Become a better listener
Improve your communication skills
Increase self-awareness & emotional intelligence
Strengthen your confidence
Find friends and make connections
An inclusive artistic community
To create joy, laughter, and meaning through the work of performance
To hone your skills as a professional performer
A creative home
Connection with other performers
Enjoy our strong, safe, & inclusive community
Come just to play or hone your skills
Perform in local Asheville venues
Gain confidence and learn how to trust
Laugh, a lot
Misfit Improv and Acting School was founded by Gillian Bellinger, an improviser and actor with 20 years of experience in Minneapolis, Chicago and Los Angeles.
As artistic director, Gillian brings a depth of experience as a performer. Her passion is exploring the ways that performance can serve each of us, how improv and acting can support everyone, and creating a community of belonging.
Missing a class is understandable. If you're going to miss a class, just let your teacher know. You may be able to sit in on another class within two weeks of your missed class. Please note that missed classes won't be refunded or rescheduled.
For parking, please use the Roots & Wings parking lot. If the lot is full, use the gravel parking lot located by the Misfit street facing door at 567 Fairview Rd.
If late, there is a doorbell labeled Misfit located to the left of the loading dock door. Ring the doorbell and someone will come down to let you in.
We start by creating a comfortable and supportive environment where everyone can feel at ease. You'll get to know your fellow classmates and our experienced instructors. The class typically begins with some warm-up exercises designed to help you loosen up, build confidence, and tap into your creativity. Then, you'll participate in fun and interactive games and exercises that gradually introduce you to the core concepts of improvisational theater. Don't worry if you're a beginner; our classes are tailored to accommodate all skill levels, so you can expect a fun and fulfilling experience regardless of your prior experience with improv.
Please note, while not ideal, the Misfit space does have a flight of stairs that folx will need to use to enter the performance space. If you are attending a Jam or a Lab at the Wesley Grant Southside Community Center, the space is accessible.
We always recommend that people start at Short Form Improv 101. We do this for a variety of reasons.While many folks have taken classes at other places, Misfit has it's own style. We also want our students to build community, and starting with a group of people is often the best way to do that. Improv and Acting are a practice, just like yoga. So while the games or exercises might not change, we do, and the way we approach them changes the more experience we have.