New to Knoxville!
(FREE!) Sunday Night Improv Drop In
Sundays at 6pm through November 16th
Are you curious about improv? Join us every Sunday as we play guided improv games and exercises in a fun and low pressure environment. All experience levels welcome.
SpaceCraft Knoxville
Sundays 6pm-7pm
119 Jennings Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37917
FREE
$10 suggested donation
$25 monthly membership appreciated
Where to park:
Street parking
Paid lot across from Axle Logistics
Where to eat:
Are you an experienced improviser? We would love to connect with you! Email info@manateevanityimprov.com
Initiations and Gifting with Rich Talarico
ONE NIGHT ONLY - October 28th 7-10pm
Students will learn how to initiate organic scenes, emphasizing discovery over intention. Giving and using gifts allow players to focus on relationships over situations and to dig deeper into character games. Explore relationships and build characters by exploring endowments from our scene partners. In this one-day class you’ll engage in exercises that foster strong, organic starts. Have you ever come off stage and said, “Great scene, who were we?” or “Great scene where were we?” Learn to use object work to discover WHO AND WHERE organically, then use gifting to heighten character and story.
PG-13 Conduct and Content
No Recording - Group pic at end of class
"Rich Talarico is one of the all time great Caucasian Improvisers."
— Tina Fey
Rich is a Peabody® Award-winning writer/producer with four Emmy® and four WGA Award nominations, best known for his work on Key & Peele. Rich wrote K&P fave Substitute Teacher, (“…Ay-ay-Ron?”) which in 2024 was added to The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum Of American History. Rich wrote dozens of K&P faves: Racist Zombies, Karim and Jahar, Hatz, Teaching Center, Obama Greets, Black Ice, and many more.
Other TV credits include MADtv, The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno, Saturday Night Live, and the critically-acclaimed, Review. An alum of Chicago’s Second City and Improv Olympic, Rich also provided punch-up work on Mean Girls and Get Out.
As an improviser, Rich teaches, coaches and performs with long-form group Dasariski. As an actor, Rich appeared on screen on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, MADtv, the feature film High Fidelity, and in A&W Root Beer’s classic TV ad, “Mr. Dumass.” Talarico’s extensive experience in the comedy industry has made him a sought-after teacher, writer and consultant. Rich is currently teaching and performing stand up comedy around the US.
“As a teacher, Rich Talarico brings Lakers legendary coach Phil Jackson to mind. A cerebral educator who brings out the best in people.”
— Keith “Lucky” Lehrer -original drummer of “Circle Jerks”
“Rich knows how to write sketches, that much is obvious. But it was clear that he loves helping people get better too. Don't wait to find a better sketch class. It might not come along.”
— Tim Marks – Co-Founder, Fountain City Sketch Company
— more at richtalarico.com
Level 1 - Improv Basics
4 Week Class + Showcase
Let's get silly! This introductory course is designed for beginners, focusing on the foundational principles of improvisational theater. You will learn the importance of saying "Yes, and...," a core improv tenet that encourages accepting and building on the ideas of others in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
Through fun and interactive exercises and group games, you will practice quick thinking, active listening, and working as a team. This class is for you if you are interested in performing, or if you are looking for personal and professional development. Improv classes are a great way to build confidence, communication skills, and social connections. No prior acting or improv experience is required—just a willingness to step outside your comfort zone and have fun!
Class is capped at 16 students
Each class is 2.5 hours
Cat Tales
Frank H. Museum of Natural History & Culture
Between Meows & Myths
From stereotype to scientific fact, we invite you to bid farewell to our current exhibition, Karel Appel: Cats, with “Cat Tales” a double program of science and improv! Guests are invited to attend individual programs or stay for the full experience.
First, join a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Julia Albright as we explore the truths behind cat behavior, what’s real, what’s myth, and what your cat might be thinking. Then, bring out your inner cat with Improv Knoxville! Want to act out a cartoon version? Want to include what you just learned? Let’s have fun bringing one of our favorite furry friends to life.
This is a free event for all ages.
Saturday, December 6th 11am-12:45pm
1327 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN 37996
Level 2 - Creating Characters
4 Week Class + Showcase
Take your improv skills to the next level by diving deep into the art of character creation! In this class, you will learn how to craft bold, dynamic, and memorable characters that bring scenes to life through interactive exercises, scene work, and playful experimentation. Whether you’re looking to enhance your stage presence, expand your acting toolkit, or simply have fun creating, this class will give you the confidence to step into anyone’s shoes—and stay there.
Prerequisite: Level 1 Improv or equivalent experience.
Class is capped at 16 students
Each class is 2.5 hours
What to Expect
What to bring:
- Water Bottle
- Notebook & pen if you like to write down exercises and inspiration
- Curiosity
What to wear:
You can wear whatever you feel good in. Here are some recommendations:
- Clothes you feel comfortable moving in
- Closed toe shoes that won’t slip off
- Dress in layers, the room temperature can vary
What if I have to miss class?
For the four week classes, it is recommended that you not miss more than one class. If you miss two or more classes, you will be asked to repeat the level before moving on. Please let your instructor know if you are missing class. Make up classes are available.
About SpaceCraft Knoxville
Where to park:
Street parking
Paid lot across from Axle Logistics
Where to eat:
About Lost and Found District in Historic North Knoxville
Where to park:
Parking spaces in front of the building
Parking lot to the NE of the building
Street parking
Where to eat:
Shoney's, Subway, McDonald's, Sonic, Wendy's, KFC