Improv wizard moving adult classes to local theater giant

Merlin Works’ comedy improvisation classes are not just for actors; others benefit, too.

Shana Merlin’s improvisation school almost shuttered its doors earlier this spring, after four years of showing locals that anyone could learn to be funny on the spot.

In contrast to then, the Merlin Works Institute for Improvisation is about to move into a bigger space with a bigger spotlight.

The new year will launch Merlin Works’ transition to teaching improv comedy classes for adults at ZACH Theatre, a theater company whose growing campus is nestled near Go to merlin-works.com for a schedule of Merlin Works Institute for Improvisation classes and to register. the banks of Lady Bird Lake and whose programs include performing arts classes for kids. The transition begins with a big grand opening party on Jan. 13.

Formerly housed at the Salvage Vanguard Theater in East Austin, Merlin Works’ classes, led by seven teachers, will now be at Zach’s Whisenhunt Theatre, a 130-seat theater-in-theround where the kids’ classes are already held.

University of Texas students (above, left) studied radio engineering as well as acting, speaking and writing for the popular medium in the 1940s.

Merlin Works, previously located at the Salvage Vanguard Theater, is moving farther west to Zach Theatre in January.