Short-Form Improv Graduate Course & Showcase at Boom Chicago, Amsterdam

Boom Chicago’s [Academy] Elective Class — Short Form Graduate Course offers experienced improvisers in Amsterdam a focused, stage-ready bootcamp that sharpens punchy, audience-led short-form scenes and culminates in a public showcase on December 12. Located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, this intimate course is designed for performers who have completed Level 5 or 6 Short Form at Boom Chicago and are ready to refine timing, game-based choices, and ensemble listening. Across weekly sessions, the course emphasizes audience-focused activities: cold-open formats, edit-based games, heightening, and clear offers that drive a 90–120 second scene to a satisfying end. The main features are hands-on scene work, on-your-feet drills, and a live-performance arc—rehearsal, run-throughs, and a polished showcase at the end. For improvisers, the scene is the primary landscape: the stage, the audience’s responses, and the energy shifts between players. Boom Chicago’s approachable rehearsal room and theater stage give students the technical amenities to test timing under real lights and audience feedback. This elective stands out in Amsterdam’s performing scene because it is explicitly graduate-level—only open to alumni of Levels 5 or 6—so the pace and expectations push beyond beginner fundamentals. That focus creates an environment where risk-taking is scaffolded: small-group coaching, targeted notes, and running nights that simulate festival pressure. If you’re unsure about eligibility, email Laura at [email protected] for clarification. Practical details matter: the showcase is scheduled for Saturday, December 12 at 18:00, and participants should plan for evening rehearsals and a final tech run. Bring notebooks for notes, warm-up routines, and an appetite for iterative feedback. The course is ideal for improvisers seeking tighter edits, sharper callbacks, and stronger game-of-the-scene instincts ahead of auditions, festivals, or company nights. Beyond the craft, this class plugs you into Amsterdam’s English-speaking comedy community—an active, supportive network that keeps performers cycling through new material and collaborative projects. For visitors, it’s a chance to deepen a short trip with weekday or evening sessions that are as communal as they are demanding. Whether you’re chasing a tighter set, preparing for a showcase, or simply hungry to push your short-form chops, Boom Chicago’s Short Form Graduate Course is a concentrated, practical step up—one that ends with a real audience, real lights, and the kind of pressure that makes you better. Expect class sizes to remain small—typically six to twelve participants—so instructors can give specific, actionable notes and tailor exercises to the group. Sessions balance individual skill-building with ensemble challenges: blocking variations, space work, and rapid agreements. If you plan to attend from abroad, book accommodation near central Amsterdam to shave commuting time; public transit and bike rentals make evening arrival straightforward. Admission and exact schedule details are confirmed by the Boom Chicago Academy team; email [email protected] to reserve a spot.