Essential Improv with Joe Hammer

12/09/2025

SHOWTIMES THIS WEEK! Get ready to unwrap the funniest nights of the season with THE OUTCASTERS IMPROV COMEDY TROUPE!

This THURSDAY:
JPs Comedy Club presents HOLDAY HIJINKS — an all-improv comedy spectacular with Arizona’s Premier Improv Troupe, The Outcasters!

This FRIDAY:
Scottsdale Center for Spiritual Living presents DECK THE HALLS WITH LOLs — an all-improv comedy spectacular with Arizona’s Premier Improv Troupe, The Outcasters!

Join us for laughter, surprises, and pure holiday mayhem! No scripts. No safety nets. Just audience suggestions, quick wits, and holiday chaos as The Outcasters turn your wild ideas into comedy gold faster than you can say “fruitcake.” If you like Whose Line Is It Anyway?, you’ll love The Outcasters!

Every show is a brand-new, never-to-be-repeated whirlwind of comedy chaos! So grab your ugly sweater, your favorite people, and come see what happens when holiday cheer collides with spontaneous comedy.

Every show is one-of-a-kind. Once it’s over, it’s over! Two nights only. 100% made up. 1000% hilarious. Get your tickets now!

Tickets for Thursday's Show, JP's Comedy Club:
https://jpscomedyclub.com/.../jps-comedy-club-presents.../

Tickets for Friday's Show, Scottsdale Center for Spiritual Living:
https://scottsdalecsl.org/outcasters

12/04/2025

Thank you to staff writer Cyrus Guccione and the Scottsdale Independent for their wonderfully written piece on The Outcasters Improv Training Center!

You shined a valuable light on how companies benefit from our INFLUENTIAL INTERACTIONS corporate communication training, showing how improv-driven tools translate directly into stronger workplace culture and more effective professional interactions.

And we’re especially grateful for your recognition of our IMPROV FOR A CAUSE fundraising program. Your coverage helps nonprofits learn that our shows are available to help them raise money and support their missions.

THANK YOU for the thoughtful attention and for helping amplify the impact we strive to make in our community!

https://www.yourvalley.net/detail.html?sub_id=de47398c71

11/28/2025

Get ready to unwrap the funniest night of the season! Scottsdale Center for Spiritual Living presents DECK THE HALLS WITH LOLs — an all-improv comedy spectacular with Arizona’s Premier Improv Troupe, The Outcasters!

Join us for laughter, surprises, and pure holiday mayhem! No scripts. No safety nets. Just audience suggestions, quick wits, and holiday chaos as The Outcasters turn your wild ideas into comedy gold faster than you can say “fruitcake.”

Get Your Tickets NOW Before they sell out! Friday, December 12th, 2025. It even includes an al fresco dinner in the courtyard of soups, salads and desserts. 6:00 Courtyard Munchies, 7:00 show. $30 |

Join us for Dinner and an Improv Show hosted and presented by Joe Hammer and The Outcasters Improv Comedy Troupe. No scripts. No net. Just off-the-cuff comedy from your scene suggestions! Limited number of tickets available so this event is sure to sell out quickly! Join us in the Courtyard at 5:45....

11/17/2025

𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭𝘁𝗵:
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗝𝗣'𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗱𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯!

Get ready to unwrap the funniest night of the season! JPs Comedy Club presents 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗛𝗜𝗝𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 — an all-improv comedy spectacular with Arizona’s Premier Improv Troupe, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀!

Join us for laughter, surprises, and pure holiday mayhem! No scripts. No safety nets. Just audience suggestions, quick wits, and holiday chaos as The Outcasters turn your wild ideas into comedy gold faster than you can say “fruitcake.” If you like Whose Line Is It Anyway?, you’ll love The Outcasters!

Every show is a brand-new, never-to-be-repeated whirlwind of comedy chaos! So grab your ugly sweater, your favorite people, and come see what happens when holiday cheer collides with spontaneous comedy.

Every show is one-of-a-kind. Once it’s over, it’s over! One night only. 100% made up. 1000% hilarious. Get your tickets now!

10/08/2025

I had the honor of once again presenting my INFLUENTIAL INTERACTIONS Communication Training to the incredible Elevate MeD Scholars during their Explosion of a Dream Weekend 2025. This is my 3rd year presenting to this inspiring nonprofit organization that's shaping the next generation of physician leaders from African-American/Black, Latinx, and Native American communities. They are bright minds who are already making waves in medicine!

And let me tell you—this group was ON FIRE! Their creativity, collaboration, and razor-sharp listening skills were off the charts… exactly what you want in the doctors of tomorrow.
I’m genuinely excited to see where their paths lead. I’m deeply honored to have shared the room, the laughs, and the learning with such extraordinary future medical professionals!

09/26/2025

I had the honor of presenting my INFLUENTIAL INTERACTIONS Communication Training to the amazing team at Piedmont Airlines. What a great experience it was to connect with such a fun, engaged, and open group of professionals who were eager to learn, participate, and bring their best selves into the room. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to share tools that strengthen collaboration, boost confidence, and make everyday interactions more impactful. Thank you, Piedmont Airlines, for welcoming us so warmly and making the session such a memorable one!

09/05/2025

Join THE OUTCASTERS and experience the life-changing magic of Improv Comedy Training!

Discover the thrill of thinking on your feet, adapting to the unexpected, and unleashing your sense of humor—all while connecting with like-minded individuals in a fun, supportive environment.

Whether you’re looking to boost your assertiveness, enhance your communication skills, or simply have a great time, our classes are the perfect place to start.

Our weekly drop-in classes are held in N. Scottsdale every Wednesday night from 6 - 8 pm, or on Zoom every Tuesday night from 6 - 7:30 pm.

Classes tailored for all levels—no experience required! Led by Joe Hammer, a seasoned Corporate Trainer, Improviser, and Author of THE IMPROV EDGE and BLANK TO BRILLIANT, you’ll gain practical skills and priceless confidence in every session.

Your journey starts now! Visit www.TheOutcasters.com to join us and transform the way you think, communicate, and shine!

09/03/2025

Lights, Camera… YOU!
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR THIS POWERFUL WORKSHOP!

Ever dreamed of stepping onto a film set or seeing yourself in a commercial? Whether you’re brand new to acting or looking to polish your on-camera skills join acting coach Cara Alvey as she teams up with The Outcasters Improv Comedy Training Center for an evening that blends technique with pure fun.

You’ll explore how to break down a script so it feels natural in your voice, find truth in imaginary circumstances so your acting feels alive and authentic, and bring characters to life with depth and spontaneity. Through improvisation, risk-taking, and scene work, you’ll learn to make every moment memorable!

We’ll dive into the practical side too… from camera awareness, working your angles, and delivering performances that pop on screen. Plus, you’ll get insider tips on questions every aspiring actor has…

- Do I need an agent?
- How do I build a demo reel?
- What’s the smartest first step to book work?

The Best Part? It's only $35! Step in, take your place in the spotlight, and discover how much fun acting can be. The camera’s waiting… are you? Register NOW (Limited space): www.TheOutcasters.com/scenestudy


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08/11/2025

Lights, Camera… YOU!

Ever dreamed of stepping onto a film set or seeing yourself in a commercial? Whether you’re brand new to acting or looking to polish your on-camera skills join acting coach Cara Alvey as she teams up with The Outcasters Improv Comedy Training Center for an evenng that blends technique with pure fun.

You’ll explore how to break down a script so it feels natural in your voice, find truth in imaginary circumstances so your acting feels alive and authentic, and bring characters to life with depth and spontaneity. Through improvisation, risk-taking, and scene work, you’ll learn to make every moment memorable!

We’ll dive into the practical side too… from camera awareness, working your angles, and delivering performances that pop on screen. Plus, you’ll get insider tips on questions every aspiring actor has…

- Do I need an agent?
- How do I build a demo reel?
- What’s the smartest first step to book work?

Step in, take your place in the spotlight, and discover how much fun acting can be. The camera’s waiting… are you? Get the details and register NOW (Limited space): www.TheOutcasters.com/scenestudy

08/08/2025

We had a great show last night at JP's Comedy Club. We featured the amazing improvisational talents of Kristina, Clare, Kalei, Alex, Ryan and Special Guest Performer, Dave! Thanks to everyone who came out to experience our lunacy!

08/02/2025

Join The Outcasters in September for Scene Study and Improv for Film and Television with actress Cara Alvey! Details coming soon. Can't wait? Register NOW! www.TheOutcasters.com/scenestudy

07/23/2025

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our beloved friend and fellow improviser, Chris Cluff.

Chris was a vibrant part of The Outcasters in 2023, bringing not only her quick wit and comedic brilliance to the stage, but also a quiet humility that touched everyone who had the joy of performing with her.

Her courage, creativity, and heart were unmistakable — even while navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s, she brought strength, grace, and laughter wherever she went.

In addition to her work in improv, Chris was also a gifted stand-up comedian who used her quick wit to light up stages and connect with audiences on an amazing level. She was more than just funny, she was kind, generous, and deeply loved.

You will be dearly missed, Chris. Thank you for the laughter, the light, and the unforgettable moments.