Improv changes
the story.
Learning to improvise is helping Detroit youth unlock their creativity and discover the power of their voice. That transforms how they see their potential at school and in life. Be part of the community making that possible.
We are so glad you’re here. Explore our programs. Meet our team.
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Our mission
Learning to improvise has the power to change a young person’s life.
Many Detroit students face challenges because of life circumstances beyond their control. This can contribute to academic struggles, missed school days, and lower graduation rates than their suburban peers. We’re on a mission to change that with a fun, creative, life-changing tool – Improv.
Learning to improvise is helping Detroit students build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills. It also gives young people a chance to be creative and discover what’s possible when they keep an open mind, practice, and persevere.
Students tell us improv class is where they can be themselves and not fear making mistakes. Teachers say these young improvisers attend school more regularly, participate in class, and are making academic progress. The best part: The research shows these lessons endure after improv class ends.
Programs
How we work.
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The Improv Project
Bringing free improv programs to schools and community centers.
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Improv at Home
Free online lessons to play with family & friends anytime, anywhere.
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Improv at Work
Applied improv for educators and business teams. MI educators earn SCECH credits.
Program impact
What we measure.
We participate in the YDRC Acting with Data program annually and evaluate program quality using the Weikart assessment tool. We self-report program enrollment and mission investment on Candid. A three-year University of Michigan study of The Improv Project, our school-based program for K-12 youth, has been featured in several journal articles, a book, and on national media.
1,698
Students enrolled in 2025
Up 16% from 2024
1,583
Students on full scholarship
Tuition covered by donors
60%
Students no longer reporting social anxiety after 10 weeks of improv training
U-M study | The Improv Project, 2015-19
A teacher told us
There are students getting up to play who rarely spoke in class. Now they are paying attention and participating in discussions.
— 8th grade ELA TEACHER · Detroit Public Schools