Correction: The original version of this article published on Oct. 4 contained an error. The Improv Space is leasing the building from a pre-existing theater.
If you have lived on campus for more than a quarter, chances are that you’ve walked right past The Improv Space many times and never realized it. Tucked in between the rows of shops on Gayley Avenue, just two doors down from In-N-Out, the theater’s inconspicuous blacked-out windows are easy to miss. However, inside the mysterious exterior lies an intimate, nonprofit theater catering specifically to the UCLA and Westwood communities.
The Improv Space, or “The Space” as its regular patrons call it, was officially created in October of last year after the building was leased from another pre-existing theater. It has become a stage for many art mediums, including art shows and monthly open mikes for both musicians and stand-up comedians. However, The Space is mainly, as its name suggests, an improvisational theater venue, hosting weekly improv shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, featuring a variety of different improv teams, many of which perform nationally. The Improv Space will be hosting its Welcome Week from Oct. 4-10, with free improv shows every night beginning at 8 p.m. and free improv classes on Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m.
Though it’s a relatively new theater, The Improv Space hopes to establish itself as a popular destination within the Westwood and UCLA community.
“We’re very passionate about creating a sense of community,” said Ashley Opstad, a co-owner as well as the artistic and managing director of The Space. “Theater is built around the idea of community, and in a sprawling city like Los Angeles, that can sometimes be hard to find.”
The Space prides itself on its attitude toward improv comedy, especially its creative and unifying aspects.
“For us, improv is about creating with others, coming together with friends and performers, and creating something that has never been done before,” Opstad said. “It allows us to learn and grow through comedy.”
The performers at The Improv Space say they believe that improv can be an entertaining and exhilarating experience for both the comedians and the audience.
“In my opinion, improv is the greatest pre-game activity,” said Chris Reinacher, alumnus and a performer with the improv teams The Board and The Wait List. “(I encourage students to) come have fun with a random group of people and invent something together.
When you walk out of an improv show, it gets you in the spirit where you want to be spontaneous, joke around and do what you just saw on stage.”
In addition to providing a forum for improv performances, The Improv Space also offers a range of improv classes. The classes approach the subject of improv in a way consistent with the theater’s distinct philosophy.
“Every theater has its own way of teaching. Here at the Improv Space, they really focus on storytelling and developing relationships in a scene,” said Alonya Eisenberg, a fourth-year history student and performer with the improv teams Token Boy and My Favorite Customer. “There is no pressure to try to be really witty or funny, and by removing that mental pressure, you become more witty and funny.”
The staff at The Space describes next week’s free classes as an opportunity for any students who have even a faint interest in improv to come see what The Improv Space is all about.
“If you have any interest in improv, or any interest in being a better public speaker, or even being better at interacting with people, then please check out our classes,” said Simon Wiscombe, alumnus, a member of the improv team The 400 Cat, and the director of education at The Space. “All those kinds of skills are skills that improv classes can translate to.”
The Improv Space hopes that its Welcome Week will reach a larger UCLA audience and expose the surrounding community to its distinct brand of improvisational comedy.
“I definitely encourage UCLA students to come see what we’re all about,” Eisenberg said. “Even if you don’t think you’re a funny person or you’ve never been drawn to acting, involving yourself in improv theater might end up being the best thing you ever did.”