FAQs

“Don’t try to be funny.” Why not?

Our style of improvisation is not based on “finding the funny.” Instead, we lean into the many layers of storytelling to build rich scenes while having an absolute blast! Scenes will often be hilarious (we’re improvising after all), but they will also be sad, whimsical, thrilling, devastating, uplifting, creepy, joyful, mysterious, or go in countless other directions. Just like in films or (scripted) plays. Put another way: comedy is not our priority since we prefer to follow the truth of the story—wherever it leads us. We take after the philosophy of our creative director, Robert Rodgers, and the British-Canadian impro pioneer, Keith Johnstone.

When does the next course start?

Join our mailing list to be the first to get all the details when we start one! If not listed on this page or in the upcoming events, then we’re still planning new courses. Since we accept a small group of initial students to start together and then prioritize keeping them together, free spots usually open up when we start a new group. It is sometimes possible to join an active group, but this is done only exceptionally.

Can I save myself a spot earlier?

Though we cannot accept payments for future courses, you can be sure to know about the next one if you join our mailing list. Your payment for an announced course secures your spot. If there are still spots after a few days it is made public on our website and social media. Anyone can sign up and it is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Once full, the group will likely stay full for quite some time as most students choose to continue with us.

How much does a course cost?

You can expect to pay between 180-210 EUR for 8 weeks. This is subject to change. All course prices are listed on the page for the specific course.

Do I qualify for a course discount?

It’s possible. Sharing the creative art of improvisation with anyone and everyone is very important to us! If finances are a barrier for you at the moment, we offer discounts. Simply tell us your situation and we’ll make it work.

I have experience. Where do I start?

Great! Experienced improvisors often find us once they want to tell more touching stories or learn more than comedy. It can feel strangely exciting to revisit the foundations through a new lens of storytelling, theatricality, genres, clowning, miming and more. Importantly, we prioritize what is best for your learning rather than what “level” you might be at. So, you’ll join an Elements round to get familiar and make the other students look great. Then we’ll place you with the best group for you to keep growing! Sign up here and tell us your past experiences. We’ll get back to you.

My English isn’t 100% fluent. Can I do this?

Yes. Although you’ll need a decent level of English to enjoy our classes, our style is very fun for those who are less fluent or less comfortable in English. As we don’t focus on jokes, comedy, or cleverness but rather use physicality, silence and emotion to lead the characters and narrative, you’ve got time and space to show your colours with more than just words. Keep in mind: this is not an appropriate course to learn English.

Who teaches at the school?

Robert Rodgers is founder and creative director of the Scratch Impro School. He teaches most of the courses. He was an acrobat and clown in Cirque du Soleil, a member of multiple improvisational theatre companies in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and in multiple films throughout the late 80s, 90s and 00s. Over the last decade, he has mentored others to train beginner and intermediate improvisors in the unique Scratch style. They’ve also trained with world-renowned improvisors like Stacy Abrams (iO Chicago), Daniel Orrantia (Speechless, Picnic), Lee White (CRUMBS), Tim Orr (3-For-All), Dave Dennison (BATS), Inbal Lori (Lorilees) and many more.

Do I get a discount for shows?

Yes. As a student, you get into Scratch Theater shows for the student price (see upcoming events). We highly encourage you to see a show during your training as this is where you’ll witness all the pieces come together on a professional stage. You must see at least one Scratch Theater show before finishing the Elements track (which gives you 6 months to do so, assuming you take classes continuously). Student showcases, on the other hand, are already heavily discounted—usually €5. That’s fair to support your fellow students on stage!

Do you teach in other languages?

Not yet. Are you interested in German classes in the Scratch style? We get asked this a lot, so sign up here and mention that you’d love to learn with us in German. We just might start one soon! Bis dahin ist die beste Option, die wir kennen, Die Gorillas. If you know you definitely want to improvise in Spanish, French or Italian, our friends at the following schools have got you covered: Berlin ES Impro, Impro LIBER, Berlino Italia Improv.

What if I miss a class or am late?

A course is a commitment. We expect students to be at all classes and to show up on time. That said, we know unexpected things can happen. Missing more than two classes means you’ll be asked to repeat the course (this isn’t a bad thing: it means you’ll learn the foundational skills and knowledge required). Being late here and there is not a big deal as long as it doesn’t become a habit.

Can you answer my question, too?

Yes! We want to answer as many common questions as possible. So, please get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to answer you quickly.