Alex has coached improv groups of all types and formats. He will help your group play with a level of boldness and joy that will emanate into your audience. He has a focus on simplicity in characters and scenework, as well as increasing 'showmanship', meaning the qualities of performance that make an improv show something audiences will pay too see.

See below for testimonials.

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Testimonials

Alex Grindeland is a remarkable young man. I met him in Tampa, Florida where he was a guest improviser at The Box theater. I was so impressed and quickly learned that he owned CSz Seattle. I introduced myself and asked him if he would be interested in teaching/coaching a short form team that I led at The Box Theater. Best decision we ever made. Alex is a gifted improviser, but even better - a wonderful teacher. I should know, I have taken classes with so many people, but Alex is a true gem! He is uber profesional and like a Boy Scout, always prepared. Hire him, you will not be disappointed!

Susan Guidi

Improvaholics (short-form)

Tampa, FL

Alex is an improv veteran and can help you identify what to work on. He's a straight shooter who will keep it real and help you grow while also nurturing the fun part of improv that should really be playful and joyous. Thank you, Alex!

Krtistine Antonsen

Naked and Afraid of Commitment (long-form)

Seattle, WA

I've had the chance to work with Alex in person and online numerous times over the past few years. His engaging personality and vast knowledge of improv games and techniques have really helped to improve my skill set and boost my confidence.  

Kelly Hayes

Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival

Fairbanks, AK

My first experience with improv was working with Alex. He made me feel comfortable and free to try new things. After a workshop with him, I joined a local improv group. We were able to keep going by using Alex's tips and ideas. Because of his experience teaching and performing improv, Alex has a way of connecting to everyone. From coaching us through simple games to being a supportive scene partner, Alex works with all levels, and I continue to grow and learn from him. 

Jennifer Anderson

Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival

Fairbanks, AK

Alex is easily one of the most knowledgeable and direct coaches I've been fortunate enough to learn from.  He also maintains that rare balance of professionalism and fun that keeps sessions focused and enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Eric Wright

BOOM CITY Improv (short-form)

Burlington, VT

Alex has an infinite amount of characters in his brain.  I'm always amazed to see him perform because he can literally be in any scene & look like he has always been there. Everytime I see him perform, it makes me want to work harder and get better at improv. Alex is always honest about performance notes and give acurate constructive criticism.  He taught me about "truth in comedy", and he taught me I don't need to try so hard to be funny, or overreact, or over exaggerate anything to be funny, to just follow my instincts and react naturally and it will be funny.  He taught me that I don't always have to be the biggest/loudest/weirdest character on stage to make a scene work.  He taught me to be a team player.  Alex taught me how to see & feel what the scene needs.  But most importantly to me, he had confidence in me when I didn't have confidence in myself, and that inspired me to be confident. 

Danielle-Bortone Holt

ComedySportz (short-form)

Full Disclosure (long-form)

Sound and Fury (Improvised Shakespeare, long-form)

Seattle, WA
 

I highly encourage everyone to take a class from Alex. He breaks down improv in a way that is accessible, practical, and most importantly, fun!

Paul Ditty

ComedySportz (short-form)

Wood 4 Sheep (long-form)

Seattle, WA

Alex Grindeland has an adamantine enthusiasm for improv. From the silliest cheesiest warm up games to leading precise structured workshops designed to strengthen specific skills. Alex is a direct and caring leader of people who can lead you into the hallowed halls of comedy Valhalla!

Jamie Littlejohn

Telepathic Care Package (long-form)

Seattle, WA

I’d recommend Alex because he’s very intuitive and encourages students to push themselves. He teaches making bold choices and expanding/exploring ideas collaboratively. He’s also forthright with feedback, suggestions, wit, and wisdoms.

Ian Lootens

ComedySportz (short-form)

Sound and Fury (Improvised Shakespeare, long-form)

Alex is an excellent coach for improv teams. As part of the Loop, a recreational club for improvisers, Alex pulled together teams of people who did not know each other well and helped them create a show format and put on multiple shows over the course of a couple months. Alex excels at recognizing people's strengths and helping them grow in other areas to be well-rounded players. Alex also does a great job of creating a fun and inclusive environment for improvisers of all levels. 

Winnie Yeung

Facebook Improv Club (long-form & short-form)

Naked and Afraid of Commitment (long-form)

Seattle, WA

What makes Alex stand out is that he combines his exceptional skills, knowledge and experience as an improviser with his deep knowledge on how people learn new skills.  There are many great improvisers out there, and many of them are helpful coaches, but few have Alex's understanding of how the learning process works,  how and what kind of guidance is useful, and how to tailor guidance based on the improviser's needs, skills and goals. 

Tim Essington

ComedySportz (short-form)

Full Disclosure (long-form)

Seattle, WA

Alex is a captivating performer, talented teacher, and awesome collaborator. As a teacher, his feedback is supportive and direct, which I’ve always appreciated as I’ve grown in my improv and sketch development skills. 

Sarah Filman

ComedySportz (short-form)

Seattle, WA

Alex did a fantastic job coaching our fledgling group of improvisers and brought a ton of passion, energy and experience to the table. He is highly inclusive and knows how to make scenes pop with creative games and excellent tips. I heartily recommend him as a phenomenal improv coach!

Nic Allen

Facebook Improv Club (long-form & short-form)

Seattle, WA

Alex coached an improv team I was on and the thing he consistently did was to help us climb down out of our heads and be dumb in a way that audiences love and connect to. When I was on stage with the mindset he encouraged, the stupid really flowed in the best possible way, and in practices he'd jump in and give targeted feedback right away, which for me helped a lot more than feedback five or ten minutes later at the end of a scene.

Noah Cohen

Telepathic Care Package (long-form)

Seattle, WA

Alex brings the fun and energy every time!  You can tell his mind is immersed in all things improv 24/7, and he’s adept at clearly communicating his insights and experience to make you a better improviser.

Kevan Keshvadian

ComedySportz (short-form)

Full Disclosure (long-form)

Seattle, WA

Alex is a great improv coach! He approaches things from many different angles which helped scene and skills really click for me. He also strikes the right balance between fun and serious so I felt like I learned a lot, but laughed the whole time.

Nathan Jackson

ComedySportz (short-form)

Full Disclosure (long-form)

Seattle, WA

Alex is an exceptional teacher and person. He can simultaneously give feedback while empowering you.  I not only learned but I never felt my confidence waiver and I credit him because of his kind and supportive style of instruction.  His artistic mind is amazing and it’s obvious that he loves this art form. He’s an absolute gold mine of knowledge and perceptiveness.  I have spent many precious hours beIng mentored by Alex and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Shereen Morse, MD

ComedySportz (short-form)

Full Disclosure (long-form)

Seattle, WA

Alex Grindeland is a tour de force when it comes to teaching improv. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and is a great communicator to extract every bit of funny out of a moment or situation. I have been under his tutelage for many years and would highly recommend him. Plus, you will laugh and have a good time.

Kevin Lyons

ComedySportz (short-form)

Coaching Rates