Harold improv course
An advanced course to learn how to perform The Harold format.
The Harold is a long-form improv format originally invented by Del Close and then further developed by Del Close and Charna Halpern at iO Theatre in Chicago in the 1980s. Their work inspired improvisers like John Belushi, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner & Tina Fey and many modern sitcoms are based on Harold structures.
The format involves exploring three different worlds from a fun opening and revisiting those scenes and characters to explore connections, patterns and themes that emerge like magic for the audience.
We aim to help you perform a Harold that is fun and funny while exploring themes, emotions, relationships and deeper theatrical ideas. We will teach a variety of styles and techniques for performing The Harold, giving you the freedom to choose what works for you and what you enjoy.
Most of all we aim to make performing The Harold feel fun, playful and joyous!
Harold from the heart.
Only suitable for people with previous long-form improv experience. If you haven’t got previous long-form experience it’s best to do our level 3 and level 4 improv course first.
dates, time, location
Dates:
Every Tuesday for 8 weeks from Tuesday 23rd September 2025, plus show on Tuesday 18th November 2025. SOLD OUT
Time: 7pm – 9pm.
Teacher: Liam Brennan.
Price: £235. Either payable all at once or with an initial payment of £100 followed by the remaining £135 once the course starts.
Venue: Theatre Delicatessen Studios, 107 Leadenhall Street, EC3A 4AF.
Tubes: Bank/Liverpool Street/Fenchurch Street.
Only suitable for people with previous long-form improv experience. If you haven’t got previous long-form experience it’s best to do our level 3 and level 4 improv course first.
teacher Liam Brennan
Liam trained at UCB and iO.
He performs in The Two Horsemen, Velour and previously in Hoopla house teams Michelle, The Science of Living Things and Gamez.
Liam is one of our most popular directors for Hoopla’s new shows including Bulletproof the Improvised Action Movie.
Liam also facilitates Hoopla’s corporate training with regular clients including Google, Facebook, Accenture and more.
He originally trained at the University of Kent gaining a Masters in Stand-
Liam’s teaching style is fun and encouraging, while also teaching you some awesome skills to make your improv great!
faqs
What comes after this course?
We have a variety of other advanced improv courses that would be suitable.
Who is this suitable for?
People with previous long-form improv experience who want to learn and experiment with some new formats.
How much improv or acting should I have done before doing this course?
You should have done our Level 4 Improv Course or a similar amount somewhere else. This course is not suitable for people new to improv.
Can I do it if I’ve already done some Harolds before?
Yes. This is going to be Hoopla's own unique version of it and there should be some new stuff for you.
What if I can’t make every week?
As we’re forming a team over the course to do performances at the end it’s best not to miss more than one session over the course. If you think you’ll miss more than one sessions over the course please wait until another time to do the course. You won’t be able to do the show if you miss more than two sessions.
What if I’m running late?
We’ll be starting each session at 7pm, and you may not be able to take part in the workshop if you arrive after 7:15pm. This is an advanced course and we’re trying to form a team, so please don’t book this course if you are likely to be late on a regular basis.
What’s the class size?
Average of 14 people.
Do I have to perform in the show at the end?
No. The show is optional, and you’ll still get loads out of the course without doing the show.
Can I pay by instalments?
Yes. You can book and pay the £100 first instalment and pay the remaining £135 once the course starts.