03/01/2026
3-Day Improv Masterclass in Mannheim
with Susan Messing & John Lehr (USA)
Three days of intensive training at Improtheater Mannheim — with two major names from the international improv scene: Susan Messing (incl. iO, Second City MainStage, Annoyance Theatre) and John Lehr (creator/star of Quickdraw / 10 Items or Less, improv performer & director).
This masterclass is for anyone who wants to noticeably expand their improv: bolder, more physical, clearer — and above all with more joy and connection on stage.
What to expect
Susan and John bring a packed toolbox of their most popular workshops — practical, immediately usable, and with a maximum amount of stage time. Possible topics include:
Out of your head, into the scene
Body, movement & stage picture
Objects, space & strong “wheres”
Monologues as a goldmine for scenes & forms (incl. Endless Monologues, That Reminds Me)
Story structures that create freedom
Real ensemble connection instead of “got your back” talk
Whether you have lots of experience or feel like you’ve “studied too much and played too little” — this gets concrete fast: fewer rules, more clarity, more comedy, more you.
Structure & Schedule
Monday (Day 1)
10:00 am – 5:00 pm (incl. 1-hour break)
8:00 pm: Student Show — your show, which will receive feedback
Tuesday (Day 2)
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Evening: no show program
Wednesday (Day 3)
10:00 am – 2:00 pm (half day)
7:00 pm: Panel Talk & Q&A with Susan & John
(for Improtheater Mannheim students & masterclass participants)
Invest
€349 incl. tax
(3-day masterclass + show/talk program as described above)
About the coaches
Susan Messing has been improvising and teaching internationally for decades. She has performed at iO and the Second City MainStage, and is a founding member of the Annoyance Theatre. She’s known for her physical approach, radical joy in play, honest monologue work, and clear tools for connection and comedy.
John Lehr is an actor, writer, and creator (incl. Hulu, TBS, Sony/Crackle) as well as an experienced improv performer and director. His work combines story craft with playful freedom, strong environments, and inspiration “in the moment.”
https://www.improtheater-mannheim.de/masterclass
