Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Moore.
Hi Matthew, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I opened Improv for the People in 2008 after studying and performing it myself. I found that not only was improv really fun to learn and practice, but it helped me with social skills and in my career.
Everyone should do improv; that is why I created Improv for the People. After 13 years (and going strong!), we have grown to 10 classes per week (with a little, um, break for Covid…but we’ll be back soon!) with several amazing instructors, sold-out shows, workshops, corporate training, community events, and so much more.
We are launching our new online coaching and community soon so everyone can experience IFTP, no matter where they are.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Our biggest struggle, like so many, has been managing the pandemic. But our community is strong and we are eager to return.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We certainly have our share of actors and actresses in IFTP, but our doors are open to anyone who wishes to increase communication skills, be a more confident speaker, collaborate with others, and just have fun!
I ask every member why they are interested in taking improv classes at IFTP (the first class is always free). “I am shy and want to be more outgoing in social situations”, “I get nervous when I present at work”, “I am new to LA and want to meet new, fun people”, “I love improv”, “I have no idea, but my boss said I should do this”, and more.
IFTP offers the best in improv classes in a supportive and relaxed environment. And when they are ready (and if they want), members are asked to be in shows. They sell out quickly and are hysterical. Our Main Company shows welcome celebrity guests, too.
Improv for the People plans to officially re-open classes in September.
Our home at The Pico Theater is a great fit for us. We have been a resident company at The Pico for three years and look forward to many more.
What does success mean to you?
I define success in many ways; when I see a member have an “ah, ha!” moment, that’s success! When a member tells me they nailed a presentation at work, that’s success! When our classes are over for the night and there’s an energy of respect and goodness and community, that’s success! When there is a line down Pico Blvd waiting for a show to start, that’s success!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.improvforthepeople.com
- Instagram: ImprovForThePeople
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/improv-for-the-people-los-angeles
