Leif's Improv. & Acting Playhouse
Be Present- Speak up- Take Action
Once you become Fearless..You become limitless!

Be Present- Speak up- Take Action
Once you become Fearless..You become limitless!


Founded in 2005, Leif's Playhouse has been dedicated to providing quality performing arts education to students of all ages. Our team of experienced instructors and performers have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.
At Leif's Playhouse, our mission is to inspire creativity and passion for the performing arts in all of our students. We believe that every person has the ability to express themselves through music, theatre, and dance.

We offer a wide range of programs for students of all ages and skill levels, including Improvisation / Intro to Acting, How to Audition for Tv, Film, & Commercials, On Camera. Voice over Acting. All Drama School Audition Prep. Corporate, Team, Business, and all types of group Improv. Empowerment. programs are designed to be fun, engaging, and educational.
Brooklyn School of Excellence
In a Fun, Safe and Creative Environment Students are introduced to Leif’s Unique and Proven Approach of Using Improvisational Games and Exer...
Brooklyn School of Excellence
Brooklyn School of Excellence
How to Audition for TV, Film, Commercials, on Camera. This class focuses on the Professional Self Tape Audition and Cold Reading process. Le...
Brooklyn School of Excellence
Brooklyn School of Excellence
Brooklyn School of Excellence

Welcome to Leif’s Improv. & Acting Playhouse
Leif's Improv. & Acting Playhouse sets the stage for students to explore and take chances with their artistic output, performing and most important, social skills, by empowering them to work together in conversation and in action.
In a fun, creative, and safe environment, we show the students how to become comfortable enough to take risks—including those that make them uncomfortable enough to learn—and skillful enough to stay supportive of each other.
Few tools help set that stage as well as Improv. Improv., and Improv. games can be high powered and active, or peaceful, quiet, and reflective. They’re simultaneously poignant, and funny, challenging and safe. They build self-awareness, and self- confidence, empathy, focus, communication and problem-solving skills. They teach kids how to listen and how to speak, how to lead and how to follow. They help students
work as individuals and as teams. In short, the knowledge and insight they gain will inspire and empower them to use this kind of activity as a baseline, so the classroom becomes a place to seek out rather than a place to escape from. .
Half the fun of Improvisation is that there are not many rules. We will walk them thru all the good techniques, and guidelines that will help them feel more confident and comfortable, not just when they are the center of attention, or performing , but in everyday life.
Our programs enables them to be a lot more confident, empowered, and knowledgeable, in all areas of their life. This is something no kid should leave school without.
01/18

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Leif’s Playhouse’s School Performance Program
This Professional performance program is a one of a kind experience. Not only will you be taught and trained Leif’s Golden Rules of Improv., but you will be brought through an experience of what it’s like to be in a Live Improv. Variety Performance show. This training and program are Life Changing in a lot of areas. Not only will you have more confidence, knowledge, and skills in your performing, but in all your every day life interactions. This Intense Performance Program provides a safe and fun place for students to energize, learn and practice new techniques, and how to better collaborate with others.
The main foundation of improvisation is teamwork and support. It is about working together to build an ensemble, have engaging conversations and tell a story that is compelling for an audience.
Schools and classrooms thrive by tapping into the creative talents of their students. Innovation and creativity enhance productivity, accelerate capability and help sustain the competitive advantage. Students must innovate to survive, and Improvisation is by nature – innovative! Improvisation is not only fun, it encourages individual choice, trust risk and build amazing confidence.
Because of the type of program and how intense it is, students will have to commit to the performance, being supportive and not disrespectful of anyone in the ensemble. They must be willing to work on a common goal.
Each program depending on circumstances end with a Variety Show Performance.
Leifs Improv and Acting Playhouse is a licensed DOE Vendor and has worked with many of the Public and Private schools in New York.
The most common shortcoming I have witnessed in our workshops is a fear of public speaking and a lack of awareness of how to professionally support someone else’s ideas. People hear improv and are automatically afraid of coming up with something on the spot, or speaking in front of a group. We address this fear right away by setting a ground rule that this is a safe and supportive environment. We emphasize that in the next 12 Weeks of our program, there are no mistakes, only great ideas and all attendees will be supported in their ideas.
Our Improvisation Specialist team leads exercises on providing support and creating a comfortable environment. Several of our exercises explore how sharing your ideas, asking questions and driving conversation is a way to support others. Lack of awareness of how to professionally support other’s ideas is a common challenge. The great thing about our program is that while one of our staff instructors are facilitating, the attendees are 100% fully engaged with each other. We look for attendees who struggle with our introductory activities and we lend more support to them during exercises in the beginning and middle of the workshop. We exploit signs of strengths and give them a bit more freedom and creative room as the program progresses. Attendees can participate at different levels and we make sure to facilitate towards each individual’s comfort zone, while pushing their boundary in a healthy way. We will also be working on Drama, andComedy scenes, Vocal projection, Singing, Movement, and Dance. This will all be showcased in the program ending performance.
By the end of the program, attendees are typically laughing, engaging and interacting with the group on a higher level. They’ve taken risks, they’ve succeeded, and they’ve tried some new things that didn’t work out as they might have expected. Ultimately, they feel positively supported in their experience , which preps them for the program ending Live Improv. Variety Performance.
Improvisation “draws on time-honored principles. They must be present in the moment, listening carefully, and contributing freely. These skills turn out to be particularly useful in workplaces that rely on adaptability … Studies have shown that people can improve their communication skills and lower their anxiety with regular practice. Improv’s low-stakes training increases the likelihood that team members will feel comfortable communicating in a variety of work situations. Forbes Article, “Why Improvisation Empowerment training is Great Business training.”
At Leif’s Inspiration and Empowerment Center
we strive to always:
*Acknowledge every situation and desired outcome as unique
*Approach individuals with empathy
*Identify strengths and potential vulnerabilities
*Provide the tools and support to quickly to overcome obstacles
*Customize sessions based on your precise needs
*Create an environment that inspires more productive teams
At Leif's Playhouse, our vision is to be the leading provider of performing arts education and entertainment in the region.
We offer a wide range of programs including Improv, How to Audition on Camera /Professional Self tape Audition process, theater, voice over, Corporate and all types of group empowerment sessions, for students of all ages and skill levels.
Our instructors are highly trained professionals with years of experience in their respective fields, dedicated to helping our students succeed.
For inquiries about classes, availability or any of our corporate empowerment sessions, send us a message.
We will get back to you soon!

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Give the gift of Laughter, Knowledge, and Confidence! Leif's Improv.& Acting Playhouse gift certificates can be used for any of our programs or privates, and can be purchased in any amount.
After her first improv class, she went to an audition for Walmart and booked it.📷Amazing Actress[/caption], Amanda (5yrs old) recently started taking classes with Leif’s Improv Playhouse (LIP) at Aviator. Every week she is excited to attend class. After her first improv class, she went to an audition for Walmart and booked it. She came out of the audition all smiles saying ” Mommy this was exactly what we did in my acting class”. Leif Riddell knows his stuff and with his experience in this industry, he knows exactly what the casting directors are looking for. He knows ho… Read more
Kelly-Ann DanielLeifs Improv PlayhouseBrooklyn. NYStartStop
Whether you're a beginner or experienced performer, our classes cater to all levels and ages. Join us and let us help you reach your potential!
Make your special occasion unforgettable with our customized performances. From weddings to corporate events, we'll create a show that's tailored to your needs.
We love working with other artists and organizations. Let's join forces and create something truly unique and memorable!
Passionate about performing arts? We're always looking for fresh talent to join our team. Check out our job openings and become a part of our vibrant community!
Stay up-to-date with our latest performances and events. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of Leif's Playhouse!
Proud Parents
Cast in Jokers[/caption]When we first met Leif at the playhouse, my daughter was very shy and soft spoken to say the least. She had a hard time socializing with others, and was afraid to speak up or ask questions. Leif worked with her for a while and I couldn’t believe the transition that took place. My daughter is now the lead in the school play and has acted in a TV show. If it wasn’t for Leif’s unique coaching and techniques my daughter would never be where she is today. Leif you are i… Read more
Proud Parents
Like all parents, I just thought my son was a good “school play” actor
Like all parents, I just thought my son was a good “school play” actor, and was fine with that. Leif saw something in my son that I NEVER did. Besides, fine tuning his skills, his friendship and words of wisdom are off the charts. My son has been on National T.V., was a co-star in a Feature Film, music video, major chain store commercial, you tube channel series, just to name a few. You cannot go wrong with Leif Riddell or Leif’s Improv. Acting Playhouse!
Leif coached my son into the Mark Twain Middle school
Leif coached my son into the Mark Twain Middle school, La Guardia High School, AMDA, and got his career going. I am forever grateful. What makes Leif’s Improv. and Acting Playhouse more reputable and unique is that Leif has great relationships, and a solid reputation with the best New York agents, and casting directors. With his whole family working in the entertainment business, no wonder Leif’s Improv. & Acting Playhouse stands out above the rest.
Christopher started Improv classes 2 years ago with Leif Riddell, not because he was into acting, but because he was struggling with his social interactions.
Christopher started Improv classes 2 years ago with Leif Riddell, not because he was into acting, but because he was struggling with his social interactions. Since then he has improved exponentially and has built lasting friendships. Thank you Leif for all you do to inspire the kids.
I have to say that every time you hold an event our talent LOVE IT!
Leif, I have to say that every time you hold an event our talent LOVE IT! I know that you normally deal with my assistants but I wanted to personally thank you for the excitement that you always leave out talent with. They keep coming back for more!
Sanabel Billan Office Director 230 West 39th Street, New York, NY 10018
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