Topher Straus, originally of Colorado and now of Wanaka, will lead up to 12 participants into hundreds of games that, he says, "teach people how to adapt, which is good not only for comedy improvisation, but also real-life situations and confidence".
One game involves the on-the-spot building of scenes by alternating words between participants.
Another game sees two class-mates standing directly opposite each other, maintaining eye contact and matching each other's physical movements as closely as possible.
Assignments are given, such as going out on to the street for 20 minutes, overhearing a random amusing sentence then returning to create a scene.
Among the Wanaka residents who took part in the course about six months ago were a teacher looking to introduce improvisation to his classroom, a senior citizen wanting something to do on a Tuesday evening and a mother of five children searching for an entertaining escape.
Mr Straus brought his popular classes over the Crown Range after encouragement from the arts community in the Wakatipu.
The film-maker and artist has been a professional comedy improviser for 20 years and studied the craft for eight years at The Groundlings, the Los Angeles comedy institution that boasts Will Ferrell, Conan O'Brien and Lisa Kudrow among its alumni.
Mr Straus's six weekly classes run between May 5 and June 9, from 7pm to 9.30pm, in the Cloakroom Gallery, on the corner of Stanley and Ballarat Sts.
The course costs $120 and participants are encouraged to sign up for all classes to "build the group dynamic and trust".
Mr Straus can be contacted on 021 151 2399.
