This article was co-authored by Dan Klein. Dan Klein is an improvisation expert and coach who teaches at the Stanford University Department of Theater and Performance Studies as well as at Stanford's Graduate School of Business. Dan has been teaching improvisation, creativity, and storytelling to students and organizations around the world for over 20 years. Dan received his BA from Stanford University in 1991. This article has been viewed 173,289 times.

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Improv comedy is a type of live theater where you make things up as you go along instead of using a script. To get started with improv comedy, go to a local improv class, where you'll learn the ropes. Classes are also great for practicing with new people and will help you get more confident performing improv. You can find inspiration for your own sketches by watching live improv and TV shows like ‘Whose line is it anyway?’ If you want to break into the improv industry, start to perform in shows so you can make professional contacts. Build strong relationships with your teachers and other actors, which can lead to new opportunities. For more tips from our Improv co-author, including how to keep an improv scene going, read on!