.html (Live Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ivf58k53nu0)

IMPROV WORKSHOP AGREEMENT & WAIVER

This workshop is a space to learn, take risks, and grow together. Treat everyone like a genius and with respect. Express yourself, listen, and react!

This space is not for:

Boundaries

Physicality, Consent & Liability Waiver: