Have you ever seen Who's Line is It Anyway? To those of you outside the realm of the Theater World, this wacky "game show" hosted by Drew Carey may be your only exposure to the art form of Improv. For aspiring actors, like myself, Improv is a way of life. So I was thrilled to discover a group in Beijing that loves to do Improv as much as I do!

According to their website , "Beijing Improv is an amateur Theatre Sports Style Improv group started in November 2006 dedicated to laughing until it hurts. We have a performance troupe that puts on regular shows every month and we run an open bilingual beginner's workshop every Wednesday."

I had the pleasure of attending the workshop last Wednesday and I must say, it was a blast! The thing I like about this group is that even though it is an amateur group, the people who are there really love what they are doing. And they really care about theater performance as an art form. Improv is not easy. It takes a lot of guts to get up in front of a group and make a fool out of yourself. Though, many of us expats have no trouble doing so on a weekend night in the local laowai bar and club. But performing is a different beast. At the workshop, participants learn how to create a character, suggest a location, and tell a story all within a short scene that they make up on the spot. No script writing allowed!

It's called Theater Sports because that's really what it is--a game. And it takes practice and exercise to improve on the game you play. In order to be really good for the big game, you have to practice the skills and techniques necessary for success.

Whether you are a professional actor, or just like to try something new and fun, I recommend this workshop. The folks there are serious and sincere about performing and there is no pressure to do anything you don't want to do. At the end of the cycle of workshops, the Improv Troupe holds a performance once a month. These shows are the culmination of all the skills learned in the workshops as well as simply a hell of a good time.

Here's some more information from the website:

When : Wednesday night 8:00pm to 9:30 pm Where : JiangJingJiu Music Bar, between Drum Tower and Bell Tower on the west side of the parking lot. Tel : 8405 0124

Cost: These workshops have a minimal fee if you're not a member. Why? We aren't out to make money (we don't), but rather, a small fee and a membership option is the easiest and most effective way to insure that people come regularly so that we can build trust and rapport between actors, and make sure everyone experiences optimal progress in their improv skills! Members: Free Drop-in: 20RMB 4 classes: 50RMB

Membership: • Submit 100RMB deposit, and after attending at least 5 out of the 8 sessions we will refund your deposit • You can only sign up within the first 3 weeks of a cycle • Privileges: • Unlimited free first classes for any of your friends • Discounted drinks: 10RMB/beer, 10RMB soft drinks, 15RMB/draft • Participation in a performance at the end of the cycle!

Better see you there!