11 Tips for Starting (and Running) an Improv Team
So, you've done the hard part: finding a group of people who want to make stuff up on stage together. But what now? Starting an improv team is exciting, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether you're forming a group for the first time or looking to improve an existing one, these tips will help you navigate the logistics, build strong team chemistry, and ensure you're consistently putting on great shows.
1. Don’t Obsess Over a Name
Every team needs a great name right? Wrong. It’s easy to think a name is crucial to your success, but the truth is your shows are all that matter. Do great shows, and your name will be loved, whatever it is. If you’re stuck, just pick something short and punchy. And if you end up hating it, you can always change it.
2. Make a (Shitty) Poster
To book guest spots, you will need a poster. But don’t be intimidated. Ideally, it has all your faces on it, but it doesn’t have to at the start. It can be as simple as an AI-generated picture with your team name slapped across it. The examples below range from a couple of hours using AI for Fluff, to a few hours in photoshop for the Menagerie, to “many” hours including employing an illustrator for Film Club.
3. Practice With a Coach
Giving teammates notes is a bad idea for many reasons (well go into why in a future post). But practicing without getting any notes is mostly a waste of time. Enter the coach— they don’t just give notes; they bring structure, discipline, and experience to a session that ensures everyone gets the most out of it. If you don’t get on with one coach try a different one, there are loads out there and with the right one your shows will quickly improve.
4. Set a Flat Monthly Fee
Team money gets messy fast: only three people show up to practice? Suddenly, the coach is super expensive and you have to do more maths. Avoid this by setting a flat monthly fee for everyone, paid whether they attend or not. It’s an investment in the team, saves hours of admin, and encourages attendance. Make it a little more than you need and you’ll slowly build up a pot for things like flyers and venue rental.
5. Set a Regular Practice Day
Sick of endless scheduling polls that half the team ignores? Pick a regular practice day—say, every second Monday. This lets you book a venue and coach well in advance, and over time, attendance will improve.
6. Make a Spreadsheet
A well-organized spreadsheet is an improv team’s best friend. Keep track of gigs, practices, and availability in one place. Stick the link in your WhatsApp group description, and you’ll (almost) never have people asking when or where the next gig is. Here’s a great template to get you started.
7. Book Gigs
Practice is great, but performing is where the real learning happens. Even if your first gig is to 10 improvisers in the corner of a pub, get out there. There are plenty of nights across London (and beyond) that will host your team—go see them, then apply to play.
8. Run Your Own Night
Not getting enough guest spots? Host your own show! It’s easier than you think (guide coming Friday) and by inviting guest teams, you'll have an automatic audience, get your name out there, and receive invites to guest their nights in return.
9. Socialise Together
You’re doing shows, you’re improving—great! What now? Hang out as a team and build your chemistry offstage. Go to the pub, play shuffleboard, take a seaside trip. The closer you are socially, the better you’ll feel on stage together. Assign a team member the “Social Czar” to make it happen!
FA Harold team NANA on a social out at Flightclub - Luke (top right) is our “Social Czar”
10. Share the Workload
All this admin can feel like a lot, but don’t forget: improv is supposed to be fun! If things get overwhelming, ask your teammates to share the workload - it’s not all on you. Separate roles like practice/coach organiser, treasurer, social media manager, and gig booker, then ask members of the team to volunteer for one.
11. Don’t be Afraid to Stop
Starting and running a team can be an amazing experience. But it’s also challenging (especially if you’re doing it all), so if it gets too much and nobody wants to help, there’s no shame in stepping back. It might mean the team peters out, but knowing how to run things will make you a valuable member of any team you are part of in future.
