At Finest City Improv, our community of students and performers is our highest priority. Our primary focus is creating a “return-worthy” experience where everyone is a member of our fun, creative, and inclusive community. At FCI everyone is friendly and welcoming. There’s no place for big egos here.

IMPROV RECHARGES MY “LIFE BATTERY…”
FCI has become more than a class, theatre, or an institution for me. This little community is part of me now, part of my life, and my family.  It makes my life better and recharges my life battery every weekend.

Amir R., graduate and Clubhouse member
Work-study students and some classmates between shows.

Improv is the most fun when there is a great balance between time in the classroom learning, time on stage performing, and time outside the theater having fun with friends. Our instructors have been trained to ensure everyone is included and valued. We offer a work-study program for students interested in learning stage mangement, box office management, or other theater skills while earning credits towards classes.

INSTANTLY HAVE A NEW GROUP OF FRIENDS
Shows, workshops, classes and friends. You will find them all at Finest City Improv. New to San Diego with no friends? Take a class and you will instantly have a new group of friends.

Jason C.
Level 1 students after their first time on stage in their Greenhorn show! Everyone gets an “I said yes, and…” t-shirt to celebrate their accomplishment.

We invite students to get on stage before they even finish Level 1 and continue to give opportunities to keep getting on stage with class shows, jams, Greenhorn shows, Bingo shows, graduate programs, and formation of indie teams. In addition to bonding with your class and/or teammates you can join us for regular community events like mixers at local breweries, beach bonfires, kick-ball and basketball leagues, and Pride events.

Join our Facebook group to hear about or share events!

Graduate team Big Shoes won Best Picture at the San Diego 24-Hour Film Festival 2019!

Each term we hear from dozens of happy students about how improv has helped them in all aspects of their life and brought them more joy. Check out our monthly student spotlights, short video interviews where we introduce some of our most inspiring students.

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Graduates

One of many of our level 6 classes on graduation night.

Graduates are students that have successfully completed all 6 core improv classes. Many have gone on to join our Clubhouse, House, or Pro League teams.

Open to see the list of over 300 graduates!

*current or former house team member
**current or former Clubhouse member
***current or former pro league

Adam Anderson
Adam Bishop
Adam Lane
Aidan Carroll
Alara Chilton
Alden Rothe
Alex Cantatore**
Alex Fitzpatrick**
Alex Johnson
Alex Navarro
Alissa Walters
Allie Kiekhofer
Allison Hoskins
Allyson Brenner
Amanda Kendall
Amanda Lawrence
Amanda Mulder
Amber Largent
Amir Razeghi**
Amy Nicole*
Amy Pagano
Andi Docktor
Andrew Davis
Andrew Zhao
Andy Grubb*
Andy Robinson
Angela Hearne
Angellyne DePerio***
Anita Gebbie
Anna Lin
Anna Strahl
Anthony Padron
Anushree Singh
Arbora Resulaj*
Ariana Brin
Ariel Weingarten
Arto Jaakola
Asaf Presente
Athena Sees
Audrey Geiger*
Austin Beals
Austin Gontang
Austin Mabrouk
Babel Barm**
Barbara Woo
Beau Humphries
Becca Penninga
Becky Graul**
Ben Clark
Ben Motten
Bernadette Hill
Bhuwan Dhinga
Bianca Zachary
Blake Piepho
Bob Gordon
Bobby Shrader
Brenda Johnson
Brian Gaul
Brian Gebbie
Brighid O’Brien*
Brock Bertloff
Brooke Clifford
Bruce Thomas
Caitlin Munson
Caleb Queern
Carleigh Poindexter
Carole Seitz
Chad Makings
Charles McCoy
Charlie Alegria
Chaz Foster*
Chris Ansoff*
Chris Villegas
Chrisine Kachulis
Christina Perry*
Claire Kreger-Boaz
Clara Bard
Cody Littlefield
Colleen Kleinberg
Corey Levitan
Cory Brin*
Craig Lester
Craig Sutton
Dalia Ramirez
Dan Steinman
Dangilo Bonilla
Daniel Shaw
Daren Le
Darren Cunningham
Dave Goldberg
Dave Lesinski*
Dave Lindsey
David Haboud
David Kelly
David Slattery**
Davina Chavez
Dean Sage
Derek Bega
Deven Perkins
Diana Gruber
Diane Masser-Frye
Diane Rachel*
Dilanka Wettewa
Disa Murphy
Doug Vaughn
Douglas Burke
Drea Elyse*
Dustan Kessel*
Eduardo Velasquez
Elisa Ellis*
Eliza Dawson
Elizabeth Schalo
Ellen Micka
Elwin Warsh*
Emily Alpert
Emily Burke
Emily Burns
Emily Mason
Ender Davis
Eric Durbin*
Eric Goodwin
Eric Huber
Eric Vik
Erica Bender
Erica Clermont***
Erica Oberbauer
Erika Gonzalez
Erika Toraya
Erin Rempala
Eugene Beronilla
Fernando Baez
Gabe Abano
Gaby Reisberg
Geoff Stone
Garon Williams
Goscia Castaneda
Gregory Massey
Hayden Harrower*
Heather Barton
Heather Johnston
Heather Larabee*
Henry Kaylin
Hudson Reynolds*
Ian De Vlaming
Ibrahim Elshamy**
Irina Navasartyan
Iris Magid**
Jack Acayan
Jacqueline Liu
James Bonkowski
James Boyden
James Polanco
Jason Broad
Jason Dorwart
Jason Erickson
Jason Malamut
Jason Neel**
Jason Ott
Jason Re
Jeff Birnbaum
Jeff Gould
Jen Ables
Jen Cole***
Jenn Wessels
Jennie Olson Six*
Jennifer Garcia-Lopez
Jennifer Lane
Jennifer Mason
Jessa Spainhower
Jesse Suphan***
Jessica Carboni
Jessica Crossman
Jessica Farber***
Jessica Hernandez
Jessica Len
Jill Badonsky
Jill Fader
Jill Weisberg
JillAnne Aden**
Jim Taylor
Joe Borriello
Joe Pena*
Joey Partynski***
John Beaton
John Boaz*
John Dewolf*
John Lekos
John Navilliant
Jon Anthony*
Jon Berdnarkawiz
Jon Fink
Jon Wright*
Josh Garcia
Josh Shields**
Josh Weiner
Joshua Bowersox
Joshua Rosenthal
Juan Reyes
Julia Maushart
Julia Shapiro
Julia Simone
Julius Ravelo***
Justin Hoskins
Justin Mogerman
Kamila Gornia
Kara Camden
Kasey Pearl Lee*
Kathryn Schellinger
Kathy Devine
Kathyrn Outlaw
Katia Paramonova
Katie Brady
Keith Duell
Kelly Copeland
Kelly Curran
Ken Grimes
Ken Pirondini
Kent Clark
Kevin Espiritu
Kevin Huang
Kevin Langdon***
Kevin Schmidt
Kirk Faulkner
Kory McKiou**
Kristine Kilanski
Kyle Harman
Laura Izbicki
Lauren Bosse
Lauren Flynn*
Lauren Powers
Leslie Jordan
Leslie Murray
Lety Bombardier
Lisa D’alessio
Lisa Farnan
Lisa Williams
Lori Fogle*
Lorna McMurray
Lynne Goodman
Mandy Griffith
Mandy Sullivan
Marcus Olszowy*
Margaret Dilloway**
Marguerite Whitten
Maria Ramirez
Marin Morales
Mario Ross
Mark Acayan
Mark Rachel**
Mark Scacchetti
Martha Barnette
Marti Kimball
Marty Burtwell
Mary Rhoads
Matt Fellows
Matt Myron
Matt Szczublewski
Matthew Novinsky
Matthew Stratton
Melinh Nguyen
Melissa Morales
Melissa Slawson**
Meshell Zwicker
Michael Armstrong
Michael Davis
Michael Ellison**
Michael Romero*
Michael Ruhl
Michelle Ables*
Michelle Lassigne
Mickey Zeichick
Miedy Bishop
Mike Nieto
Miles Rosemire
Missy Gurga
Nam Nguyen
Nancy Langdon***
Natalie Guerra
Nhieu Duong
Nichole Perri
Niina Lobbestael
Niki Kalmus***
Nikita Lindsay
Nikki Stevens*
Nina Ghatan
Nixon Morada
Ophira Shalev
Paco Calderon
Page Carman*
Paul Lewallen
Paul Wisecaver
Pete Olsen
Phil Decker
Phil Touche
Pranav Mutatkar
Preston Bennett
Rachel Darvas
Rachel Groner
Rachel Scallan
Randy Salgado
Rafee Jajou
Ravi Dandu
Raymond Tung
Richa Bhargava
Robert Bikwemu
Robert Garza
Robert Mollin
Robin Lipton
Ron Donoho
Ron Rice
Ryan Altman
Salma Soliman
Sara Leibelshon
Sara Solomon**
Sarah Flocken
Sarah Hershberger-Valencia
Sarah Holland
Sarah Pugh
Sarah Swanson
Scott Hoffman
Scott Trepper
Seamus Scanlan***
Sean Andrews
Sean Glass*
Sean O’Connell
Shanti Ducoeur
Shilpa Pryor
Silvia Diffenderfer*
Skyler Katz
Skyler Lee*
Sofia Daher*
Sola Wasef**
Soma Bhadra
Stacey Willard
Stephanie Cunningham
Stephen Bowers*
Stevie Roder
Steven Hanson
Steven Walsh
Subrai Pai
Susan Wiczynski
Suzie Ziser
Tai Tran
Taylor Elliot
Tara Johansen
Tara Tanna
Taryn Tyler
Terrence Moran
Tess Karesky
Tessa Mcdonnell
Thomas Mulica
Tina Rose*
Todd Sargeant
Tommie Wiczynski
Tommy Mooney
Tony Dostert
Travis Wilson
Tristan Cole**
Ty Haeber
Valerie Maas*
Vera Didur
Victoria Koenitzer
Victoria Ravelo
Victoria Rodriguez
Vince Kotchian
Ward Han
Wells Oliver
Whitney Reade
Whitney Seymour*
Zach Kreinbrink***
Zev Rubenstein

I never want it to end!

This class has been one of the most eye opening, encouraging, and hysterical experiences I’ve ever had. I am never ready for class to end and I look forward to it each week... It is safe to say, improv is my new favorite hobby.

Chris Jajou

2014-08-10T17:48:45-08:00

Chris Jajou

This class has been one of the most eye opening, encouraging, and hysterical experiences I’ve ever had. I am never ready for class to end and I look forward to it each week... It is safe to say, improv is my new favorite hobby.

courageous, spontaneous, and comfortable

I started improv to laugh more and to help me socially - I didn't know anyone in San Diego so a reason certainly was to meet people and become part of the community. Improv still scares me, but everyday when I think about how far I've come and how many more risks I take. Plus I do laugh a lot more.

Niki K.

2016-02-05T15:32:14-08:00

Niki K.

I really did it to challenge myself and to do something totally outside of my comfort zone. I'm finally a person on the stage performing instead of someone in the audience longing to be that "courageous, spontaneous, and comfortable with themselves."

Enriches My Soul


Improv classes at FCI have given me a community, self-confidence and in the cheesiest sense, enriched my soul. This should be #1 on everyone’s bucket list!

Anushree Singh

2019-06-24T12:11:33-08:00

Anushree Singh

Improv classes at FCI have given me a community, self-confidence and in the cheesiest sense, enriched my soul. This should be #1 on everyone’s bucket list!

Finest City does a lot of be inclusive of new students

"Finest City does a lot to be inclusive of new students and warm. The classes are just so much fun and instructional."


Lisa R. Nelson

2021-09-08T00:39:49-08:00
"Finest City does a lot to be inclusive of new students and warm. The classes are just so much fun and instructional." Lisa R. Nelson

One of the best decisions I’ve ever made

I was going through a divorce and realized that I could look at this as an opportunity to make a huge change to bettering myself and my life... Love, joy, friends, fun, teamwork,  self-improvement, community, wild opportunities...all because of improv!

Amy Nicole

2014-08-26T11:23:38-08:00

Amy Nicole

My life was changing, and improv helped me find self improvement, fun, and a family.

Extremely supportive teachers!

I started taking classes from Finest City and I've been in love with improv ever since! The teachers at FCI are extremely supportive, creating a classroom environment where there's never a wrong answer!

Lauren Rice

2014-08-10T18:42:48-08:00

Lauren Rice

The teachers at FCI are extremely supportive, creating a classroom environment where there's never a wrong answer!

Creative flood gate


Improv class opens the creative flood gate that spills over into all aspects of life!

Joshua Garcia
Software Consultant
2019-06-24T12:05:44-08:00
Joshua Garcia
Software Consultant
Improv class opens the creative flood gate that spills over into all aspects of life!

Everyone is equal and appreciated

The thing I love the most about FCI is that they include people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and nationalities! Everyone is equal and appreciated and improv is a positive uplifting activity.

Marguerite W., Graduate

2019-09-13T16:48:32-08:00

Marguerite W., Graduate

The thing I love the most about FCI is that they include people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and nationalities! Everyone is equal and appreciated and improv is a positive uplifting activity.

I am amazed


Every week I am amazed at what we create in class!  I look forward to class at FCI as a highlight of the week. If I miss a week, I go through Improv withdrawal.

Kel Copeland
Retired aerospace program manager

2019-06-24T12:04:50-08:00

Kel Copeland
Retired aerospace program manager

Every week I am amazed at what we create in class!  I look forward to class at FCI as a highlight of the week. If I miss a week, I go through Improv withdrawal.

Improv recharges my “life battery…”

FCI has become more than a class, theatre, or an institution for me. This little community is part of me now, part of my life, and my family.  It makes my life better and recharges my life battery every weekend.

Amir Razeghi

2017-06-19T11:07:57-08:00

Amir Razeghi

FCI has become more than a class, theatre, or an institution for me. This little community is part of me now, part of my life, and my family.  It makes my life better and recharges my life battery every weekend.

It’s magic!

These guys are dedicated and committed to fostering and growing improv skills among the finest people in the "FINEST" city! Make yourself vulnerable, get in a class, overcome your fear and tap into your creativity! It's magic!

James L.

2017-09-24T10:06:00-08:00

James L.

These guys are dedicated and committed to fostering and growing improv skills among the finest people in the "FINEST" city! Make yourself vulnerable, get in a class, overcome your fear and tap into your creativity! It's magic!

Come out of your shell and have more fun.

After having to act like an adult all day, its refreshing to come to class and be able to open up and "play" like I did as a child. I would recommend improv classes at Finest City to anyone that simply wants to come out of their shell and have more fun in their lives!

Elwin Warsh

2016-01-08T15:59:14-08:00

Elwin Warsh

After having to act like an adult all day, its refreshing to come to class and be able to open up and "play" like I did as a child. I would recommend improv classes at Finest City to anyone that simply wants to come out of their shell and have more fun in their lives!

We all became friends

It has been a joy to take your level 1 improv class! Thank you for teaching such a kick-ass improv class! It was a ton of fun and I really enjoyed it and I was amazed at how quickly we all became friends. FCI has what I have found to be essential to any art form - a performance space, great teachers, and a positive community.

Daniel Steinman

2014-10-13T11:39:56-08:00

Daniel Steinman

It has been a joy to take your level 1 improv class! Thank you for teaching such a kick-ass improv class! It was a ton of fun and I really enjoyed it. What a friendly, positive community the FCI crew have put together. I was amazed at how quickly we all became friends!

What we learn in improv carries over into real life, too.

I didn't know what to think about it after my first few classes, but I'm really liking it, and seeing how it improves my confidence. Besides making new friends and having fun, I'm also learning how to stretch my comfort zone, think on my feet, stay present, and build relationships.

Tommie Mooney

2017-06-19T11:11:31-08:00

Tommie Mooney

I didn't know what to think about it after my first few classes, but I'm really liking it, and seeing how it improves my confidence. Besides making new friends and having fun, I'm also learning how to stretch my comfort zone, think on my feet, stay present, and build relationships.

Also, it’s a hell of a lot of fun! 


Finest City Improv classes create such a welcoming environment for newcomers that it makes it a breeze to take that first step toward performing. Also, it's a hell of a lot of fun!

Steve M.

2019-12-05T15:40:07-08:00

Steve M.

Finest City Improv classes create such a welcoming environment for newcomers that it makes it a breeze to take that first step toward performing. Also, it's a hell of a lot of fun!

I’ve really come out of my shell!

When I first came to Finest City, I was so shy that I would panic when I was put into an unfamiliar situation. Almost a year later, I've really come out of my shell. Not only have my friendships with others deepened; it even helped me land an awesome job!

Elisa Ellis

2014-08-10T17:49:28-08:00

Elisa Ellis

When I first came to Finest City, I was so shy that I would panic when I was put into an unfamiliar situation. Almost a year later, I've really come out of my shell. Not only have my friendships with others deepened; it even helped me land an awesome job!

I fell in love with improv.

I always enjoyed improv, but never thought of doing it myself until last Fall... Initially, I looked at it as a potential tool to help me improve my teaching and become more spontaneous and engaging in the classroom. I figured I'd just take one class for the experience, and didn't anticipate that I'd fall in love with improv as I have since then.

Erin R.

2016-01-12T17:40:03-08:00

Erin R.

I always enjoyed improv, but never thought of doing it myself until last Fall... Initially, I looked at it as a potential tool to help me improve my teaching and become more spontaneous and engaging in the classroom. I figured I'd just take one class for the experience, and didn't anticipate that I'd fall in love with improv as I have since then.

More youthful, confident version of myself.

The benefits of my classes at Finest City Improv have shown up in my life, and people have noticed. It's changed the way I react to stress, as well as how I see and respond to opportunity. It's been a joy to get reacquainted with a more youthful, confident version of myself.

Apple Bridges

2020-08-04T07:11:52-08:00

Apple Bridges

The benefits of my classes at Finest City Improv have shown up in my life, and people have noticed. It's changed the way I react to stress, as well as how I see and respond to opportunity. It's been a joy to get reacquainted with a more youthful, confident version of myself.

I feel much better since I started doing improv

Since the very first moment I started doing improv I fell in love with it. This is a great tool to build your confidence, learn how to listen and support others, develop your imagination and at the same time get some laughs! My life has a different color and I feel much better since I started doing improv, and on top of that, it's an amazing community!

Marta T., student

2019-09-13T16:37:41-08:00

Marta T., student

Since the very first moment I started doing improv I fell in love with it. This is a great tool to build your confidence, learn how to listen and support others, develop your imagination and at the same time get some laughs! My life has a different color and I feel much better since I started doing improv, and on top of that, it's an amazing community!

Life-changing experience that I’ll never forget.

Level 1 was like flipping a switch in my brain that had been off since I was a child. You could very quickly see yourself growing in awareness, confidence, and playfulness. The other cool thing is that you get to see your classmates' growth right alongside you. It was one of those few precious life-changing experiences that I'll never forget.

Jon Fink

2016-01-08T15:57:55-08:00

Jon Fink

Level 1 was like flipping a switch in my brain that had been off since I was a child. You could very quickly see yourself growing in awareness, confidence, and playfulness. The other cool thing is that you get to see your classmates' growth right alongside you. It was one of those few precious life-changing experiences that I'll never forget.

Beautiful, Freeing, Expressive…

Improv puts you in a place where there are no scripts and no pre planned stories. It is a beautiful freeing expressive act that will put you into a very childlike state, free to be.  You will soon realize that there is no better place to figure out life at.

Jessica Farber

2017-06-19T11:05:34-08:00

Jessica Farber

Improv puts you in a place where there are no scripts and no pre planned stories. It is a beautiful freeing expressive act that will put you into a very childlike state, free to be.  You will soon realize that there is no better place to figure out life at.

reinvigorate your marriage


I highly recommend taking an improv class with your spouse. Learning something new with your spouse and having fun together can reinvigorate your marriage

-Anonymous

2020-02-27T12:44:41-08:00

-Anonymous

I highly recommend taking an improv class with your spouse. Learning something new with your spouse and having fun together can reinvigorate your marriage

Non Stop Laughing

In Finest City Improv classes, I love the non-stop laughing, the fun people I meet, and the hilarious, compassionate instructors!
Heidi Breuer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Literature and Writing Studies
2019-06-24T12:11:00-08:00
Heidi Breuer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Literature and Writing Studies
In Finest City Improv classes, I love the non-stop laughing, the fun people I meet, and the hilarious, compassionate instructors!

No better way to meet fun and interesting people

There is no better way to meet fun and interesting people than an improv class. Jump in, the rabbit hole is deep enough for everyone.

Carl D

2019-09-13T16:51:17-08:00

Carl D

There is no better way to meet fun and interesting people than an improv class. Jump in, the rabbit hole is deep enough for everyone.

I simply love it!

This class help in many aspects of my life. I simply love it!

Jesus M., Level 1 Student

2019-09-13T16:39:41-08:00

Jesus M., Level 1 Student

This class help in many aspects of my life. I simply love it!

Feels like home.

Finest City Improv will feel so much like home that you'll want to come here every single day of your life! What I found was THE BEST possible experience you can have in San Diego and I would recommend taking a class no matter who you are and what you do.

Mark L.

2016-02-05T12:26:06-08:00

Mark L.

Finest City fosters a chill, non-judgmental environment where you can truly have the most fun you have ever had and laugh hardest you've ever laughed.

Instantly have a new group of friends

Shows, workshops, classes and friends. You will find them all at Finest City Improv. New to San Diego with no friends? Take a class and you will instantly have a new group of friends.

Jason Casey

2014-08-10T18:44:21-08:00

Jason Casey

Take a class and you will instantly have a new group of friends.

I Needed Play…

My life was good, my days were interesting, but had gotten somewhat boring. I needed more play, more laughter, and more cool people to hang out with. Finest City Improv classes and shows rescued me from a life of quiet desperation.

Luci Dumas

2017-06-19T11:04:25-08:00

Luci Dumas

My life was good, my days were interesting, but had gotten somewhat boring. I needed more play, more laughter, and more cool people to hang out with. Finest City Improv classes and shows rescued me from a life of quiet desperation.

10/10 would recommend!


Kevin is an amazing teacher! What I like best about his instruction is that not only did I learn so much as a performer but as a whole group we really grew closer and more skilled. 10/10 would recommend!

Maggie O.

2019-12-05T15:21:19-08:00

Maggie O.

Kevin is an amazing teacher! What I like best about his instruction is that not only did I learn so much as a performer but as a whole group we really grew closer and more skilled. 10/10 would recommend!

See posts from our community on Instagram where we frequently pass the controls to community members to publish Instagram stories about their improv journey, shows, and other fun stuff.

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Community Outreach and Charitable Giving

FCI is committed to helping people find more joy in their lives both on stage and off. Over the years we have helped raise money for our friends at Innermission Productions, San Diego Pride, Casa De Amparo, and many other organizations that help thousands of San Diegans improv their lives. Our students and performers rally around each other in times of need or to help support the causes they support.