Welcome to Seoul City Improv!

Whether this is your first time trying improv or you've been doing it for years, we're glad you're here.

Our community includes people with different backgrounds, experience levels, languages, and interests. You don't need to be an experienced improviser, and you don't need to be interested in performing in shows to take part!

This page covers what you need to know to get started, how we work together, and where to find more information.

1. Your First Sunday Session

What are Open Sessions?

Sunday Open Sessions are the heart of Seoul City Improv and, as our primary community building activity, is the best way to get involved. They're a mix of workshop, practice session, and improv jam where we play games, work on our skills, and improvise together.

Please note: Our Open Sessions are meant to be participatory, if you are just here to watch, we encourage you to come check out our shows instead (see our calendar for details)! 

What should I know before arriving?

  • When: Every Sunday, 6-9pm

  • Where: Funtastic Theater / Basement, 17-6, Hangang-daero 48-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

  • What to wear: Wear something comfortable that doesn’t restrict movement and comfortable shoes that stay securely on your feet.

  • Experience: Folks of all levels are welcome!

  • Language: Our events are all in English unless otherwise noted!

What to expect at Open Session

Sessions begin with introductions and warm-ups before going on stage. Around half-time, we have a break time (members will check-in and pay for the sessions). Afterwards, we will continue on-stage exercises until the end of the session! 

Afterwards, we often hang out at the venue, or sometimes go out to a bar or restaurant. 

Our venue has a water dispenser in the kitchenette by the stage, but feel free to bring food (within reason!) or drinks (alcohol is allowed, but may only be consumed by those of legal drinking age). 

Sessions are 5,000 KRW, and free your first time! 

2. How SCI Works

SCI has a few different activities, each serving a different purpose.

Sunday Open Sessions

Open Sessions are our core community gathering. They're where we practice, play, learn from each other, and build relationships as improvisers.

Regular participation helps you get to know other members, become familiar with how we work, and develop your skills over time.

Classes

SCI offers structured 8-week improv courses for people who want to develop their skills through a more formal learning environment.

Our courses include levels such as Improv 101, 201, and more. See our website or talk to one of our leaders for more information!

Classes can be a great way to learn, but taking a class and participating in Open Sessions are different things. If you want to become part of the regular community, come to Open Sessions!

Shows

SCI also organizes public improv performances, including short-form and long-form shows.

Shows are a chance to share improv with an audience, but not every member performs in show. Performance opportunities have their own requirements and casting processes, explained below.

3. How We Work Together

Improv works best when people feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and trying things they wouldn't normally try. We want SCI to be a place where people can do that.

Here are a few things we ask of everyone:

Support your scene partners

Listen to what other people contribute, build on their ideas, and help set your scene partners up for success. Improv is a collaborative activity, not a competition to be the funniest person in the room.

Make room for others

Be mindful of how much space you take up, both onstage and during group activities. Give other people opportunities to contribute, especially those who are newer or less comfortable jumping in.

Respect people and their boundaries

Treat fellow members, guests, facilitators, and organizers with respect. Respect personal boundaries and consent, both onstage and offstage. Being in an improv scene does not mean someone has agreed to every kind of interaction or subject matter. Avoid physical contact without prior consent. 

Additionally, if a scene’s content or subject matter is not a good fit for you:

  • If you are in the scene, ask to pause the scene and ask the leader to move on from it.

  • If you are observing, feel free to leave the room, take a break, and then talk to leadership about it. 

Perform with confidence

Make bold, interesting choices onstage, and play at the top of your intelligence. Improv can be uncomfortable, and that's often where the most compelling moments happen. When you feel able to, lean into that discomfort and take creative risks. Challenge yourself and your scene partners, but never at the expense of others. Bold choices should create interesting scenes, but not rely on punching down, stereotypes, or disparaging people based on who they are.

Help maintain a positive environment

Follow the instructions of session leaders and show organizers, and communicate respectfully when problems arise. If something makes you uncomfortable or you have a concern about someone's behavior, you can raise it with SCI leadership.

Furthermore, we do not use any physical props in improv. Participants are to refrain from using or removing any personal belongings (phones, wallets, glasses, etc.) or articles of clothing (shirts, pants, shoes, jewelry, etc.) while on stage. 

These expectations apply to our sessions, classes, shows, and broader community activities.

Please read the full SCI Code of Conduct for our community standards and guidance on raising concerns.

4. Getting More Involved

You don't need to do everything at once. Find the parts of SCI that you enjoy, and get involved at your own pace.

  • Attend Open Sessions: Come regularly to practice, meet people, and develop your skills.

  • Take a class: Explore structured training if you'd like to learn more about improv.

  • Watch a show: See what SCI performers do onstage and support the community.

  • Stay connected: Join our community chat and follow our announcements.

  • Contribute: As you get to know the group, look for opportunities to help with events, shows, or other community activities.

You don't have to perform onstage to be a member of the SCI community. If you enjoy practicing improv and spending time with the group, that's reason enough to be here.

5. How Shows and Casting Work

If you're interested in performing, that's great! Here's what you should know.

SCI's shows are organized by different people and teams, and casting decisions depend on the particular show. We aim to put on strong performances for paying audiences while creating opportunities for members to develop as improvisers.

Open Sessions and casting

Regular participation in Sunday Open Sessions is an important part of becoming involved in SCI performances. Open Sessions give you opportunities to practice, work with other members, and demonstrate your consistency and preparedness over time.

Open Sessions are not auditions, and attending a certain number of sessions or classes does not guarantee a role in a show.

Classes and experience

Some performance opportunities have training or experience requirements. SCI courses can help you develop the skills needed for particular shows, and relevant prior experience may also be considered where appropriate.

Want to perform?

Start by attending Open Sessions regularly, practicing with the community, and letting the relevant organizers know you're interested.

You can request Performance Feedback from SCI leadership. This is an opportunity to get a better understanding of what you're doing well, what may currently be holding you back from being cast, and what you could work on as an improviser.

For the full details, including eligibility and casting procedures, as well as requesting performance feedback, see the SCI Performance & Casting Policy.

6. Stay Connected

The easiest way to stay up to date is to follow SCI's official communication channels.

Check the relevant channels for announcements, schedule changes, and opportunities to participate.

See You at Open Session!

Thanks for taking the time to get to know SCI. You don't need to have everything figured out before you start. Show up, participate, get to know people, and give yourself room to learn.


We're glad you're here, and we look forward to improvising with you!