Double-U Musical Improv Workshops
Saturday, May 2, 2026 @ 10:30 AM CDT • $12.00 (includes fees)
Dates
Description
Musical Improv is coming to Rochester, MN! Learn not only how to improvise scenes & songs, but also how to make a whole musical on the spot with a group! In these workshops, we'll work on improv skills, improvising scenes, song structure, choreography, and more that will come together to create an entire musical. 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, the scene, and supporting your cast. We will dive into musical concepts, rhythm, rhyming, and dancing, so some musical background is helpful!
We are hosting drop-in workshops throughout 2026. Come to one workshop to learn about musical improv and gain some skills, or attend multiple to continue building skills as we build the improv community in Rochester!
About the instructor
We are hosting drop-in workshops throughout 2026. Come to one workshop to learn about musical improv and gain some skills, or attend multiple to continue building skills as we build the improv community in Rochester!
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, participate in The SpongeBob Musical at The Civic Theatre, teach piano, write music, play board games, and enjoy exploring the outdoors via biking.
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, participate in The SpongeBob Musical at The Civic Theatre, teach piano, write music, play board games, and enjoy exploring the outdoors via biking.
What to expect
Improv isn't scripted, so most workshops will focus on learning how to improvise through games and scenework. Musical improv is the same and 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 game (think theater games)
3. Vocal Warm-up/Rhyming Game/Warm-up Improvised Song
4. Learning song structure
5. 10-min break
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
2. A 45min show with Unheard Of! my indie musical improv team
3. Professional Musical Improv Shows
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:
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:
- Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or harassment
- Slurs, hate speech, or punching down
- Trivializing trauma, abuse, or addiction
- Bullying, intimidation, or mean-spirited play
Boundaries
- No unwanted touching, sexual harassment, advances, or DMs are permitted on stage or off with Double-U Improv. Zero Tolerance.
- The host reserves the right to stop scenes or exercises, redirect, or ask participants to leave. Participants can also stop scenes that they are uncomfortable with (physically or otherwise) at any time, or step out if needed.
Physicality, Consent & Liability Waiver:
- Improv may involve movement, dancing, or light physical interaction
- You are responsible for your own physical safety
- Share any injuries, boundaries, or limitations with the group or facilitator
- Ask before touching; respect “no” immediately
- If a scene feels uncomfortable—physically or otherwise—you may step out at any time. Stepping out requires no explanation and carries no penalty.
- By participating, you acknowledge that Double-U Improv are not responsible for any injury, accident, or loss that may occur during the workshop
Location
Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 7th St NE, Rochester, MN 55906
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