Learn improv at London's new home for improvised comedy

A group of established comedians and improvisers have set up a new theatre company and school - one which is devoted entirely to improvised comedy.

The Free Association, which has a mission statement to 'delight and inspire with a selection of the finest spontaneous funny stuff around', is now running improv courses suitable for complete beginners and professional comedians alike, as well as masterclasses for experienced improvisers; all led by some of the best instructors around.

They explain, "Want to be Funnier? Smarter? More Attractive?! You need improv! At The FA, you will discover the joy of creating engaging, dynamic and hilarious work - completely on the spot! Our long-form improv training will also teach you to be funnier, bolder and more confident - all while having the most fun you may ever have in a class."

Improv has long been established in the US, but the UK has lagged behind. However, over the last couple of years there has been a noticeable boom in British improvised comedy. Collectives like Austentatious have been packing out Edinburgh Fringe venues, improv groups such as The Noise Next Door are now being given their first TV breaks, and Radio 4 is commissioning free-form formats like Chat Show Roulette.

Established groups, with their slick free-flowing shows, may make improvised comedy look easy, but, like any artform, there are specific principles and techniques at work behind-the-scenes that need to be learnt. The Free Association say "We aim to instruct students in the basic principles of improv and, through our course system, encourage students to create their own vibrant, spontaneous work."

They add: "The skills you will develop - listening, teamwork, confidence, creativity - should be seen as vital to any performer, but more importantly, you will experience the sheer joy of playing with other people and the pleasure that comes with performing in the moment."

Graham Dickson (pictured), a Director at The Free Association and also a member of various improv groups, including Austentatious, tells BCG: "Improv is a truly joyous thing to learn. It's incredibly addictive, and for good reason. Not only does it teach you valuable life skills - listening, teamwork, acceptance, confidence - but it can be truly liberating as a performer.

"When you first get that unique buzz from improvising in front of a crowd, discovering within yourself that you do have the ability to create, endlessly, on the spot - it's a truly magical feeling. And did I mention it's outrageous, silly fun? I've never cared more about anything.

"When we set-up The Free Association, it was born out of a desire to give the London improv scene the home it deserves, but it is also an opportunity for us to spread improv to as many people as possible. I just want everyone to experience how terrifyingly joyful and joyously terrifying improv can be. I believe it's one of the most fun things you can do. If it wasn't, I wouldn't want to teach it."

The Time Out recommended group already has a stack of positive testimonials to endorse their work. For example, Mark Tindle from Duck Duck Goose says "I can't recommend The Free Association highly enough. The classes have been challenging and enlightening, but always filled with the fun and joy that should be at the heart of improv"; whilst stand-up Tom Goodliffe comments: "The level two class was a blast. O-T [teacher Michael Orton-Toliver, of Boom Chicago fame] creates a safe, supportive and most of all FUN learning environment. He gets straight to the point with his notes, leaving more time to play, which is great because the three hours race by each week anyway. The venue is ace too! I highly recommend Free Association classes."

To find out more about the courses and the instructors visit www.thefreeassociation.co.uk