The Philosophy: Why “Universal”?
Improv isn’t just for people who want to end up on SNL (though we certainly help with that). Whether you’re an actor prepping for an audition, a corporate team looking to actually enjoy a Zoom call, or a “non-performer” who just wants to stop overthinking, the skills are universal.
At Universal Improv, we believe the best comedy comes from truth, connection, and the courage to say “Yes, and…” before your brain tells you not to. We don’t just teach you how to be funny; we teach you how to be present.
The Approach: From “Safe” to “Spontaneous”
Most schools treat students like a number in a massive machine. We take a different route. My goal is to treat your creative success as my own. With over 15 years of coaching experience, I’ve helped everyone from kids and hobbyists to professional actors landing film and tv roles.
We bridge the gap between “I’m terrified” and “I’m thriving” by focusing on:
- The Organic Scene: Finding the “game” naturally rather than forcing a joke.
- Character and Connection: Focus on bold characters with authentic relationships to simplify your improv
- Audition Readiness: Translating improv skills into booking the job.
The Universal Teacher
Nathan Ray Clark
Owner & Instructor
(Yes, the hair is natural. 😉)
Nathan is a working actor and 18-year improv veteran, born in Corpus Christi, TX and based in Los Angeles.
After graduating from The Second City Hollywood’s Conservatory program, Nathan was hired by The Second City Touring Company as a performer aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line ship The Jewel, where he also taught improv workshops to passengers. (Yes, improv on a cruise ship. It was exactly as fun as it sounds.)
Since then, Nathan has continued training at the Upright Citizens Brigade LA and The Nerdist School Theater, while performing with multiple house and indie improv teams.
His TV and film credits include Modern Family, NCIS, Criminal Minds: Evolution, 2 Broke Girls, Rescue: HI-Surf, Glee, and the upcoming Larry David Sketch Comedy Show on HBO, as well as the films Stan The Man, Gypsy Rose Leezinski, and King of the Underground. He’s also appeared in commercials for Lowe’s, Subaru, Nissan, Guitar Center, Albertsons, ESPN, HomeStreet Bank, Bo Jangles, and a promo directed by Michael Bay for Transformers: The Last Knight. He is also a Co-Creator of the award winning short film No Laughing Matter: Tears of a Clown and web series Born Losers.
Clients include: University of California Irvine, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Del Mar College (Corpus Christi, TX), SAG-AFTRA Conservatory, TETA (Texas Educational Theatre Association, Houston, TX), The NEST Haunted House (voted #1 in the USA, Phoenix, AZ), Third Coast Improv Festival (Nashville, TN), IF Cincy Improv Festival (Cincinnati, OH), The Blanco Talent Agency (Corpus Christi, TX), and the Antelope Valley Improv Festival (Lancaster, CA).
What’s on your mind…
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