Magnet Training Center

It’s easy to join the chorus of UCB alums who find Magnet a refreshing change of pace, but the theater’s culture and curriculum stand tall all on their own. Magnet has consistently dedicated and professional teachers who know how to create a supporting, nurturing atmosphere. This is reflected in a student body that is more diverse (in age, gender, and race) than many other improv schools.
The musical improv program stands out to me (see Tuesday Megawatt shows for a great example), but the regular improv program is also great. The training center’s hilarious location in K-​Town (vs. Garment District/​Penn Station-​located schools) also adds something.

Come for the Musical Improv classes, stay for the summer camp. Magnet made me feel welcome in ways my precious school (not to name names) did not. I am currently in a Level 2 class in regular improv and Level 3 musical and it’s helped me build my skills immensely. Come try a free drop-​in class :)
They also have a really great intern program. I’ve been interning for almost a year and it’s paid for most of my classes.

There are many places to learn improv from.
I chose here specifically because …
1) At the time prices were slightly cheaper than the other well known improv studios. Now, the prices have been raised and it is standard all around compared to the other two well known improv studios.
2) The availability and the time slot of the classes were just right for my schedule. They offer weekday and weekend classes. I also don’t have to stay on my computer or on my phone like I did for Black Friday worrying about classes being sold out within 5 or 6 minutes of posting time.
Here’s frowning at you UCB.
SMH.
3) I did heavy research on the teachers and I find that some of the best teachers were not at the other two well known improv studios but rather right here at Magnet. For the past 8 weeks my teacher was Chet. Besides being attractive and easy on the eyes, she was very in-​depth with her curriculum. The warm up games were both fun and something I’ve gotten accustomed to. She was also quite patient with all of us as some of us weren’t all in the entertainment business primarily acting or otherwise.
4) Location was great especially for transit purpose. 4 blocks from Penn Station makes getting to and from the training center a breeze on most days other than impending weather conditions.
The class shows, that is shows performed by students completing 7 weeks of training and the final week for performance are not only FREE to everyone who likes to be entertained by improv. Seating is first come first serve.
They even offer FREE classes for the VERY beginners to show them the joy of improv.
I’m such a fan and I can’t wait until I re-​enroll for the next level come next year.