Merlin Works - Austin, Texas

jamie R.

As a student and an audience member, I can't recommend Merlin Works enough! I took narrative improv classes with Joey, and both he and the administration create a very supportive and nurturing environment. I attended a free jam led by Tyler, and he presented a really fun and accessible session for players at all levels.

The improv community in Austin definitely has a lot of cross-pollination, too, so getting involved with Merlin Works can help open doors to other places and new friends!

L S.

Merlin Works is the BOMB! Amazing instructors and amazing students. I've taken Stand-up Comedy 101, Storytelling 101, and Improv levels 101 up to 601, and every class has been a rewarding and fun experience. It doesn't matter what you want to do with the experience, just get the experience, you won't regret it. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and over-the-top supportive. I've maxed out the Improv classes, but will return soon for another Stand-up or Storytelling class!

Cayla +. D. C.

I simply can't imagine not having signed up for that first free Merlin Works class, which then led to my completion of Improv Comedy 101-601! This has been one of my favorite experiences of all time, and Merlin Works is truly the best school. Since completing my classes, I've moved on to form a troupe with my classmates and even been cast in other shows. Merlin Works was the springboard to what is now such a wonderful part of my life. The environment that they've created is also such a safe a joyful place to be. Highly recommend if you've ever been interested in trying out improv comedy (or any of their other offerings)!!

Xander R.

It would honestly be an understatement to say that Merlin Works changed my life. My life is clearly demarcated between the period prior to taking improv classes at Merlin Works and my world after that point.

When I began looking for classes to learn improv, what immediately impressed me about the Merlin Works website was how inviting and accessible its message was. As someone who was trying to reestablish their place in the world, I needed to move at my pace, and Merlin Works allowed me to do exactly that.

After you begin classes with MW, it will be the teachers and administration that keep you returning. There is a desire to make everyone feel accepted, and the pace accommodates everyone, regardless of their experience level.

After I took Improv 101, my life became noticeably better in almost every way, as my community and confidence on stage grew and I forged new friendships. I completed the rest of the sequence (201-601), took Musical Improv 101, took an improv lab (Improv 412/512) 3 times, and then re-took Improv 501 and 601 with a new group of friends!

Through my experiences and classes, I successfully auditioned for a local improv troupe, formed another troupe with past classmates, and perform with both groups regularly, as well as at MW events.

When I started classes in January 2023, I never imagined that this would be my life a little more than 2 years later, and none of this would have been possible without the amazing classes, teachers, staff, and fellow students at Merlin Works--the best improv school in Austin!

Katie D.

Shana led our team of 20 through an incredible, interactive team building workshop this past week. The team was nervous about what "improv" meant, but she immediately put their fears to rest and had so much fun working on communication, collaboration, patience, being present, and so much more. It was BY FAR the best team building my team has ever done and it met and exceeded all my expectations. We plan to use some of the activities Shana taught us in our weekly staff meetings-THANK YOU! If you have a team that works closely together, get yourself booked for a fun, playful workshop with these folks, you won't be disappointed!

Chris C.

I have been taking Merlin works classes for more than 5 years and keep coming back for more! Merlin Works is an exceptional organization for teaching improv related activities, entertaining and just having fun! Shana Merlin is an amazing leader who brings deep experience and exacting organizational skills to her business. Her curricula are very well thought out and have been refined over years of experience and whole lot of happy students. You will be glad you joined a Merlin works class or had the Merlin Works Team run one of your corporate events!!

Billy B.

I've had a long career as a television writer/producer, but a million years ago I used to do improv, and wanted to get back into. I was nervous and, frankly, a little scared.
I pretty much chose Merlin Works at random. I am so happy that I did. Shana Merlin has created a wonderful environment where you safely learn to risk. No matter what your level or expertise, you will be welcomed both by the teachers and the other students. Everyone works together, and the vibe is generous. It's like a creative garden where all is nourished, and everything blooms naturally. I've been stimulated and inspired, and I can already see how my experiences at Merlin Works is transferring in positive ways to other aspects of my life. The ability of the teachers to impart their knowledge and bring the students along is impressive.

Matthew J.

great way to push yourself to new social comforts. We all need help to get outside of ourselves and Merlin Works is a magnificent vehicle for this. Great instructors who genuinely love this artform. I really found a place to play and grow that I did not think myself capable. I had 6 different instructors (2 per class) and each had a distinct style, not a cookie cutter platform here. Sign up and have fun. No one is judging you, and you should not judge yourself. Fail with a smile, because we all do!