Professional instruction. Small classes. Real growth.
Rocket Improv classes are taught by professional teaching artists who are also experienced improvisers. These are adults who know how to run a room, guide group dynamics, and meet kids exactly where they are. Our instructors have trained and performed with institutions like Second City, UCB, The Groundlings, and more, and they bring that same level of expectation and craft into the classroom.
We keep classes small on purpose. Smaller classes mean more stage time, more feedback, and more chances for your child to practice speaking up, collaborating, and taking creative risks in a supportive environment.
This is why families choose Rocket Improv. High-quality instruction. High-touch attention. That’s the Rocket Improv difference.
Not sure if improv is the right fit for your child right now?
Take a look at our FAQs for guidance around readiness for improv. You can also read our guide for parents of neurodivergent kids.
Spring ‘26 Classes registration is OPEN
Winter classes run from January to the end of March.
WINTER SESSION • CLASSES ONLY
Spring registration opens February 1st and classes run from April to mid-June.
SPRING SESSION • CLASSES + 1 PERFORMANCE
Fall registration opens July 1st and classes run from September to end of November.
FALL SESSION • CLASSES + 1 PERFORMANCE
CLASSES FOR KIDS
Firecrackers •1st-3rd graders
Tuesdays 4:15 - 5:00pm
Rocket Fuel • 3rd-5th graders
Tuesdays 4:30 - 5:30pm
Wednesdays 4:15 - 5:15pm
CLASSES FOR TWEENS
Jet Packs • 5th-7th graders
Mondays 4:15 - 5:15pm
Rocketeers•invite only
Mondays 5:30 - 7:00pm
Wednesdays 5:30 - 7:00pm
Location:
The Episcopal Church of St. Andrew and Holy Communion
160 W. South Orange St.
South Orange, NJ 07079
We’ll meet on Zoom in the event of inclement weather.
Spring Classes
Give a Penny, Take a Penny
Our pay-what-you-can support program for families.
If a small discount would make class more doable for your family, we offer simple, confidential coupon codes—no questions asked.
From Our Students
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Mars!
What does it feel like to perform improv in front of an audience?
It feels really exciting when people laugh at your jokes and cheer you on as a group. It’s a very different feeling performing on a stage than practicing in class in front of just your troop, but it’s a good feeling when you are able to get the audience to enjoy your shows! -
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Maisie!
What do you enjoy most about your classes?
All the laughter and fun times we have.
What does it feel like to perform improv in front of an audience?
It's not as scary as you think because everyone is always there for you and cheering you on. -
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Jackson!
How has improv benefited your day-to-day life?
I feel funnier. So either I’m funny or I’m a lot more confident.
Tell us something interesting about yourself!
I also play electric bass guitar and my 13th great-grandmother had 5 husbands, 3 of whom died within 4 years before she settled in New Amsterdam (true story)! -
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Ivy!
What do you enjoy most about your classes?
Hanging out with other kids that have the same interests as me, there’s all kinds of cool people that do improv and I like meeting new ones.
How has improv benefited your day-to-day life?
It helps me a lot with public speaking, and also makes me better at thinking on my feet. -
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Max!
What do you enjoy most about your classes?
In my classes, I most enjoy the opportunity to perform in front of others and the ability to work with other improvisers. Improv is a group activity, so the classes are a great way to practice it. Having other improvisers there got me used to an audience, preparing me for shows. The progression between the classes from when I started to now has also felt fairly natural. -
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Ziv!
What do you enjoy most about your classes?
The game murder wink💗
Tell us something interesting about yourself!
I have a snake and I love cooking and baking. -
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Sam!
What do you enjoy most about your classes?
What keeps me doing improv is the incredible people in my troupes.
How has improv benefitted your day-to-day life?
Improv (especially advanced) requires quite some confidence and learning to think on the spot, which has definitely helped me in the past few years.
Improv for Kids
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Firecrackers
OPEN LEVEL • BEGINNER THROUGH INTERMEDIATE
1st — 3rd grades
Firecrackers is a joyful introduction to improv that blends creative play with real skill-building. In a small-group setting, students learn improv through guided games that build teamwork, listening, focus, and confident use of their voices and bodies. They’ll also begin exploring storytelling and creating their first scenes together. Fall and Spring semesters culminate in a low-pressure, informal Share for families.
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Rocket Fuel
OPEN LEVEL • BEGINNER THROUGH INTERMEDIATE
3rd – 5th grades
Rocket Fuel builds on the basics of improv through creative, imaginative play in a small-group setting. Students are introduced to foundational improv skills through age-appropriate games and guided exercises, while constantly creating their own scenes and characters. Cooperative play, teamwork, and confident participation are encouraged throughout—and because this is our most active age group, we keep kids moving.
Fall and Spring semesters culminate in a low-pressure, informal Share for families.
Improv for Tweens
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Jet Packs
OPEN LEVEL • BEGINNER THROUGH INTERMEDIATE
5th–7th Grade
Jet Packs is an engaging improv class for 5th–7th graders who are ready to deepen their skills and step into more structured scene work. Through guided games and exercises, students learn core improv fundamentals including agreement, teamwork, character creation, emotional awareness, object and environment work, and confident presentation. Throughout the session, students practice games and scenes designed to be performed in front of an audience, building both stage skills and self-assurance in a supportive, small-group setting. Fall and Spring sessions culminate in a casual, informal Showcase - a short performance for friends and family.
Have a high-energy 5th grader?
Our Rocket Fuel class may be a better fit for younger improvisers who benefit from more movement-based play. -
Rocketeers
INTERMEDIATE THROUGH ADVANCED TWEENS
6th - 10th Grade
Rocketeers is an invitation-only class for students who have spent meaningful time in the Rocket Improv program and demonstrated commitment, collaboration, and readiness for more advanced work.
In this class, students deepen their improv practice through more complex exercises and advanced short-form games, while sharpening skills in listening, pacing, and group awareness. A strong emphasis is placed on ensemble-building, trust, and mutual support, allowing students to take bigger creative risks within a stable, respectful group.
Rocketeers is designed for students who are ready to move beyond introductory training and work as part of a cohesive, focused ensemble.
By invite only — for more info about the Rocketeers please visit our FAQ page
Improv for Teens
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Blast Off for Teens
INVITE-ONLY ADVANCED PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE
Improv Troupe program for advanced teen Rocket Improv students.
Blast Off for Teens is an invitation-only performance ensemble for long-time Rocket Improv students who have developed a strong sense of trust, ensemble, and shared creative language through their work together.
Students in this program function as an improv troupe, taking greater ownership of their training and artistic direction. With guidance from an experienced instructor, they collaborate on shaping their focus, refining their performance skills, and developing a group identity.
Blast Off for Teens is intended for students who are ready to commit to ongoing training, contribute actively to an ensemble, and engage in a more self-directed, performance-oriented improv experience.
By invite only.
