Arts

3 reasons to take a local improv class, according to improv teachers

Presented by a BOStoday Partner

These smiles tell you everything you need to know about improv classes. | Photo provided by Improv Asylum

So, your New Year’s resolution is to try something new. If you want to actually keep your resolution, and have a ton of fun while you’re doing it, then we have two words for you: improv classes.

We asked three teachers from Improv Asylum’s Training Center to explain why taking an improv class just might be the best decision you’ll make in 2023.

You’ll make new friends.

A typical improv class is packed with creative games designed to get you completely out of your comfort zone, which is why it’s great for making friends, explains Main Stage Cast Member James Melloni.

“Our first level classes help [folks] build a nice support system, and for some, it reminds them how to socialize in a post-pandemic world,” he says.

An improv teacher explains a game. — Training Center students enjoy extra perks such as free admission to shows, buddy passes to bring friends to see shows, drink passes at the bar, access to exclusive workshops and more.

You’ll gain real-world skills.

After a few classes, students often have more confidence and are more relaxed speaking in front of groups, says Main Stage Cast Member Steph Simon. “I work in consulting in addition to teaching and performing, so I see the benefits first-hand,” she explains. “Students [learn] to operate less out of fear, and more out of confidence.”

“I grew up with a lot of social anxiety, and the skills I learned in improv helped me overcome a lot of that,” James adds.

You’ll get in touch with your silly side.

Did you know that laughing is good for your stress levels?Which is good, because you’ll be doing a lot of it.

Feeling intimidated? Kelly Dooley, Improv Asylum’s Artistic Director, says no one should let that stop them. “What’s the worst that could happen?” she says. “It’s ‘adult make believe’ — you should feel silly!”

If you’re ready to “yes, and” your way to the improv classroom, the next session of Level One classes kicks off Monday, Jan. 23 at the Asylum CoLab (200 State St.), and new sessions start almost every week — which means you can pick the perfect time for you.*

SEE THE FULL CLASS SCHEDULE

This content was created in partnership with Improv Asylum and written by Stephanie Rogers.*

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Monday, Jan. 9

Learning Night: January Edition | Monday, Jan. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St., Boston | Free | Stop by the bookstore for this casual version of a TED talk.

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Parks Fitness | Tuesday, Jan. 10 | 9-10 a.m. | Carter Field Bubble, 709 Columbus Ave., Boston | Free | Take a free Qigong class to experience the traditional Chinese meditative, restorative, and self-defense practice.
Geeks Who Drink Trivia | Tuesday, Jan. 10 | 8 p.m. | Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub, 472-480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge | Free to attend | If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to play more trivia, add this event to your to-do list.

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Movers & Shakers Guest Bartending Series | Wednesday, Jan. 11 | 6-7 p.m. | Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston | Price of purchase | Join Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune as she pours drinks to support Brighton High School Cheerleading.
Open Mic Night | Wednesday, Jan. 11 | 7 p.m. | Porter Square Books, 50 Liberty Dr., Boston | Free | Join the Seaport bookstore location for a night of poetry, stand up comedy, storytelling, and performance.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

44º | Partly cloudy | 20% chance of rain

Arts

The MFA + Citizens bank are hosting citywide painting pop-ups ahead of Martin Luther King Day. Community members can add their creative stamp to a mural that will be completed during the museum’s open house on Monday, Jan. 16. Head to the kick-off gathering at 1 p.m. today at the Citizens Uphams Corner Branch. 🎨

Community

Mayor Wu announced plans for a new community center in the North End to replace the current Boston Centers for Youth and Families Nazzaro Community Center. The city will use $25 million in state funding to support the new space on Commercial Street.

Announced

The 23-band lineup has dropped for Quincy’s In Between Days Festival, taking place Saturday, Aug. 19-Sunday, Aug. 20. The bands Modest Mouse and Lord Huron will be headlining + there will also be performances from Metric, Trampled By Turtles, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Cautious Clay. Snag tickets. 🎶

Health

A new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, created by Cambridge-based Biogen and Japanese drugmaker Eisai, has secured FDA approval. The drug was shown to decrease cognitive decline of patients over an 18-month-long study. (Boston Globe)
Cambridge Health Alliance has opened a state-designated Community Behavioral Health Center at Cambridge Hospital. The new facility — one of 25 centers statewide — will offer services like a 24-hour Access and Crisis Line + mobile crisis intervention teams. 🏥 (Boston Business Journal)

Development

Developer IQHQ has received permits to begin construction on the Fenway Center, a new life sciences hub. The $1 billion Mass. Turnpike project will feature connected 22-story and 12-story buildings, a parking garage, and space for offices, labs + retail. (Boston.com)
Mall, meet apartment complex. National developer ZOM Living has proposed a 495-unit apartment + senior living development on property behind South Shore Plaza. If the $150 million project is approved, this will be Braintree’s largest housing development in decades. (Boston Globe)

ICYMI

Massachusetts made history last week — Maura Healey has officially taken office as the 73rd governor of Massachusetts. She is the first woman to be elected governor of the Bay State + one of the first openly lesbian governors in the country.

Number

$400 million. That’s how much funding Massachusetts has approved to go toward installing thousands of electric vehicle chargers. Eversource, National Grid + Unitil are now able to put a surcharge on ratepayers’ electricity bills to support building the necessary charging infrastructure. ⚡ (Boston Globe)

Eat

Swap bland trail mix for a nutrient-dense, tasty snack from KIND. If you’re a chocolate lover, try the Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond and Dark Chocolate Cocoa. If you want to add more protein to your diet, the Crunchy Peanut Butter is a must. Wanna try an assortment? Build your own box.*

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Back Bay dinner plans ✅

Lolita reopens in Back Bay

We highly recommend making a reservation before you visit. | Photo by @anastasia.mattes

It’s been a long two years without one of our go-to dinner spots, but thankfully, Lolita is now back in Back Bay.

The popular Mexican restaurant’s Dartmouth Street location has finally reopened following a $2.75 million renovation.

While the food menu is still the same, the look and feel has been updated to more closely resemble the gothic vibes of the Fort Point location. Think: Ornate chandeliers + skulls lining the walls.

By the end of the month, we can expect the addition of a 60 to 85-seat dining room + a mezcal-focused bar.

Reservations are recommended to secure your margarita sipping spot.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sara.

Editor’s pick: One of my favorite Jamaica Plain coffee shops, Ula Cafe, is launching a new membership program today. Perfect for fellow remote workers, it comes with a 10% discount on espresso drinks + as much free drip and iced coffee as you can drink. Sign me up. ☕

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Raise a glass to this roundup of local mocktails.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Jessica Burton, Sara Frazier, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Peter Baldassare | Advertise with us.

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