The Institution Theater

Tom Booker and The Institution Theater help you make the impossible happen. . The Institution Theater is emerging as a leading school for people in Austin from all walks of life to study improvisation, acting and writing. Our students come from many backgrounds and experience levels. Whatever your reason for joining, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore and grow.

The focus of The Institution Theater is to teach the skills which underlie the work of quality improv and artistic expression. The classes, taught by professionals working in their fields, are dedicated to helping students develop their artistic voice, both individually and within an ensemble, and to provide the tools and techniques needed to express that voice. We draw on our history of ensemble improvisation, satire, and revue comedy as developed and practiced by our actors, directors, and teachers and serve as a laboratory for the exploration of the future of the art form.

We regularly offer classes in improvisation, sketchwriting, and commercial auditions. We put up improv and sketch shows and have a weekly scripted show at The Highball- Teen Angst Tuesdays, where Institution actors perform actual TV shows live.