QUICKTHINKING! Improv Classes

(917) 474-8525

18 W 18th St 6th Fl
New York, NY 10011 40.7387 -73.9925

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Neighborhoods: Flatiron District, Midtown

Hours:

Tuesday nights 7pm-9pm

Last updated 8.17.10

Category:

Live Theatre, Adult and Continuing Education

What People Are Saying About QUICKTHINKING! Improv Classes

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Improv classes for actors and non-actors at different levels of experience. Corporate workshops focus on building teamwork.

ambiance
92.8600025177002% positive
  1. “This class attracts an amazing group of people and we learn and have fun, even when we make mistakes.”
  2. “have even tried 2 other Improv classes just to see if I was missing anything from supposed established instructors- neither came remotely close to the support and fun created in John's class - and the kicker of it is the other classes were more expensiv”
  3. “This class is not only a great way to meet great people, it has enabled me to work on and better my communication skills, my ability to give and receive feedback - but more important than anything - it provides me with 2 hours of pure fun and laughter.”
  4. “relaxed atmosphere, fun environment, good mix of students, can join at almost any time.”
  5. “Each new game or scene is more fun than the previous, and all throughout John gives helpful hints and suggestions on how to improve the scene and your own improving ability.”
  6. “John fosters a comfortable and energetic environment, where participants of all levels can express themselves while learning the basic principles of improvisation.”
  7. “Walking into Quickthinker's improv on Tuesday nights, I immediately walk into a great atmosphere: one where everyone is supportive and there is no reason to fear making mistakes.”
  8. “John's improv class is one where you can not only have a lot of fun and learn all the ins and outs of improv, but do so at a convenient location and incredibly low price.”
  9. “No pressure, and a comfortable open group of people who were open, supportive and funny!”
  10. “Thankfully, John's class has a really comfortable vibe, with people of all ages and walks of life who just want to have some fun and learn the improv basics.”
  11. “Fear and hesitation will be replaced with the emerging ham in you, just as it is when in the comfortable atmosphere of your friends who appreciate the funny, imaginative, witty you.”
  12. “The classes are fun, loose, fast paced and filled with laughter.”
  13. “John Swist is a terrific teacher who manages to get the best out of his students and creates a safe, and relaxed atmosphere.”
  14. “It's perfect for beginners and there is a great supportive atmosphere.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “If you already have improv experience, quickthinking is a great place to expand your skills.”
  2. “This is a great place to work out your performance anxiety, make new friends, and be a dang fool for 2 hours in a nonjudgemental environment.”
  3. “If you've never done anything like this, it's a great place to start.”
  4. “If you've ever wanted to take an improv comedy class, this is a great place to start.”
  5. “This is a great place to be.”
service
100.0% positive
  1. “Thankfully, John's class has a really comfortable vibe, with people of all ages and walks of life who just want to have some fun and learn the improv basics.”
  2. “I've been around the block a few times, and I've never found an improv class with so many cool people and such a cool instructor!”
  3. “turned up for the first evening with a sense of trepidation, even foreboding, but was relieved to see that my co improvistas were not crazy, far out, performer types but were regular, friendly people.”
  4. “Great place to meet funny, friendly people!”
  5. “It wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for John and the great group of people I've had the honor of playing and working with all summer.”
  6. “think one of the huge extras I have received is that I get to talk to, joke, and laugh with people just like me - all while making new friends.”
  7. “This is an improv class that truly welcome you into a family of brilliant people.”
  8. “He creates a genuinely happy and supportive class environment, where people are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and see what they can do with their imaginations - without feeling the pressure to "be funny.”
  9. “The class is taught by the friendly, funny, and supportive John Swist, and the class is filled with tons of friendly, cool, and funny people who have all become my friends.”
  10. “Improv class, you not only seemingly achieve these benefits but you also get to break out of your shell, have an unequivocal blast, and meet awesome new people all at the same time.”
  11. “This class attracts an amazing group of people and we learn and have fun, even when we make mistakes.”
  12. “This class is not only a great way to meet great people, it has enabled me to work on and better my communication skills, my ability to give and receive feedback - but more important than anything - it provides me with 2 hours of pure fun and laughter.”
  13. “No pressure, and a comfortable open group of people who were open, supportive and funny!”
  14. “Class size can vary from week to week and tends to be on the larger side, at least for the time allotted; new people join (almost) every week as well which means in the course of your 8 week session you will repeat exercises without necessarily going into”
  15. “The people are talented and hysterically funny and John, our fearless leader is exceptionally kind, courteous and generous with his time and his knowledge.”
  16. “Everyone is friendly, supportive and easy going.”
  17. “have truly learned so much through taking these classes-the people are great, and John provides such great encouragement.”
  18. “believe John Swist sets himself apart from other improv teachers and attracts quality students because he has created such a genuinely friendly and supportive class.”
value
85.71000099182129% positive
  1. “have even tried 2 other Improv classes just to see if I was missing anything from supposed established instructors- neither came remotely close to the support and fun created in John's class - and the kicker of it is the other classes were more expensiv”
  2. “think one of the huge extras I have received is that I get to talk to, joke, and laugh with people just like me - all while making new friends.”
  3. “John's improv class is one where you can not only have a lot of fun and learn all the ins and outs of improv, but do so at a convenient location and incredibly low price.”
  4. “On top of it all, the stress relief and creative benefits alone are worth it -- wake up your brain!”
  5. “great class, not to be missed, and a steal at 20 bucks for the sample”
  6. “The people are talented and hysterically funny and John, our fearless leader is exceptionally kind, courteous and generous with his time and his knowledge.”
  7. “AND a very good value for the money!”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “I've continued to study with John for so long because I have such a great time, but with his instruction you can really get a great foundation of improv within just a couple months of taking classes.”
  2. “What helps to make these improv classes a highlight of my week, is John's extremely high professionalism (he is very integer, subtle, pedagogical and above all extremely funny), and the amazing talents of other students, many of whom have been there for a”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/29/12

The Positive Reinforcement You Need In Life

by Marty1203

When I started with QT!, I wanted to get something out of it that would help me re-shape my quiet persona. Well, I got more than I ever imagined I would out of your class. And that is really attributed to your ability as a teacher who understands the art of building people up. I see it week in and week out, and that's why I kept coming back. I kept learning from you in a really great environment. And as I started to get it, I tried to help out others as well so that they could experience the same lightbulb go off that happened for me. I'm really glad that we've had some very memorable improv experiences together, both inside and out of class. I will definitely keep in touch, as I'm not done with Improv! A very sincere thank you for getting me started on this journey, John. I'll be good to the art.

To all who are on the fence about taking an Improv class, take John's class. I was just as afraid as you are, and I went above and beyond my limiting beliefs to conquer them and feel what it is like to have another, more open mindset towards your own fears. Get out there, take the risks, and laugh! It'll be the highlight of your work week, trust me!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/24/12

Excellent instructor! Extremely fun! Life improving!

by Funseeker

John Swist is an improv rockstar. His class is the highlight of my work week. His classes are fun, supportive, and constructive. The skills developed in this class will undoubtedly improve your confidence and personality. Developing the "yes and" skill teaches you how to build on information given to you to enrich and give life to that information. Better eye contact, stronger commitment to your actions, and a quicker wit are a few more improvements you'll gain. If you're interested in improving yourself, meeting awesome people, and injecting a stiff dose of fun into your life, you MUST take this class.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/12/11

Don't be afraid - it's so much fun!

by shinycap

It was suggested to me that I take an improv class to help me be more comfortable in front of people and less shy. So I figured it wouldn't hurt to try this class. It was so much fun!! Really!! The teacher and everyone is so welcoming and accepting. It's so NOT a bunch of actors sitting around criticizing each other. There are some people who seem to be actors, but most are regular people who work in an office and want to explore their creative side. And explore we do! It's a very active class and you spend a lot of time actually doing improv activities. You get feedback on how to improve, but it's not mean or anything and it does help. The teacher participates along with everyone else and seems to love what he is doing and it's infectious! You totally learn to push against your comfort zone in your own way and in your own time. You learn to say "yes" and commit to your choices, which may sound kind of simple, but can make a big difference in your whole life. I keep coming back because it's fun and I think it really helps me. And don't think you are too old to take this class - there's lots of young people, but there's also some of us who have been around the block a few times! So come and join the fun and see that you can be creative too!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/31/11

Great Teacher Creates Great Experiences!

by Holly Walk

I tried QT! Improv on a lark and it has become an oasis for me. Every Tuesday night I put all the pressures aside and just have a great time along with everyone else. This all comes together because John is an extraordinary teacher who creates an incredibly supportive environment. He encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zone and creates the climate that makes you want to do just that. He is committed to being a great teacher, and is incredibly generous with his time, energy, and experience (in class and online). I really appreciate that participates with enthusiasm; rather than stepping away and being ‘the teacher’ he puts himself right out there with the rest of us. Side and huge benefit: the techniques about eye contact, careful listening and ‘saying yes’ have crept into interactions outside class. I get far more pleasure, learning, relaxation and connection than I ever expected.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/29/11

Great Class! Great Teacher!

by caramania

Usually I only write reviews when I want to complain about something, but not this time! I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to spread the word about what a fantastic experience it is taking classes with Quickthinking Improv. After a few confidence- diminishing experiences, I decided to take John’s class for fun and distraction. While I definitely had fun, I found I got SO MUCH MORE out of the class. Not only is John incredibly supportive, he promotes a supportive and familial atmosphere among all his students. The class really helped me rebuild my confidence and I’m looking forward to being in my first improv show next month!

John is an inspirational teacher (and a hilarious guy!) with an exceptional ability to bring out the best in people of every level. I recommended the class to a friend who had never done improv before and, like me, she looks forward to going every week.

Highly recommend Quickthinking to anyone who has an interest in improv, or just wants to have fun, be creative, and “get outside their own head” for a couple hours each week!

The Details on QUICKTHINKING! Improv Classes

Place Categories:

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