iO West Theater

I’m currently in Level 5 of the Improv program and I absolutely love it. The teachers are encouraging and really good at breaking down how best to approach a scene, with a special emphasis on character. The approach is loose and creative, which allows for some really exciting improv. The shows are amazing too — the iO curriculum turns out some great performers and they’re all so fun to watch!
Sundays are Sketch Night and also really fun!

i’ve been taking class at IO for over a year now and love the program. I have studied at all of the improv schools around town but IO really knows how to teach long form improv. They allow there students to be creative and bring all elements from other schools into the perform. If you want an amazing community, great teachers and want to make great friends start at IO!

iOwest is one of the best places to take improv classes I’m on my third level the teachers are great they don’t just say great job and next they teach you to perfection and make sure you understand, I love this place! Make sure you see shows it’s definitely worth it.

I really enjoy iO. I took Level 1 & 2 intensive in December and am now in Level 3. I had two great teachers that I got to see perform and see around the theater all the time. It really feels like a community. Plus it’s the only improv theaters with a bar that I know of. Easy to get in to most shows, lots of jams and open mics for students, and best of all everyone’s really grounded and there to learn. I took a class at UCB a while back and it felt like a lot of pressure. iO is the opposite — it’s making improv easy. I took some TV writing classes there as well and highly recommend them. Check it out!

I took an awesome improv class at iO, and will be continuing to take improv classes there. I’ve done a good deal of improv at other theaters and taken other workshops and classes, so I can honestly say that the quality of teaching was impeccable. The theater is trying to build and grow the comedy community in a way that is really special. The class didn’t emphasize any sort of «how to» philosophy about comedy or improv, but really took a fundamental approach that got at the root of improv. I had a lot of fun, laughed constantly, and felt challenged ina really productive way.
Similarly, all the people in my classes have been awesome. I’ve stayed in touch with a bunch and am always excited to go see a show with the crew. I moved to LA relatively recently, so it was a nice way to meet some folks as well. More friends! Hooray!
Highly recommend giving a class a shot. Really fun way to think, great people, wonderful teachers, in an absolutely judgement free environment.

Absolutely the best place for long form improv. This is also one of the best places to take a class. I have been attending shows for twenty years, and I have cast my projects by just grabbing people from good improv teams. Whether you’re a student or just in Hollywood and looking for unique experience as an audience member, check them out.

There are some weeks where things are not going well and others filled with highlights large and small. Nevertheless, when I’m taking improv classes they’re always one of the major things I look forward to… even sometimes more than getting or going to a good gig or a party, improv is so much fun and often provides the best opportunity to «get it out there» as freely as possible. The school is replete with opportunities and events and places and people to go (to). And there’s a bar! How good is that! Not all the shows are the best, admittedly, but the good ones are as good and funny as anything you’ll see in the city. And since it’s LA, and it’s comedy, that translates as the world. And they’re like ten bucks, and with a student id or coupon (not hard to find) or what have you they’re usually less. A great spot in Hollywood.

When I decided that I was going to go back to acting, I had asked a friend who is a comedy agent where should I go if I want to take great improv classes. She had highly recommended iO West and I decided to give it a shot. After my first level 1 class with Brian O’Connell, I knew I was in the right place. Firstly, all of the teachers at the school (regardless of level) are VERY approachable and eager to answer any questions that we as students have. In a city where there are a lot of big egos around, iO West is the one place where I feel like they make it a point to be as humble as possible. This made me feel so confident as a student, and and adding that to my improv curriculum I feel very nurtured as a student! I took my level 2 with Barry Hite, again amazing teacher with nothing but constructive and always positive feedback to give to all students! My level 3 was with Brian Jack, who is so passionate about improv that it helped our energy as students! At times we didn’t even feel like we were in actual class because everything was not only FUN but also challenging (in a great way). I’m currently taking level 4 and plan to go ALL the way iO! I personally think iO West has the BEST classes, curriculum, and teachers at the theater. I’ve always felt supported when entering into class or going to see a show. LOVE THIS PLACE. And also classes are very inexpensive for everything that you’re getting! Learning improv at iO West has definitely made me a better more fearless actress and it definitely shows in my auditions and my work. Do yourself a favor and sign up for classes because you will not regret it! Also– improv is great to learn PERIOD regardless of what line of work that you’re in– so just. DO IT.

I am currently taking improv classes at iOwest and I couldn’t recommend it more. If you are in it to improve your acting or to hone the art of improvisation, iO has one of the BEST programs around. The teachers all perform and direct at the theater, so they are incredibly knowledgeable and hilarious.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

One of my favorite places in LA! When I moved to LA I was debating where to take improv classes. I checked out show classes at UCB (was very disappointed, they were all so in their heads) and then went to check out iO West. I was won over immediately! My first level was with improv legend Paul Vaillancourt, if you are looking for a professional improv classes this is the place. Paul was amazing, in no less than a couple a classes I already felt more comfortable and confident on stage then I felt in years! I was planning on only taking the first level but I was hooked! I continued through the level enjoying every teacher and coach I had the chance to work with. As I moved on through the levels I realized how much improv has improved my life:
Socially, the theater and the people in it started to feel like home — a place I could go out to, whenever I need a second to breath and always find someone to talk and laugh with. Everyone is so warm and passionate it’s infectious! I love how relaxed and down to earth they all are and believe it is the perfect atmosphere to play and grow. I get to see amazing performers almost every night of the week such as: King Ten, Cook County Social Club, HeyDay, The Reckoning, Quartet (with Jack McBrayer) and so many more!
At work, I was able to react to new changes and demands faster without panicking. I stopped being frustrated with obstacles and started thinking about solutions.
As an actor, I started to feel way more comfortable in auditions, knowing that whatever happens I will be able to handle it! It also keeps me constantly acting, with so many options to perform (Honor Roll, Lottery, Jam, Cage Match and more.) it’s really up to you! I got to meet so many industry professionals, develop connections and get advice — all in the most genuine way! If you are looking for an outlet to your creativity this is the place to be!
Bottom line: Best improv place in town, amazing community, legendary teachers and they have a BAR!

I’ve been performing long form improv for ten years so I’ve been to most of the improv theaters in LA. IO always has a nice variety of shows and they have a bar because we all know that comedy and alcohol go together, yes even I do and I don’t drink.
The improv group I am a part of was featured in the festival this year at IO and I have to say they treated us well I hope we will be back next year.

I was able to check this place out the other day. I’m not sure how much entry is because I had a VIP pass (whoop whoop)! The parking situation was a bit odd. There were a ton of people in costume blocking the valet stand. I was a bit confused. So I sat in my car in the alley way trying to call my friend, who was already inside, to ask where to park. Just then, a valet dude came knocking on my window. I would advise you to just pull over if you’re confused — they’ll come to you. Valet is $ 5 with validation. That’s cheap!
I watched a couple of groups who acted on stage. Both were great but I enjoyed the second group (Crooks County?) more so. They were quite hilarious. I’ve always been impressed by improv as it’s not easy… especially in front of an audience full of random people.
I’ll probably go back to check out other nights. It’s my understanding that they have different things on different nights. I went on a Thursday because I just thought Hollywood would be easier (I always try to avoid Hollywood on the weekends).

UCB’s new facility blows this place out of the water! Theatre is small and cramped and loud bass from the club next door plays loudly during shows. The improv classes here are subpar, teachers are unprofessional and often times don’t show up for classes. The Artistic Director here, James Grace, is a jerk and treats the interns at the club like used pieces of toilet paper. The physical facilities of the classrooms are disgusting, couches and carpets look like they haven’t been cleaned in years. I’m not sure how this place is going to compete with UCB’s new complex.
Word to the management: If you’re going to consider yourself a professional improv theatre and school treat your staff with a little more respect, improve the professionalism of your teachers and remodel the facilities

I started taking classes at iO shortly after moving to LA, and I am beyond grateful for the experiences I’ve had here and the doors it has opened for me as an actor.
First, actor stuff: Before taking classes at iO, I had taken one or two improv classes as a part of my BFA, but I was definitely not comfortable with the whole improv thing. Level 1 got me hooked, and as I made my way through the program, not only did I fall in love with improv, I noticed an immense improvement in all of my auditions. Taking improv classes helped me find my comedic voice and settle in to my type, but it also helped me to become comfortable just being myself. iO is great about getting their students up on stage and performing ASAP. I have the opportunity to perform several times a month on the mainstage and in the other theatres as well! Also, the relationships I’ve formed at iO have led me to auditions for network pilots and television shows AND gotten me booked on an FX sitcom. Woo!
On a personal level, the friends I’ve made at iO are kick ass. I am excited to go to class every week because I get to play with my friends. The community of students, teachers and performers at iO is supportive, down to earth and hilarious, and I couldn’t be happier with the group of people I surround myself with. I definitely feel as though I’ve found my place of people who «get me» in a city that can often feel gigantic and lonely.
Long story short, iO is great. Take classes. See shows. You’ll be happy you did.

This place is amazing! Not only are all the shows amazing improv, but classes here are great as well. I’m not even done taking Level 1 yet and I’m happy to write a review about how wonderful they’re going. It’s really reasonably priced and classes are 3.5 hours so you definitely get a lot of practice time AND what you pay for. Yes. I took improv as an actor at first but it’s going into so many other aspects of my life, like listening and not being afraid to stand up and say what you feel.
I was terrified of improv because I really don’t like the unknown and I was just chicken but after taking some classes here I can tell it’s changing me in a good way. One of the first things Brian (my teacher) said was that you are valid and what you say is enough but you are enough. How amazing is that?! Nothing gives you confidence, validity and makes you think like improv does. But it’s fun and that’s the most important thing. I’m super stoked to continue taking classes here– if you’re looking to grow as a human being, this is the place!
Now on to the shows! Everyone here is so incredibly talented– any one of the shows you see will be an amazing night. One of my favs is Cook County Social Club– those guys are amazing. And of course Beer, Shark, Mice is always a crowd favorite (and reasonably so!) The other cool thing is that they have people that are taking classes perform in cagematches so you get to see the growth and the illustration of these classes right before your eyes. It’s amazing. Plus, it’s so much cheaper than any other theater I know of. $ 5 on a weekday and $ 10 on a weekend plus only $ 5 for valet AND cheap drinks. Come on! Quality improv at a reasonable price! You won’t be disappointed.

My friends were in a cagematch at the Monday night Cherry Crush for well over a year and I went to see them once and was hooked. I went pretty much every week after that. In fact, all the shows I’ve seen at iO were pretty freakin’ hilarious. Not to mention there’s a bar in the theater so you can mingle with the players afterwards.
I took a few classes at UCB a few years ago and thought I’d give improv another try, so I went to iO since I loved the shows so much. DEAR GOD did it change my entire outlook on the world of improv. Not only am I not afraid to go up anymore, but I feel like I finally understand what improv is all about and how to execute it. I’m having the time of my life at a thing I’ve always dreaded doing! Especially in my level 3 class now with Paul Vaillancourt. You really get your money’s worth with this powerhouse of an improvisor. He knows more about improv than any human being I’ve ever met and he explains it in an easy to understand way. He even sends out emails with notes after every class.
Very long review short. I love it here. If you’re a first time improvisor, I HIGHLY recommend starting here. Great community of people. Love, love, love.

Really funny shows. I was here three times and the shows in Sunday at 8pm is the best

I’d take this place over the pretentiousness of UCB any day of the week. In addition, they make it easy to get tickets ahead of time and have a bar with happy hour type specials daily. Awesome venue and my favorite of the UCB, Groundlings, Second City big 4 of Improv houses.

iO West Theater is a really fun place to see great improv and sketch comedy without paying a fortune. Improv is always difficult because you can have the best improv group in the world and they’ll still have off nights so there’s no guarantee that the show will have you falling out of your seat laughing every time. However, I’ve been to iO West a handful of times now and every time, I end up staying longer than I had planned to. The comedy here is really top-​notch and the theater is small so it feels very personal: there’s no bad seat in the house! At only $ 5 – 10 per show (with no drink minimum), no other improv in the area can compare.
They also offer improv classes, if you’re interested in getting on stage yourself! For me, I’ll stick to Unilocaling. (You can thank me later…)

I’ve studied at several theaters in Los Angeles and what I have found at iO West is a fantastic and supportive community. In addition to an excellent teaching staff who ground you in relationships, emotion and character choices, there are tons of opportunities for students to perform in the DCT and Loft theaters. In addition, every night there are great shows on the Main Stage.
My personal recommendations:
Take Brian O’Connell. At least once in your life if you care about being better at improvising. Same goes for James Grace.
See Dasariski. See King Ten. See HeyDey. See Dr. God. See Beer Shark Mice. See Mo and Tell. See Weirdass.
Go to the festivals. Enter the festivals! Go to cage matches. Enter cage matches!
Five stars cause I mean it.