10/26/09

This Class sucks

by John Swist Sucks

This class sucks

• Pros: None
• Cons: Boring, Full of nerds

10/26/09

Wonderful, encouraging environment

by ShyGuy

I did something this weekend that I never thought I'd do. I performed improv in front of large group of friends, family, co-workers and strangers (I don't know which group made me more nervous!)

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.

The minute I walked into the demo class, I felt welcomed. Every class is a mixture of veterans and newbies, thrown into the same boat. Everyone's there to have fun and support each other. When you're on stage in an improv scene, you need your partners as much as they need you, so everyone has to be giving and helpful. "Giving" is critical in improv, and John encourages it.

John gently "teaches" all the important aspects of improv such as learning not to say no. It's not an easy instinct to learn, but everyone gets there thanks to John. These "skills" really do help move improv scenes further and are all about helping your fellow improvisers. You'll see in class that everyone tries to help everyone else.

John genuinely seems to love what he does. He often laughs louder than anyone else and when he praises your work it's because he really is enjoying himself.

John has amazing enthusiasm and his energy is contagious (which is also critical for improv). He provides an environment that's great on so many levels.

• Pros: Supportive, fun, funny
• Cons: Only happens once a week!

10/15/09

Terrific Class

by CarmenLG

I think it is wonderful when a teacher with so much experience can work well with beginners. I was terrified that I would be tongue-tied and criticized, but John made the experience fun and non-threatening. It actually was hilarious when we got stumped and no one felt self conscious. I recommend this class highly.

• Pros: Great teacher, great energy, lots of fun
• Cons: none

10/15/09

Meet people and have fun!

by Big Foot

Instructor John Swist has a great way of bringing people out of there shell. I am shy by nature, but John's supportive class facilitation made me feel at home. Well worth the time and money.

• Pros: Open and non judgmental atmosphere
• Cons: None

10/11/09

Wonderful way to learn improv. . .

by nycimproviser

When I walked into John Swist's improv class, I did not know what to expect. I had attended improv shows in the past as a spectator, and was intrigued with what I saw. In the back of my mind, I wondered if I could do it. From the start of working with John, he impressed me with his intelligence, perception, positive attitude and general good humor. He is clearly a talented and skilled improviser himself, and he is very generous about sharing what he knows with his classes. He takes teaching seriously while helping us not to take ourselves and our class performance too seriously! 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." I'm glad I found my way to QT!. I think it's a great setting to pursue improv - something both creative and interactive.

• Pros: great teacher; fun & supportive environment
• Cons: none!

09/29/09

A great class!

by Zeden

This improv class teaches many games (dating game, movie review etc...) and how to do scene-work in a way that is truly fun and instructional. We have fun and really bond as a group; I've made many a friend through this class. This is a great class and I will be taking it many times in the years to come.

• Pros: A truly fun class that teaches you basic to moderate improv

08/27/09

A Great Improv Class!

by LCalleran

I started taking this improv class with John two years ago. You hear a lot of horror stories about super strict improv instructors who put a ton of pressure on you, which I didn't want any part of! 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. Within my first few weeks, I really started to understand all the 101 rules. 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. I'd recommend this class to anyone, but especially those who are just starting out, like I was, who just want a place to learn all the rules, without stressing out. Sign up!

• Pros: Relaxed, but with a lot to learn!
• Cons: Nadda!

06/14/09

FUN, IMPROVE SOCIAL SKILLS & TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

by jlizzack

I joined John's QT! Improv class because it looked like fun. After several months, I was “guaranteed” some real good laughs every time I went. More importantly, it has dramatically improved my social skills whether out with friends or even talking to my dental patients. It’s a pleasure to have the ability to be more spontaneous and more confident in life experiences where you have no control. What’s special about “this” class is that John teaches and encourages “clean improv.” Most professional comedians that I have seen in the past use dirty language to make you laugh. Of course they’re funny but it seems they depend on being dirty to make you laugh. John shows you that you don’t need to be dirty to make someone laugh. It’s much more challenging and rewarding to do so. John’s improv is a true “class act” and wouldn’t want it any other way. If you are saying to yourself “I can’t do this” or “I would feel very embarrassed” then this class is exactly for you. If I can do it, anyone can. There is definitely a science behind it. You’ll see!

Jason Lizzack D.M.D.

03/26/09

Outstanding Improv Class

by HankOffinger

John Swist is unfailingly enthusiastic in teaching ANYONE to jump in and do improv. He has been doing improv for years, and has really honed his teaching technique.

The classes are small, he personalizes the experience for each participant, and makes SURE that everyone has fun, right from the first minute. He is consistent in his lessons, makes it clear HOW a performer "gives the gift," and "never says 'no.'" I have taken a number of acting classes, but John's improv class provides sensible, concrete rules that will help me to bring energy and to build believeable characters even in a scripted performance. Truly worthwhile for people at any level of learning. AND a very good value for the money!

• Pros: 'Safe' learning environment, consistent and sensible lessons
• Cons: None

09/19/08

No pressure and lots of fun

by pennguy23

This class has become a predictably bright spot on my weekly routine. I signed up because I thought it would be a fun activity to try, and a good way to meet some people and to work on my speaking skills. In the end I was right on all accounts, but have enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. The class is geared towards beginners and people not looking to launch a television or acting career, but who nonetheless want to learn the craft and have some fun after work. In all it's a good introduction to improv with a low pressure environment and without a serious time commitment (Note I took the introductory class, so my review only applies to that).

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Pros: relaxed atmosphere, fun environment, good mix of students, can join at almost any time.

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Cons: 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 them with more depth (though, as they say, practice makes perfect)

Summary: Great for beginners who aren't pursuing an acting career... yet, and are just looking for something fun to try or to practice their speaking skills. If you have real professional aspirations this might be a little slower, but then again that could be just what you want.