About Expat Improv
Learn improvisational theatre in English — in Düsseldorf and Cologne.
At Expat Improv you learn improv step by step — in small groups, in English, at our own studios in Düsseldorf-Unterbilk and Cologne's Neustadt-Süd. All language levels welcome.
Book an Open Workshop See all formatsWhat makes Expat Improv different
English-first, all levels welcome
Classes are in English — internationals, expats and locals play together. You don't need perfect English: improv is about listening and reacting, not grammar.
Our own studios in two cities
Our studios in Düsseldorf-Unterbilk and Cologne's Neustadt-Süd are our home — familiar spaces built for play, presence and laughing together.
A community that stays
Many people come for one workshop and stay for years — because course groups turn into real communities that go well beyond the classroom.
Your way into improv
Whether you're brand new or already have some experience — there's a format for you.
Open Improv Workshops
For everyone who wants to try improv — tonight.
Single evening sessions in Cologne and Düsseldorf, each centred around a unique theme. Book one whenever it fits — every workshop stands on its own, no commitment required.
- 1 evening, no commitment
- Max. 14 people
- No prior experience needed
Improv Courses
For players who want to go deeper — in a fixed group.
Our Summer Improv Course in Cologne runs over 4 Friday evenings: ensemble work from day one, from single exercises to real scenes. The regular 10-week course program starts in September.
- 4 Friday evenings (summer)
- Max. 12 people
- Some improv experience helpful
Weekend Workshops
Compact deep-dives with international teachers.
One topic, one intensive day: masterclasses with international guest teachers and special formats like Commedia dell'arte and mask work.
- Single-day intensives
- Topics rotate through the year
- Bookable individually
Looking for improv in German? Our sister brand SPONTAN THEATER runs a full German-language program in the same studios.
Who our courses are for
Expat Improv is open to all adults who want to try something new — regardless of age, background or experience. Most of our participants don't come to become actors. They come because they're curious: about themselves, about groups, about the moment.
- Beginners with no prior experience
- Experienced players looking to go deeper
- Internationals who want to connect and play in English
- Creatives looking for a counterbalance to desk work
- Teams & companies — see Improv for Business
What matters to us
Three attitudes shape every course, every workshop and every rehearsal.
Play and learn
We believe that the joy of play is a driving force for learning. Joy, laughter and engagement are at the heart of what we do, creating a vibrant, creative learning environment.
A safe space and attitude
We encourage a positive "I can do this" attitude and provide a safe, non-judgemental environment where people can experiment and develop their skills.
Community and respect
We work as equals. Trust, cooperation, empathy and mutual respect form the basis for a strong sense of community.
Our studios
Düsseldorf · Unterbilk
Volmerswerther Straße 21
40221 Düsseldorf
Public transport: S-Bahn S8, S11, S28 and tram 704 & 709 to Völklinger Straße — 3 minutes on foot.
Finding the door: From the gravel car park, walk past "Taste Greece" and follow the passage to a small courtyard at the rear. Staircase 5 is on the right; the studio is on the first floor, on the left.
Parking: Free parking is usually available on the premises in the evenings.
Cologne · Neustadt-Süd
Dasselstraße 51
50674 Köln
Public transport: Tram 9 to Dasselstr./Bf Süd (2 minutes on foot), lines 12, 15, 16 to Zülpicher Platz, or regional trains to Köln Süd.
Right in the Kwartier Latäng — near the university, surrounded by cafés and bars.
Expat Improv is where it all began: an English-language improv community that grew so much it spawned a German-language sister brand, SPONTAN THEATER. Today both share the same studios, the same teachers and the same playful approach.
What participants say
Welcome to Expat Improv — where every story is a journey and every journey an improvisation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior experience?
No. Most of our participants have never done improv before. The Open Workshops are explicitly designed for beginners — and they're the easiest way in.
Does my English need to be perfect?
Not at all. Improv is about listening, reacting and playing together — not grammar. All language levels are welcome, and mixed-language moments usually turn into the best scenes.
Do I need to be funny?
No. Quite the opposite: trying hard to be funny rarely works. In our workshops you learn to be present, listen and react — the humour takes care of itself.
What does it cost?
Open Improv Workshops start at 19 € per evening, courses at 99 €, weekend masterclasses at 99 € per day. Current dates and prices are on each workshop page. You can book directly online by credit card, debit, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
How big are the groups?
A maximum of 12–14 people, depending on the format. That matters to us — everyone should get plenty of stage time.
Where exactly are you in Cologne?
In our own studio at Dasselstraße 51 in Neustadt-Süd — in the Kwartier Latäng, near the university, 2 minutes from the Dasselstr./Bf Süd tram stop.
Are there courses in German?
Yes. Our sister brand SPONTAN THEATER runs a full German-language course program — in the same studios in Düsseldorf and Cologne.
Do you offer workshops for companies?
Yes. We run tailored applied improvisation workshops for teams and companies — in English or German, in Düsseldorf, Cologne and across Germany.
I have a special request (birthday, company event, custom format) — is that possible?
Very much so. Just reach out via the contact form and we'll find a format that fits.
Maybe we'll see each other in the studio soon?
The easiest way in is an Open Improv Workshop: one evening, small group, no experience needed — from 19 €.
Book an Open Workshop Get in touch