Our Organization
The History of Improv Utopia
Improv Utopia started as an idea around 2006 when Nick Armstrong, John Abbott, and Jessica Young were on a JTS Brown team called NiteTerrors coached by Craig Cackowski. Improv Utopia didn’t come to fruition until 2011, when Nick approached John, Jessica, Brian James O'Connell, and Patricia Forman to start what would be a Scout-like experience where Camp meets Improv.
In 2011, Camp Improv Utopia launched to a sold-out group featuring theaters from all over the country. Camp West was held at Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria, CA, and continues there.
In 2014, Camp Improv Utopia East was launched. This changed the camp in Cambria to Camp Improv Utopia West starting in 2015. Camp East was held at Camp Netimus in Milford, PA, in the Poconos in 2014 and 2015 and added a new Assistant Camp Director and board member Chris Moody from Detroit. Camp East’s first year was also sold out and featured campers from all over the world. In 2016, CIU East moved to the beautiful Camp Trout Lake in Stroudsburg, PA, in the Pocono Mountains and continues there.
In 2016, Camp Improv Utopia Yosemite launched its first camp which also sold out. CIU Yosemite is a whole new curriculum where campers get one instructor for the entire weekend and study a form they’ve mastered. Camp Yosemite is held at Calvin Crest in Oakhurst, CA.
In 2018, we launched our first international improv retreat in Ireland and immediately sold out. IU Ireland took place in Newgrange, Co. Meath, in Ireland.
In 2023 we are continuing our International series of retreats, this time in La Zenia, Spain. This was much different than our US retreats in that it was in an urban area and near the majestic Mediterranean Sea. The Spain retreat is also a more intimate setting with a small group of improvisers.
Mission Statement
Through our educational camps, workshops and social media, we provide help to improv students, theater venues, festivals, improv and art related causes to grow and succeed through our educational and financial resources. Our promise is to give back to the art community and forward the advancement of improv as an art form.
Our Organization
Improv Utopia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a majority of our profits go back into the improv world in the form of scholarships, as well as theater and festival support. Our professional staff and board members are made up of some of the best improv talent in the world. Our retreats, camps and year round support become an incredible resource to communities around the world celebrating the art of Improvisation.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our mission as a Non-Profit is to give back to the arts community and forward the advancement of improv as an art form. We want to be the inspiration and example for the larger improv community. If we do better, everyone does better. We believe this means a diverse and inclusive environment and are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space for all to collaborate.
Meet Our Team!
Looking to see who is behind the scenes of Improv Utopia? Click on the button to meet our amazing staff and learn more about how they got started.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
Improv Utopia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that strives to bring you the best improv and team building training experience in a comfortable and relaxed setting. We bring you top instructors, a friendly staff and an exciting program that culminates each year at our annual camps. We combine improv, community, camaraderie & nature. If you have a lot of experience or none at all you’ll, find something here at our Camps. The best part is that our profits go right back into the larger improv world through improv scholarships, festival subsidies, theater support and improv related endeavors around the globe.
Since opening in 2011, we've sold out our annual West, East and Yosemite camps every year, filling our camp with people from all over the world. Camp is an experience you’ll never forget.