Description

Level One: Introduction to Improv, 8 Week Class with Theatre LILA
Instructor – Sheila Robertson

Build confidence, spark creativity, and connect through play

Join Sheila Robertson—from Madison’s favorite improv comedy crews, Monkey Business Institute, Story Hour – The Improvised Musical, and Yes Ma’am—for an eight-week adventure in joy, connection, and delightful ridiculousness.

Course Description:
In Level One: Introduction to Improv, you’ll learn the fundamentals of improvised comedy in a fun, supportive setting. We teach the basics of scene creation, collaborative creativity, and several of the most popular short‑form improv games — including many that appear in our weekly shows.

This class is designed for absolute beginners and returning improvisers alike. You’ll build confidence, practice saying “yes,” learn to support your scene partners, and discover how much fun it is to create something from nothing.

The session culminates in a student showcase, where you and your classmates name your team and perform for family and friends.

Prerequisites: None
Sept 13th – Nov. 1st
Sundays, 4pm-7pm – Weekly 3‑hour class
Class show on Sunday November 1st at ArtHouse 360
$275

7 weeks of classes and the 8th week (Nov. 1st) you will have your own show for friends and family

Skills Covered:
-Agreement & “Yes, And”
-Character creation
-Simple scene structure
-Listening & support
-Short‑form improv games
-Collaborative storytelling

Meet Your Level 1 Improv Teacher: Sheila Robertson

Sheila Robertson believes improv is one of the best ways to build confidence, make friends, and rediscover how much fun it is to play.

With more than 35 years of improv experience and over 3,000 live performances, Sheila has performed, taught, hosted, directed, and facilitated just about every kind of improv you can imagine—from short form and long form to musicals, murder mysteries, youth camps, and corporate workshops. She is the owner and Creative Director of MBI Improv Madison, where she helps create joyful, welcoming spaces for people to laugh, learn, and connect.

Since joining MBI in 2004, Sheila has taught Levels 1–6, Musical Improv, youth programs, and applied improvisation workshops for educators, healthcare professionals, nonprofits, and businesses. She is also certified in Medical Improv through Northwestern University, using improv to strengthen communication, collaboration, and human connection.

Known for her high energy, big laugh, and ability to make people feel safe taking risks, Sheila creates classes where mistakes are celebrated, support comes first, and everyone belongs. Her goal is simple: help people discover they are already creative, capable, and a lot more fun than they give themselves credit for.