Improv 201: Game of the Scene

This class takes the next step on the improv journey, exploring the concept of “game.” In this class, students will learn how to establish patterns, heighten, and get on the same page as their scene partners. This class will also delve deeper into the elements of stage performance, and students will begin developing their own individual comedic voices. Students will focus on supporting each other, allowing themselves to be supported, and creating group rapport. I’m not saying you’ll be able to read your scene partner’s mind by the end of this class, but I’m not NOT saying it.

The course is 8 weeks long, culminating in a class show at the Hangar Theatre for a ticketed audience of friends and family. Classes are 2 hours long. Please check all the class and show dates, as we advise you not to miss more than 2 sessions total.

The class is $300 by Venmo (@ilan-kaplan) or Zelle (ilanjkaplan@gmail.com) and $315 by PayPal (link below). Flexible pricing options available, reach out to Ilan via ilanjkaplan@gmail.com.

Meets Wednesdays, 7-9pm, starting February 11, 2026. Class is offered in association with Third Place Theater, and take place at the Hangar Theatre (801 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY 14850).

Class 1: Wed, Feb 11, 7-9pm

Class 2: Wed, Feb 18, 7-9pm

Class 3: Wed, Feb 25, 7-9pm

Class 4: Wed, Mar 4, 7-9pm

Class 5: Wed, Mar 11, 7-9pm

Class 6: Wed, Mar 18, 7-9pm

Class 7: Wed, Mar 25, 7-9pm

Class 8: Wed, April 1, 7-9pm

Class Show: Thu, Apr 2, 7-8pm

Cost: $300 by Venmo or Zelle (include your name,
“Improv 201” and email address in the notes)
$315 by Paypal (to account for service fees)

Zelle to ilanjkaplan@gmail.com

PayPal

Meet Your Instructor

Ilan Kaplan is an award winning improviser, teacher, and actor, who trained at the UCB and Magnet Theater in NYC, and has an MFA in acting. He has taught and performed improv to every kind of audience in NYC, Chicago, and Ithaca. He once taught improv to Punkie Johnson (SNL) and improvised a song with Willem Dafoe.

Ilan regularly tours with his improvised show, Undressed: The Musical, which will run at the Kitchen Theatre Company Jan 21-31. You can buy tickets here.

Student Testimonials

  • "I don’t usually like to be vague but I absolutely loved every part of this class."

    Former Student

  • "Ilan did an excellent job at making people feel comfortable being vulnerable.... I was really nervous about taking the class but I had fun right from the beginning."

    Former Student

  • "The whole class was very welcoming, enthusiastic, curious, and fun— I think Ilan really helped set that tone."

    Former Student

  • "I enjoyed the class very much... [Ilan] did a good job of challenging everyone, teaching and reinforcing basic long form improv concepts, and soliciting feedback."

    Former Student

  • "This class eased me into this art form in a way that was easily digestible. The pace of the class worked really well for me. I like how we started out with simple exercises and then built on that every week. It made me feel like I can do this, and I’m so excited to continue developing my skills in improv. Thank you for that!"

    Former Student