Why Peak Improv Theater Is the Heart of Colorado Springs Improv and Connection
Ethan and Casey of The Stick Horses perform at Peak Improv Theater on the first Friday of every month.
Laughter Meets Belonging
At Peak Improv Theater, laughter meets belonging. Here, joy, growth, and connection live under one roof. Whether you're a class clown, a nervous newbie, or someone just looking to have fun, you’re welcome here. We are Colorado Springs’ only dedicated improv theater. Our vibrant local arts venue offers improv classes, comedy shows, and community events for people of all backgrounds and experience levels.
At Peak Improv Theater, we use sticks as a tangible representation of connection, solidifying the abstract concept of partnership, which fosters physical awareness, builds trust, and promotes non-verbal communication.
Meet the People Behind the Joy
Founded by a team of passionate performers and educators—including members of the long-running The Stick Horses troupe—Peak was born from the belief that everyone deserves a place to connect, create, and laugh.
“The core beliefs we hold as improvisers are to listen, celebrate each other’s weird ideas, and lift one another up. Nothing says ‘community’ more than ten adults earnestly looking at one another, and then all agreeing to act like ducks for a minute. Whenever I’m feeling lost or down, improvising and laughing with friends never fails to make me feel like a person again,” says Ethan Goldman, Co-owner, Program Director, and performer at Peak Improv Theater.
With more than a decade of experience as a teacher and improv coach, Ethan served as a director for Play On Comedy in Chicago, and worked for Chicago Improv Productions, Chicago Improv Festival, and the Chicago Improv League.
Ethan Goldman (front, center) on stage with his improv students.
Why Take an Improv Class?
People take improv classes for all kinds of reasons. Some come simply to have fun—the number one rule of improv. Others are looking to build confidence, ease social anxiety, and spark creativity. For some, it’s a way to improve their communication skills. For others, it’s deeply therapeutic: a tool to manage panic attacks, beat stage fright, or feel more present. Improv even helps salespeople close more deals and gives quiet scientists a voice.
“I work in STEM, which is a male-dominated field, and I used to second-guess my ideas all the time,” says Audra Stephenson in her PiT Profile. “Improv helped me break that cycle. Now I know I can throw something out there—even if it’s not perfect.”
Audra dressed as an elf for our Laughter & Legends show.
Most students don’t expect the emotional safety and kindness of Peak Improv Theater’s community.
“Improv is a beautiful art that connects people and builds community in a way that’s unique. It’s the most supportive environment I’ve ever found myself in,” says Meggan Hyde, Co-owner, Education Director, and performer at Peak Improv Theater.
Meggan, who actually identifies as a mermaid, earned a degree in theater from Biola University in SoCal. Today, she enjoys making up songs and performing them for anyone who’ll listen.
Meggan (red dress) and Julia are also members of The Stick Horses.
The Benefits of Improv
No matter your reason for stepping into class, the benefits of improv ripple into every area of life. Here are just a few:
Stress relief through laughter, play, and presence
Improved listening and empathy
Greater spontaneity and creative risk-taking
Increased confidence in communication and decision-making
Faster thinking on your feet under pressure
Stronger collaboration and team trust
Emotional resilience by embracing mistakes and failure
Connection with others through shared creativity
Mental flexibility and adaptability
Joyful self-expression without judgment
We offer a range of classes, from beginners who just want to bring more fun into their lives, to improv enthusiasts who want to focus on the technicalities of scene building.
What Classes Can I Take?
Classes progress from beginners to intermediate, and advanced. From there, you can try one of our long-form, musical, or stand-up classes. Every class ends with an optional performance in front of an audience of family and friends.
No performance is ever required, but it sure is fun improvising with new friends and there’s joy in saying yes.
Improv classes in Colorado Springs at Peak Improv Theater also include flexible, low-commitment options like our Evergreen Workshops and Jam Nights for drop-in fun. Our Gentle Improv is for those who prefer a soft entry point.
Students participate in the fun at a Laughter & Legends show.
What Shows Can I See?
If you’re improv-curious, come see a show. Our Friday night lineup includes family-friendly favorites like The Stick Horses (first Fridays), Felty & Friends Puppetprov (second Fridays), Tune Titans musical improv (third Fridays), and the D&D-inspired Laughter & Legends (fourth Fridays). Local troupes like Improv Colorado, Oxymorons, and Whimsicult also take the stage, along with student teams and rotating special events.
All shows are made up on the spot, fueled by audience suggestions, and full of unexpected moments.
Why Colorado Springs Chooses Peak
Meggan and Steph comically serenade the audience during a Tune Titans show.
Colorado Springs isn’t just growing in population—it’s growing in creative energy. With a thriving arts scene, a new wave of professionals seeking connection, and Mayor Yemi Mobolade’s vocal support for arts as infrastructure, it’s clear: this city values creativity as a core part of community life.
Peak Improv Theater fits right into that vision. In a world shifting toward the Experience Economy, people don’t just want to buy tickets—they want meaningful, memorable, human connection. That’s exactly what we offer: a space where strangers become scene partners, laughter becomes language, and everyone gets a chance to play.
Designer and activist Rick Griffith, a creative thought leader in Colorado, recently reminded a local audience that creatives need to be “valued, safe, and seen.” At Peak, that isn’t just a philosophy—it’s our practice. Whether you’re here to take a class, catch a show, or try something new, you’ll find a place that sees your potential and supports your growth.
Casey, (in camo shorts) teaching new students in our 101 class.
“I’ve fallen in love with teaching. I don’t feel like it’s all me—I just help people get where they need to be. That’s my purpose,” says Casey Frase, Co-owner, Marketing Director, and performer at Peak Improv Theater.
At Peak, we believe access matters. That’s why our classes are affordable, our schedule is flexible, and our community is open to everyone. Whether you’re a working parent, a curious introvert, or a comedy-loving extrovert, there’s a place for you here—and zero pressure to perform.
Ready to Play? Here’s Your Next Step:
