Improv Studio

24-25 Improv Studio Showcase with Season Announcement

The Improv Studio is a space for those who love the craft of improvisational theater. In this course we will work towards a deep understanding of CROW (Character, Relationship, Objective, and Where), not only analyzing how it affects improv, but also how it interacts with theater and our lives at large. We will apply this knowledge to the process of developing and telling stories all on the spot.  To keep it interesting, we will be filtering these stories through a wide variety of games! These will come from a slew of categories- hoop, verbal restriction, guessing, storytelling, musical, and more. This year, we will also have dedicated time to explore long-form improv formats! You will quickly learn how to differentiate all these categories, along with the games that fit within them.

This course will bolster your skills as an actor, teach you an abundance about the art of storytelling, and boost the confidence you bring to all areas of life- big promises, but we can assure you, we will follow through on them!

If you have participated in Improv Studio before, we strongly encourage you to audition again! This year we will have the opportunity perform after-class shows during the Winter and Spring sessions, in addition to our Christmas and Spring Showcases. We will also be implementing written feedback into the course to help you focus in on the specific skills you aim to cultivate. Improv is not something we “master”, but something we can continually work on and grow in- and that is what we’d like to help you do!

The Improv Studio class instructors are Cole and Maggie Peterson.

Improv Studio Auditions for the 2025-2026 season will take place on Tuesday, August 19th, 7 – 8:30pm at US Digital.  Sign up for an audition here.

Improv Studio Class Dates:

• Tuesdays, 6:00-9:00pm at First Presbyterian Church in Vancouver during regular Journey session class nights and at US Digital on *non-session class nights.
• Fall class dates (at First Presbyterian) are September 9, 16, 23, 30 October 7, 14, 21 and 28.   Improv Studio will meet also meet November 11, 18, and December 9 (location TBD).
• Christmas Improv Showcase: Tuesday, December 16th
• Winter class dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 24, March 10 and 17.
• Spring class dates: March 24, 31, April 14, 21, 28, May 12, 19, and June 2
• Spring Showcase and Season Announcement:  Tuesday, June 9th.

Students auditioning for Improv Studio should sign up for a second-choice class in our regular registration system in order to guarantee a spot in a class in the event they are not selected for STUDIO. Once selections are made, registration fees for regular classes will be applied to the Studio payment structure and adjustments will be communicated to the families directly.  Early registration deadline for regular session classes is August 25th.

Costs:

• $210 per month for 9 months (August through April)
• $65 materials fee due with first payment by August 26th (includes a Journey Studio shirt)
• Monthly subscription payment will be due on the 25th of each month (Auto-pay, Sept through April)
• $100 drop fee
• Subscription cancellations after the 15th of the month will be billed through the end of the following month.

**For the 2025-2026 season, students must turn 13 by September 1st in order to be eligible to audition.

Improv Studio Instructor: Cole Peterson

Cole is a Whitworth graduate with degrees in Theatre, Education, and History.

He is passionate about allowing space for collaborative theatre making with his casts loves approaching rehearsals with an open mind. Cole is also a Journey Theater alum, and performed in shows and improv teams from the ages of 11 to 18. He loves Journey Theater for how it provides students of varying ages opportunities for artistic expression and does so in a safe and respectful community setting.

Improv Studio Instructor: Maggie Peterson

Maggie, a Journey alum, is a graduate of George Fox University’s School of Counseling. She joined her first improv team in 2013 and has since competed in 5 regional youth improv competitions; which resulted in two first place medals and an All Star Award. Maggie went on to be a performing member of Whitworth University’s improv club, Coolwhip. She loves how improv facilitates opportunities for play, storytelling, confidence, and collaboration. She began dancing at the age of three and never really stopped! Most recently, Maggie choreographed Journey Theater’s productions of The SpongeBob Musical and High School Musical. She loves how dance is a vehicle for expression, connection, and storytelling.