Absolutely. First-timers are intentionally welcome at Open Jams and Femme Jams. Facilitators guide the room, explain games and formats, and make sure everyone who wants to play gets stage time—no experience required. The longform team jams and experimental jams are geared towards more advanced improvisers, but an audience is welcome and we will make sure you still have some fun :).

A jam is a low-pressure place to play. There’s no evaluation, and no expectation to “be good.” Facilitators create structure and safety, but the focus is experimentation, fun, and community—not instruction or performance polish.

Amalgam Improv offers five different jam formats, each designed for a slightly different kind of play and experience level.

Open Jams and Femme Jams are the primary entry points. They are highly facilitated, beginner-friendly spaces focused on short-form play, learning by doing, and building confidence. Open Jams are open to everyone, while Femme Jams center femme-identifying improvisers and are facilitated by femme improvisers. These jams are capped at 14 people.

Lab Night Jams and Longform Team Open Mic nights are geared more toward experienced improvisers. These jams involve longer scenes, team-based play, and experimentation with formats or ideas. They are intentionally lower-structure and higher-risk, making them great for performers who want to stretch creatively. Newcomers are still welcome to attend, watch, and—if they feel comfortable—participate. These jams are capped at 40 people.

Special Jams occur on rare fifth Thursdays and feature unique themes or structures that change each time. These nights are playful, flexible, and often experimental, appealing to both curious newcomers and seasoned improvisers looking for something different.

Across all jams, the emphasis is on low stakes, mutual support, and community—there’s no single “right” place to start, but Open and Femme Jams are the easiest on-ramps.

Smaller caps (like Open and Femme Jams) ensure everyone gets meaningful stage time. Larger caps work for team-based formats where play happens in longer chunks. Caps help keep jams fun, fair, and not overcrowded.

If you’re new to improv or new to Amalgam:

• Open Jams are the most general entry point.

• Femme Jams are a great first jam for femme-identifying improvisers who want a more specific space.
  If you already have improv experience, Lab Night or Longform Team Open Mic may be a fun stretch—but beginners are welcome everywhere unless otherwise stated.

Totally normal—and very common. Many people arrive solo. You’ll be welcomed, introduced, and paired up organically during games or team-formation moments. For team-based nights, individuals can opt into teams formed on the spot.

Nope. Jams are closed, participatory spaces, not public shows. Everyone in the room is there to play, learn, and support each other—not to judge or watch from a distance.

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Bring water if you like. There will be a water fountain and bathrooms. No costumes, notebooks, or prep required—just yourself. Showing up curious and respectful is the only real requirement.