THE COURSE

In Improv 101, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of improvisation through games, group exercises and scene work - all guaranteed to be fun and engaging. You will learn the core tenets of long form improv with a focus on agreement, active listening, portraying characters and playing to the top of your intelligence. These concepts act as building blocks for our subsequent classes as students learn to develop their own unique comedic voice. Whether you are looking to become a performer or step out of your comfort zone, this is the place to start! 

THE INSTRUCTOR 

Lydia Hensler is a 20+ year veteran improv performer, writer and teacher. She’s best known for her work at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatres in NYC and LA. Her credits include ASSSSCAT 3000, Grandma’s Ashes, Take It Personal: The Hip Hop Improv Show, The Female Gaze, Characters Welcome, Teacher’s Lounge, and Bastian. Lydia has also taught and performed improv and characters with theatre communities across the U.K. and Europe.

COURSE DATES

Saturday 26th Sep
Saturday 3rd Oct
Saturday 10th Oct
Saturday 17th Oct
Saturday 24th Oct
Saturday 31st Oct
Saturday 7th Nov
Saturday 14th Nov

Class show: Saturday 21st Nov

TICKETS

Every Saturday from 26th September 2026 to 14th November 2026 

12:00 (3 hours)

£300

FURTHER INFO

Accessibility: Classes take place in MB1, which is accessible via a temporary ramp. The performance area is flat with unfixed seating. Full accessibility information for all our venues can be found on our website. Alternatively, please contact our Box Office with any access questions.

Must be 18 years of age or older to enroll. Please note that all courses are non-refundable. For more detailed information, you can check out our Training Center Policies.

For a full list of our Terms & Conditions visit ucbcomedy.com/terms

Prerequisites: None

MONKEY BARREL COMEDY

Monkey Barrel Comedy has been ‘Scotland’s Best Comedy Venue’ since 2020 (Chortle Awards) and was described by The List as “a year-round Edinburgh institution”. It has over 500 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, making it one of the city’s top-rated year-round attractions.

The club was home to both of 2022's Edinburgh Comedy Awards winners, Best Comedy Show 2023 and Best Comedy Show and Best Newcomer 2024. It has been described as the "Beating Heart" of the Fringe by The Telegraph and “the best comedy club in the world” by comedian Olga Koch. 

“What a comedy club you’ve got there, Edinburgh!” (Kevin Bridges)

“Down there at the Monkey Barrel, there's something in the water, AND I CAN'T STOP DRINKING IT!” (Sam Campbell)

"Fringe Heroes" (The Metro)

"Redefining what weekend comedy can and should be" (British Comedy Guide

5.0★★★★★ Trip Advisor | 4.7★★★★ Google | 4.5★★★★ Facebook 

FOLLOW US INFO

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