Student Handbook
This Is Improv Student Handbook: This Handbook contains information regarding This Is Improv and general policies and procedures for our students. All students should read and frequently check this Handbook as updates may occur without notice at This Is Improv's discretion. Please bookmark this page for your reference. If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact us at info@thisisimprov.com. Every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date.
About This Is Improv: We began in 2015 with the dream of bringing the creativity and collaboration of improv to Broward County. This Is Improv is a woman-owned and founded improv company. Also known as the Zadak Sisters, Angelica and Alexandra Zadak started This Is Improv in 2015 while still in college at Nova Southeastern University. They fell in love with the Chicago Styled Improv they saw and learned at The Second City.
We have accomplished that and so much more with twists, turns, and lots of improv along the way. And we are nowhere near finished yet. This Is Improv is an improv theatre, performance school, and corporate training resource. You're not like everyone else. That means your brand, voice, and sense of humor aren't like everyone else's either. At This Is Improv, we believe in the power of individuality and diversity as a means to strengthen the whole, or as we like to call it, the ensemble. With a range of shows, classes, workshops, and more, we can't wait to help you find YOUR funn
Facilities Information
On Ground: This Is Improv holds classes and performances in various locations throughout Davie, Florida. Our Drop-In and Kids and Teens Classes are held at Davie Pine Island Park Multipurpose Center 3801 S Pine Island Rd, Davie, FL 33328 and our core courses are held at the Davie Woman's Club 6551 Orange Dr, Davie, FL 33314. Classes, workshops, and shows may be held in other locations. Please check your ticket, invoice, or email to verify the location. If you have any questions regarding where to go, please email info@thisisimprov.com
Online/Virtual: This Is Improv also offers online classes. These can be taken from the comfort of your own home. No travel is necessary. These classes can be found on our website along with our in-person classes.
General Facility Information
Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing to class as well as closed-toed shoes — something you can easily move in. Most of our classes will require movement. Modifications can be made for accessibility.
Valuables: All of the facilities we use are open to the public. Never leave your belongings unattended. This Is Improv is not responsible for any lost or stolen articles.
Classes & Attendance
Attendance/Making Up Missed Classes: Students are expected to attend all classes. For an eight (8) week class, you must attend at least six (6) sessions of your class. If you miss three (3) or more classes you will not be eligible to move to the next level. Performances count towards these absences as well. If you arrive more than 20 minutes late or leave more than 20 minutes early this also counts as an absence. These terms are NOT negotiable. Students are required to be part of an ensemble. Missing your regularly scheduled class jeopardizes your involvement within the ensemble, and limits your learning at that level.
We do not offer scheduled make-up classes. After a missed class, contact your instructor to review any material and homework missed. You are expected to get assignments from your instructor and complete any homework even for weeks that you missed class. Our classes are not recorded. If you must miss considerable class time due to an emergency, please contact info@thisisimprov.com for options. These are handled case by case and on an individual basis.
Age Restrictions: Some classes are only open to students within a certain age range. This is to ensure that youth classes are divided appropriately based on content for each age group, as well as to ensure adults are not accidentally registered for children’s classes or vice versa. If a student tries to bypass the age restrictions, the student will be removed from the class.
Prerequisites: Most of our programs do not require an application or prerequisite. Higher levels in our programs and some specialty classes will require prerequisites and/or audition.
We do not offer advanced placement in any of our programs. All students are expected to start at Level 1 regardless of previous experience.
Required Classes: This Is Improv reserves the right to require additional classes for individual students as needed. Should an individual not complete any required class, This Is Improv reserves the right to hold the student back a term until the requirement is satisfied.
Students Returning from Hiatus: Sometimes a student may wish or need to take time off from their classes due to personal reasons. Should this occur, please contact info@thisisimprov.com immediately. When you return, This Is Improv reserves the right to place you in an appropriate level at its discretion. Returning students must pay the tuition rate that is applicable at the time of resuming their studies.
Auditing/Guests and Sharing Class Links: Visitors are not allowed to attend regular classes. A drop-in class would be an appropriate option for guests. Do not share your class link with anyone else. Not only is that unfair to students who have paid to be there, but it can also be dangerous and expose our classes to harassment. If you bring someone to class with you who is not a registered student, they will immediately be asked to leave.
Substitute Instructors: A substitute teacher may sometimes be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Substitute instructors will be provided with class curriculum and materials to ensure a seamless student experience. We will do our best to provide prior notice of a substitute teacher when possible. This may not always be possible depending on the surrounding circumstances.
Certificate Programs: Successful completion of the following courses in the following programs earns students a certificate: Improvisation and Sketch Writing. Digital certificates will be emailed to students by the end of the following term. Students with an outstanding account balance will not receive certificates until the balance has been paid.
Memberships: This Is Improv has memberships available for our adult improv drop-in classes. These memberships are based on an auto-pay contract. The auto-pay contract is an ongoing legal contract. After the initial contract period, your credit card will continue to be charged month-to-month until you cancel by sending a written notice to info@thisisimprov.com before your next billing date. You may also cancel your contract online through your member/payment portal. There are no refunds for memberships.
Members must register for drop-in classes to maintain a record of their enrollment and member benefits. If a member does not register for a class and the class is full, they will not be guaranteed access. They must register for class prior and receive a confirmation of class enrollment to secure their spot in class. Class enrollments are not refundable.
This Is Improv believes our students are the heart of our organization. We believe in every student's right to learn and practice their craft in an open, non-threatening, creative environment. Students are asked to help foster a creative and supportive learning environment without distractions. Students are asked to support their fellow classmates by abstaining from eating in class, using cell phones, and talking while students or teachers are talking.
Payment Policies
Tuition Policy: Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable. This Is Improv reserves the right to accept or deny any application. You, the student, are responsible for the entire tuition regardless if the tuition is paid in full or on a payment plan. Our staff is comprised of working artists just like some of you hope to be or are currently; so, please be respectful of their work, time, and talents.
Scholarships: Full and partial scholarships are available for our adult programs, memberships, as well as kids and teens classes and camps, but not for our individual Drop-In classes. Scholarships are not guaranteed. Should you receive a scholarship, it is not an indication you will automatically receive another for a future class. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information and to apply please visit the Scholarships page on our website.
This Is Improv Auditions/Instructor Positions: When audition dates are scheduled, This Is Improv will announce these through publications, flyers, and on the company website. The producers notify those actors whom they are interested in seeing in addition to accepting appointments as announced. You WILL NOT automatically be informed of the dates of general auditions. These auditions are not a place to try out your audition techniques; please audition only if you are ready and interested in working.
We cannot guarantee that graduates will be given performing or instructor positions. As a This Is Improv student you have a leg up on the competition because you are studying improvisation in the way that a This Is Improv performer/instructor needs to have studied. However, completing our programs does not guarantee a job with This Is Improv.
Standards of Conduct
Statement on Respect and Classroom Conduct: Respect is paramount in the classroom, whether in-person or virtual. We are here to work and learn together as well as support one another. Any racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, or otherwise discriminatory behavior or comments will not be allowed, and students who display such behavior may be asked to leave their class or permanently expelled, per the Discipline Policy.
Anti-Harassment Policy: Harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, is strictly prohibited. This Is Improv will not tolerate harassment by anyone, including instructors, staff, students, visitors, vendors, contractors, and third parties.
Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that unreasonably interferes with an individual’s participation in This Is Improv's programs, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.
Sexual assault is a criminal act that violates the standards of our community and is unacceptable at This Is Improv. This Is Improv’s Sexual Assault policy applies to students, instructors, staff, and visitors, as well as vendors, contractors, and third parties.
Pronouns: We encourage students to share their pronouns with their instructors and classmates if they choose. Pronouns are an extension of one’s identity and therefore deserve respect. Disrespectful behaviour in regards to Pronouns would violate our Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy and should be reported to This Is Improv. For more information on pronouns please visit: https://uwm.edu/lgbtrc/support/gender-pronouns/
Privacy Policy: This Is Improv does not permit the sharing of personal information for students and staff. This includes but is not limited to contact information such as cell phone numbers, addresses, schedules, and general whereabouts. Classmates can share contact information if they so wish. If you need to contact your current instructor or a staff member, please contact info@thisisimprov.com or the instructor/staff member's This Is Improv email address. You may post a message on the This Is Improv Discord.
Information pertaining to minors can be shared with their parents or legal guardians when appropriate only.
Relationships Between Faculty and Students: It is against This Is Improv's policy for students and instructors to engage in romantic relationships with one another. Doing so may result in disciplinary action for both student and instructor.
Personal Matters Outside of This Is Improv: This Is Improv is aware that life events and personal matters can affect a student’s participation inside the classroom setting. While we encourage students to work together for their class development, we cannot facilitate arbitration for any matters not related to This Is Improv or situations that may occur outside of our purview. If you or someone you know has a situation requiring additional help, please contact the proper authorities.
Anti-Violence Policy: This Is Improv maintains a zero-tolerance policy for violence. Acts or threats of physical violence that involve or affect our faculty, students, or staff or which occur at a facility This Is Improv holds classes, workshops, or performances, will not be tolerated.
Weapons Policy: This Is Improv prohibits all persons who enter a classroom or performance space from carrying a handgun, firearm, knife, explosive, or other prohibited weapon of any kind regardless of whether the person is licensed to carry the weapon or not. The only exception to this policy will be police officers and/or security guards. Violation of this policy is grounds for discipline, including immediate dismissal.
Drug and Alcohol Policy: Coming to class, whether in-person or virtually, under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol negatively affects your ability to learn, creates a hostile classroom environment, and shows a lack of respect towards your instructor and other students in your class. Students who do so may be asked to leave their class or program and risk permanent expulsion from This Is Improv. This policy also applies to students performing in student shows, jams, or open mics.
Complaint and Reporting Procedure: Any student who experiences or witnesses a violation of any of these policies at one of the This Is Improv facilities or in a This Is Improv classroom environment should contact info@thisisimprov.com. When applicable, the student is also encouraged to report the incident to the police and seek medical care if needed.
All concerns and complaints will be treated with confidentiality to the extent practicable without compromising the investigation and/or resolution of the matter and will be investigated thoroughly and promptly.
No one at This Is Improv may reprimand, retaliate, or discriminate against an individual for raising a concern, making a complaint, and/or participating in an investigation. Any individual who believes that they have been retaliated against in any manner should report the matter to info@thisisimprov.com.
Open Door Policy: This Is Improv is committed to providing a safe, productive, and fun educational environment for all students. Part of this commitment is encouraging an open and frank atmosphere in which any problem, concern, or question can be addressed and discussed. These can include but are not limited to educational, financial, medical, safety, or accessibility concerns.
Discipline Policy: If an instructor or other This Is Improv staff member feels that a student is engaging in behavior that is threatening, dangerous, and/or disruptive to the classroom and/or ensemble, the instructor or This Is Improv staff member may dismiss that student from their class or show. Behavior that would result in immediate dismissal includes, but is not limited to: threats or acts of violence, inebriation, violation of our Standards of Conduct, or other actions that are disruptive to the work of the class. Students dismissed from class in this manner may not return to class until they have spoken with a This Is Improv administrator. At this point a warning may be issued or, depending on the severity of their actions, the student permanently expelled. If a student is permanently removed from a class or expelled, the student may receive a refund depending on the surrounding circumstances for the current class in which they were enrolled.
This Is Improv – 954-292-2572 / info@thisisimprov.com