Improv for Teens | STFD Improv
Ages 13–17 • High School Focus • Safe & Supportive

Improv for Teens

Confidence-first improv programming for teens — designed for parents & teens, and helpful for teachers, coaches, and counsellors. Start with an Info Session, then Level 1 (non-performance), and continue through the full leadership + performance roadmap if your teen chooses.

No auditions
Open to all experience levels
Opt-in
Students can pass anytime
Skills-first
Confidence • Listening • Teamwork
Pathways
Lead • Perform • Coach (optional)
Important: Level 1 is non-performance. Teens can build skills without being put on stage. Performance is optional in later levels.

Improv Teen Info Session

Try it safely. Learn what to expect. Decide later.

A friendly, low-pressure introduction for teens (and optional parents/guardians). No performance, no pressure — just a chance to experience improv games, meet the instructor, and learn how the program works.

No auditions Observe or participate Opt-in always Parent-safe

What happens at the Info Session

  • Welcome + what improv is (and isn’t)
  • Low-pressure games to try (no solos)
  • How Level 1 works (non-performance)
  • Roadmap overview (performance + leadership optional later)
  • Q&A for teens + parents/guardians

Why parents love this

  • Confidence-building in a supportive group
  • Improves listening + communication
  • Encourages healthy risk-taking without judgment
  • Builds connection and belonging
  • Clear pathway to leadership (optional)
For educators: Improv strengthens transferable skills (communication, collaboration, adaptability) and can support student engagement and peer relationships.

Level 1: Improv Foundations (6 Weeks)

Confidence • Listening • Play • Teamwork — non-performance

What teens will learn

  • Confidence in group participation and self-expression
  • Listening and responding in the moment
  • Teamwork and supportive collaboration
  • Play, creativity, and flexible thinking
  • Emotional safety: opt-in participation and respectful group norms
No performance in Level 1: No audiences, no showcases, no pressure to be funny. This is a skills-building stage.

Who Level 1 is great for

  • Aspiring actors/drama students who want a low-pressure foundation
  • Creative teens who enjoy imagination and storytelling
  • Shy/anxious or quieter students who want a safe, supportive space
  • Leadership-minded teens building communication and teamwork skills
  • Teens curious about future performance (optional in later levels)

Teachers, counsellors, and coaches: this program can be a strong fit for students who would benefit from confidence-building, peer connection, and communication practice in a supportive environment.

Improv for Teens Roadmap

Progression is optional — students can stop after any level and still “win.”

Level 1 — Improv Foundations
6 weeks • Non-performance
Focus: Confidence, listening, play, teamwork.
Games-based improv
Structured activities that build skills safely.
Emotional safety
Opt-in participation and supportive norms.
Zero pressure
No audience, no showcase, no “spotlight.”
Level 2 — Performance Development
8 weeks + 1 teen showcase
Focus: Stage-ready skills for students who choose to perform.
Scene & character work
Build scenes with clarity and collaboration.
Stage presence
Confidence and comfort in front of an audience.
Yes, And
Support your partner and build together.

Teen performance: 1 week after Level 2 ends.

Level 3 — Leadership / Becoming the Improv Coach
8 weeks
Focus: Mentorship, facilitation, and leading activities.
Mentor & assist
Support groups and help others participate.
Lead activities
Run warm-ups and guided games safely.
Guide teams
Encourage inclusion, clarity, and teamwork.
Level 4 — The Big Production
10 weeks • Live audience show
Focus: Produce, Promote & Perform your own show!
Promote your show
Audience-building and community outreach.
Produce the show
Planning, roles, and show structure.
Perform live
A real audience, real confidence, real growth.
Graduation & Certifications
After Level 4
Upon completion of Level 4, teens are certified in:
Novice Performer Novice Coach Novice Producer

For more information visit Shutthefrontdoor.ca

FAQ

Parent-safe answers. Teen-friendly clarity.

Does my teen need experience or acting skills?

No. The program is designed for beginners and supports a wide range of comfort levels. Level 1 is skills-first and non-performance.

What if my teen is shy or anxious?

This is one of the most common reasons teens join. We use opt-in participation, supportive group norms, and structured games so students can build confidence at their own pace.

Is Level 1 a performance course?

No. Level 1 has no audiences, no showcases, and no pressure to perform. Teens can build skills safely within the group.

When does performance happen?

Performance is optional and begins in Level 2 (Performance Development). After Level 2, there is a teen performance one week later.

Is this helpful for teachers, coaches, or counsellors?

Yes. Improv builds transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, adaptability, and peer support — and can be a strong fit for student engagement and confidence-building goals.

How do we register?

Use the buttons below to register for the Info Session or sign up for Level 1. If you have questions, contact us at [email protected].

Ready to get started?

Start with the Info Session (low-pressure, try-it-out), then join Level 1: Improv Foundations (non-performance).

Need a school partnership version? Email us and we’ll share the board-aligned package.