Youth Acting & Improv Program
New classes starting in September
Westside Improv Studio is proud to offer a youth program for children in the community who want to gain experience and confidence in performing. If you are a parent looking for a unique opportunity for your child to learn improv in a fun and safe environment, this is it!
Children will have a blast exploring lots of theater and improvisational games. Young performers will learn basic stage and acting techniques while they further develop their creativity.
Using improv techniques, your child will learn how to:
build social skills
improve confidence
learn acceptance though the YES, AND method of improv
work collaboratively in an accepting environment
develop active listening
form connections with other children
DETAILS
We have classes for Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8.
Grades 3-5 meet on Tuesdays from 4:30pm - 5:30pm.
Grades 6-8 meet on Tuesdays from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.
New Session begins September 1, 2026 and runs through October 6, 2026.
Want to be involved but can’t make it work right now? Let us know if you are interested in hearing about upcoming classes.
Meet the Teachers
Grades 3 - 5
Alyssa Barringer has been at Westside since before its first show and doesn't ever want to leave. She performs with Circus Police and Flexible Boat. She trained at iO Chicago, Theater Momentum, and the School for Theatre Creators. When she's not performing or teaching improv, Alyssa teaches Latin to children at The Greenhouse Co-school.
Grades 6 - 8
Josh Hepler has been improvising since high school, and teaching theater and improv since 2012. He’s a graduate of the Second City Conservatory, and previously performed with One Group Mind in Chicago. He holds a Bachelor’s in Communications with an emphasis in theater, and currently works as the Writing Center Coordinator at a local high school.