Classes
Class Information
For over 20 years, our basic improv programme has helped people from all walks of life improve their confidence, their public speaking, and their creativity. From CEOs to truck drivers, from sales people to ballet dancers, we’ve taught thousands of students the simple joy of improv as an art, business and life skill.
Whether you’re trying to break into the performing arts, hone a creative edge, or simply become more comfortable in front of new people, The Bad Dog Theatre’s improv workshops are for you. They’re FUN, the people are supportive and there’s never any pressure to do things you’re uncomfortable with. Just take our introductory improv course and we’re sure you won’t regret it. Thousands of satisfied students, students just like you, can’t be wrong. Click here to read what past students have said about our program.
Who are we? Well the Bad Dog Theatre Company is the new permanent home of Theatresports Toronto, the city’s longest continuously running improv show! We’ve been a commanding presence in the Toronto comedy community since 1982. Some of our award-winning alumni have gone on to work in stage, film, radio and television on shows like Saturday Night Live, Anne of Green Gables, The Road to Avonlea, History Bites, The Red Green Show, This Hour has 22 Minutes, Train 48, Air Farce, Sketchcom, MadTV and more!
Our faculty – all working actors – have been nominees or winners of Geminis, Doras, and Canadian Comedy Awards. As teachers and performers, they have toured across North America and Europe, and they bring their unique perspective to every class.
Let us bring more life to YOUR life. Click here for information on our next session. To book a spot in a workshop, fill in our online form by clicking here, or, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to click here and get in touch.
Where are your adult classes held?
As of January 2012, the majority of our adult classes are held at Comedy Bar (945 Bloor St. W.), with a few happening off-site at locations like Fraser Studios (115 Danforth Ave.). Our youth classes are held at Fraser Studios. Individual class locations will be confirmed upon registration.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes! Drop us an email for more information.
Do you have previous improv experience?
For anyone who has previous improv or performing experience and wants to gain entry into a Foundation class other than Level 100, an Intermediate series class, or an Advanced class; we run pre-registration workshops before each round. Once we view your work in this workshop, we will make a recommendation on a suitable class. Drop us an email to confirm a time.
Wondering where to begin?
Check out our Foundation Series — our Foundation 1 class (formerly Level 100) is the perfect introduction to improvisation. And remember, if you have any questions at all , don’t hesitate to drop us a line.
How long are your classes and how many weeks is a session?
Classes are 2.5 or 3 hours long and last 7 or 8 weeks. Usually, Sunday and Monday classes are 3 hours long and last 7 weeks due to holidays. We do not have classes during Easter, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, or Thanksgiving. We also take a four week break over the year end holidays.
How much do your classes cost?
Please see the upcoming classes page for pricing details.
Is there a discount for taking two classes?
Yep. If you take a second class in the same session, you get a discount off the second class. Some restrictions apply. Discount cannot be used with half-price Foundation classes. See the upcoming classes page for the amount of the discount.
What are your teachers’ backgrounds?
Our teachers are all highly experienced professionals, many have been involved in improv for well over a decade. Our permanent faculty includes several Canadian Comedy Award winners and nominees. We are also a member of TAAS, an organisation dedicated to “responsible, ethical, accountable, accessible, high-quality training”.
I have experience, do I have to start at the beginning?
No. Send us an email and outline your experience. Requests to start at various levels are dealt with on a case by case basis.
Do I get to perform?
Performing at the Bad Dog is a priviledge, not a right. If we feel you’ve earned it, we have a weekly student show on Fridays that you can sign up for, not once, but repeatedly. For those who like to perform, we feel you learn faster with the honest feedback of a live audience.
I’m not an actor, and I have no experience. Is that okay?
Yes. The people who take classes with us come from all backgrounds. Some are working actors but most are not. People take our classes to help with their work, gain confidence, and a host of other reasons.
Can I make up a missed class?
Yes. We really recommend you attend all your classes, however, sometimes missing a class is unavoidable. If you miss a class, you can make it up by going to any other class at the same, or lower, level. You can make up a maximum of two missed classes per term. If you have any difficulty attending a make up, email workshops@baddogtheatre.com and explain your situation.
Are course fees refundable?
Course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable except in the following case. If, after the FIRST class of your 8-week cycle you choose not to continue, you can receive a refund less a $25 administration fee. After the second class there are no refunds under any circumstances. Payment is due IN FULL ON or BEFORE the 1st day your classes begin.
How can I register and/or pay for classes?
Before attending a class at Bad Dog, you must REGISTER with the Workshop Director. Please see the upcoming classes pagefor details on how to register. After you’ve received registration confirmation from the workshop director, you must make aPAYMENT IN FULL BEFORE or ON the 1st day classes begi
- Drop off a cheque or cash IN PERSON to the Bad Dog Theatre. Please make cheques payable to ‘Bad Dog Theatre Company’. If paying in cash, make sure you give your cash to an official representative of The Bad Dog. DO NOT SIMPLY LEAVE CASH at the Front of House.
- You can mail a cheque made out to “Bad Dog Theatre” and send it to: (make sure you’re registered before mailing a cheque)Workshops
Bad Dog Theatre
Unit 22 – 918 Palmerston Ave.
Toronto, ON
M6G 2S5
I still have a question.
Send us an email.
How do I register?
You can register for classes online by clicking the register link for the class you’re interested in. If no link appears, drop us a line.
The Bad Dog Refer-a-Friend Discount
We’re pleased to announce the Bad Dog Refer-A-Friend discount. To be eligible for the discount, the following conditions apply…
- You’re only eligible for one discount per session
- Referred student must not have previously studied at the Bad Dog
- You must be in, or have taken a Bad Dog class to qualify
- The $25 is only a discount towards a future class – it has no cash value.
- Cannot be combined with any other discount (early bird rate, repeating class, CAEA/Equity discount, etc)
Make sure when your friend signs up that they give us your name and contact info. This offer is valid beginning in September 2006 until further notice.
