Do I need prior improv experience?

Yes — the prerequisite is one level at any improv school to ensure everyone shares basic vocabulary and can move into scene work quickly.

What language is the workshop taught in?

The session is taught in English; Amanda Breen teaches internationally and uses clear, actionable language.

How many people are in a class?

Group sizes are kept small to allow focused feedback; exact numbers vary by date—book early to guarantee a spot.

Is the workshop physically demanding?

No — physical demands are low but you should be comfortable standing, moving in small spaces, and using voice projection.

Bring comfortable clothing, a notebook and pen, a filled water bottle, and a readiness to make bold, specific choices.

Can I get a refund or reschedule?

Cancellation and refund policies are set by the bookable provider; check the referral link for specific terms for each date.

From Empty Space to Real Place: Amanda Breen’s Improv Workshop in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s late-summer light pools through skylights and across narrow streets — this is the practical stage for [Academy] "From Empty Space to Real Place" with Amanda Breen, a three-hour improv workshop in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. The class trains improvisers to turn empty space into specific, playable locations. Using object work, sensory detail, and scene-building exercises, the workshop teaches participants how to make setting an active partner in performance. Amanda Breen (AB) leads the session. AB is the Director of Improv and the Training Center Director for UCB and teaches at UCB NY, Second City Brooklyn, and the Brooklyn Comedy Collective. Their approach blends rigorous attention to the concrete with openness to surprise. Exercises move from short drills to extended-scene practice: locating an object’s origin, defining a place by touch and sound, and sustaining choices through scene extensions. The stated prerequisite — one level at any improv school — keeps the room at a functional, constructive pace. What makes this offering stand out in Amsterdam is its translation of urban detail into theatrical currency. The city’s canals, bridges, and constant bicycle traffic provide immediate stimulus for location-based scenes; instructors encourage using weather, pavement texture, and local rhythms as rehearsal material. The workshop highlights how relatively small physical choices—a body position, a prop handled two different ways—can alter a scene’s trajectory. That practical emphasis suits performers preparing for festivals, sketch shows, or simply aiming to expand their scene toolkits. Logistics are straightforward: three hours in the evening, designed for intermediate improvisers who want actionable tools rather than theory. Bring flexible layers for movement, a small notebook for exercises and phrases you want to save, a water bottle, and a willingness to take clear risks. Amanda’s feedback is precise and focused on what makes scenes readable and playable; you’ll leave with rehearsal drills you can reuse and a short list of physical anchors to test in future performances. Why book this while you’re in Amsterdam? It’s compact, efficient training set against a city that rewards attention to place, and it doubles as a cultural exchange with local improvisers. Whether you’re an early-career performer, a festival visitor, or a curious traveler wanting to try something active and social, this workshop offers concrete craft, actionable practice, and a chance to experience Amsterdam differently—by making its spaces speak onstage. After the class participants often gather nearby together to swap notes, rehearse new exercises, scout local venues for open mic nights, jam sessions; the workshop is therefore as much about craft as community. Expect to leave with a short, practical warm-up sequence you can use before shows, and a clearer sense of how to read a room’s physical details. Book early—spaces are limited and the format favors small groups for feedback.

About Boom Chicago

Boom Chicago is an improv theatre and comedy venue based in Amsterdam, Noord‑Holland. The company programs a wide range of live entertainment, including short-form and long-form improv shows, stand-up comedy nights, special events, and workshops through its Academy.

Boom Chicago's calendar features headline performances such as The Famous Boom Chicago Comedy Show, Improv Spectacular, Sunday Night Live, and rotating guest acts including Ed Gamble, Fábio Porchat, Laureano Márquez, and international tours like Comedy Link Up featuring Jordan Rock.

The venue offers structured training with multiple Academy levels and electives: Intro to Improv, Level 2 (The 2‑Person Scene), Level 3 (Building Character), Level 4 (Advanced Scenework and The Joy Of Short‑Form Games), and Level 5 classes focused on long‑form play and hosting. Additional Academy programming includes musical improv intensives, comedy writing electives, student shows, and public jams and community nights such as Indie Night and Sketch Comedy Night.

Special events and collaborations are part of the program lineup — examples include Magic Bingo Brunch, Boom Gone Country monthly nights, Pro Wrestling Holland Live x Boom Chicago, and themed meet-and-greets with figures like Sjaak Swart. Premier seasonal and ticketed events range from Slide Slam PowerPoint Karaoke to holiday dinner-and-comedy shows.

Located in Amsterdam, Boom Chicago presents both local community nights and international touring acts, serving audiences and students seeking live comedy, improv training, and curated entertainment in Noord‑Holland. Show dates, times, and ticket information are listed per event to help visitors plan attendance and choose performances or classes in advance online easily.