Skip to main content

Narrative Improv Classes

Learn to tell a fully improvised story, with believable characters and a satisfying plot.

Narrative Improv Classes
Price £336.50 + fees
Next classes start August
Prerequisite Foundation Level 3 (Game)
Duration 8 weeks or 4-day intensive
Sessions 8 × 3 hours

What’s covered in our narrative improv course?

Narrative improv is about telling a complete story from beginning to end, in front of a live audience. That means characters with strong wants and motivations, plots that build, and bold choices that create genuine moments of change and resolution.

Created by FA Director and Austentatious co-founder Graham Dickson, our Narrative Level 1 course focuses on story structure, character and how to move a narrative forward as a team. Level 2 builds on those foundations, developing your ability to balance storytelling with game, genre and pacing – and to hold multiple narrative threads at once.

What you will learn

How to identify and develop a protagonist and antagonist from the opening scenes
How to use story spine and genre to structure your narrative
How to advance your plot through bold, committed choices
How to support a narrative through teamwork and backline choices
How to balance game and storytelling for the good of the whole show
How to use stagecraft and pacing to create moments of surprise, delight and intrigue

Upcoming weekly & intensive courses

Find a course that suits your schedule and book your place.

Narrative - Level 1 Mon 10:00am Until 3 SEP

Narrative - Level 1

4 days, Mon, Tue, Wed & Thu 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Free Association, Southwark, London SE1 0LR

£336.50 + fees
Deposit from £84.13
Narrative - Level 1 Tue 6:30pm Until 27 OCT

Narrative - Level 1

8 weeks, Tue 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

The Free Association, Southwark, London SE1 0LR

£336.50 + fees
Deposit from £84.13
Narrative - Level 1 Sun 2:00pm Until 1 NOV

Narrative - Level 1

8 weeks, Sun 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The Free Association, Southwark, London SE1 0LR

£336.50 + fees
Deposit from £84.13

“I’ve had a really fantastic time on my courses so far. A lot of laughs, a lot of learning. Very supportive environment. A highlight of my week!”

Dan

Where are classes held?

We deliver courses from our Southwark theatre and other spaces across London. Please always check the location of your class when booking.

The Free Association Theatre, Southwark

The Free Association Theatre, Southwark

26 Old Union Yard, SE1 0LR

View on Map →
The Lord Stanley, Camden

The Lord Stanley, Camden

51 Camden Park Rd, NW1 9BH

View on Map →

Meet our teachers

Our courses are taught by individuals with a wealth of experience performing in the FA’s unique style.

Alex Holland
Alex Holland
Alison Thea-Skot
Alison Thea-Skot
Charlie Kemp
Charlie Kemp
Charlie Sturgeon
Charlie Sturgeon
Gareth O'Connor
Gareth O'Connor
Graham Dickson
Graham Dickson
Katharine Bennett-Fox
Katharine Bennett-Fox
Naomi Petersen
Naomi Petersen

Frequently Asked
Questions

Do I have to do both levels?

No. Each level in our Narrative Pathway is booked separately. Most students do go on to Level 2, but you can start with Level 1 and see how you get on.

What if I have improv experience from elsewhere?

It depends on your background. Drop us a line and we’ll work out the right place for you to start.

Do I qualify for the Narrative Pathway?

You need to have completed the FA’s Foundation Level 3 (Game) course to join Narrative Level 1. Level 2 follows on from Level 1 (unsurprisingly). If you haven’t reached Level 3 yet, start with our Foundation Classes.

What happens at the end of the course?

Both levels end with a public class show … so you can perform what you’ve been working on in front of a real audience.

Can I hold a place with a deposit?

Yes. You can pay 25% when you check out, and the remainder before the course starts.

Still got questions? Drop us a line →

“Exceptional live shows; the improv classes are phenomenal ... Cannot recommend enough.”

Henry

Complete our Foundation classes first

Students must have completed our Foundation Pathway and passed Level 3: Game to sign up to this course. If you’re brand new to improv, you can also try a Taster Class to get started.

Explore beginner classes →

Try a different style?

The Narrative Pathway is just one of three Performance Pathways at the FA. Explore our courses in Organic Improv and Premise-based Improv for more advanced training, expertly delivered.