Share your experience

"Dan's classes really focus on the fun and enjoyment of improv. He takes the time to guide you to be the best you can be. What I've taken out of his classes is to have an opinion in the scene but to also slow down and take my time."

Adam Campbell

Customer Success Manager

"Dan is a fantastic person to have as an instructor. His classes always have a relaxed environment which makes it easy to approach him to ask questions or advice. He is also warm, encouraging, and can always find something positive about your performances to help find and boost your strengths. I've been able to learn more about myself as a performer and have fun as Dan offers a wide variety of workshops, such as improvising a musical, or collaborating on a group sketch show, creating a video game, or just simply hanging out with like-minded people at his weekly breakfast clubs. Dan will work with you to achieve your best and you'll want to come back to try new experiences or have fun with friends some more!"

Adem Sahin

Civil Engineer

"Dan creates a safe space, is reliable and always ensures the classes are fun. Outside of sessions, he has also been a great mentor for advice surrounding the world of improv."

Aileen Ng

Artist, Designer & Performer

"Dan is a wonderful, compassionate, talented coach. His insights are wise and you always feel encouraged and rightly pushed. I feel I learnt so much while having our harold team coached by him. I would LOVE to work with him again."

Akhilesh Jain

Actor

"Dan is a a fantastic teacher - great at tailoring classes to the individual strengths of each performer and group and allowing everyone to shine in their own way. He fosters a great sense of community in his workshops that leads to real connections and friendship between performers, and what more can you ask for!"

Alex Morris

Improviser

"Each session I've had under Dan's instruction has always been incredibly insightful and fun, the environment he curates for the sessions are always one of trust, and joy. Dan's experience is clear in his instruction, as he is quick to spot issues and help you best navigate them in a supportive and efficient manner."

Angus Roe

Improviser

"Dan creates a positive, safe, inclusive, encouraging and fun environment across all of his workshops and coaching sessions. I feel highly encouraged to trust myself and my instincts and follow the fun and joy when working with Dan. His philosophies help to keep things simple by 'having wants' and 'making things active', are refreshing and helped me grow as an improviser. Dan has so much knowledge on improv that has helped indie team shows I've been in. I also love the variety of workshops that Space on Earth offers and have participated in several of them and can't say enough good things. Can't wait to see what else is on offer from Space on Earth."

Benzir Siddiqui

Corporate worker by day, improviser by night.

"Dan's approach to improv is unique, and outside-the-box. Dan challenges some of the traditional understandings of improv. In doing so, he paves the path for a fresh take on improv. I have witnessed myself grow as a performer after taking Dan's classes, so I definitely recommend him as a teacher to other students."

Beray U.

Solicitor

"Dan has an incredible knack for creating environments that foster trust and creativity. Having worked with him on numerous projects across film and design, I've experienced first-hand his ability to create spaces that bring out the best in people. This, along with his wide skillset make him an invaluable collaborator."

Brendan Pinches

Filmmaker

"I regularly take Dan's workshops, which have become my go-to for improv. The atmosphere is incredibly supportive, fostering a space for exploration, experimentation, and pure joy. Dan's open-minded, organic approach resonates deeply with me, making his workshops an absolute delight."

Carla Maree

Improviser

"In addition to being a highly knowledgeable and caring teacher, Dan has a true passion for the community aspect of improv. He creates a safe and fun environment in every training session, and beyond that he consistently goes out of his way to help emerging improvisers and the community at large."

Chris Pahlow

"Dan Thomas is truly one of the all time great improv coaches. He has a fantastic teaching disposition, an incredible knowledge and understanding of improv, and I am grateful for all the workshops I've had with him. I was privileged enough to also have Dan Thomas an an improv coach on a house Harold team at TIC, I always appreciated Dan gently nurturing the team as well as individuals to find their own voice and style that works for them. Dan's demeanor and teaching style is a positive one where individuals feel safe and comfortable to try different things and truly learn from experience. I found Dan's workshops perfect for a range of experience levels. My first workshop was at at time when I had been doing improv for some years and wanting to further develop my skills, and Dan's workshops have delivered that perfectly. Dan came highly recommended and having done multiple workshops with him, I could not rate Dan higher for anyone looking to further develop and grow as a performer."

Conor Lynch

Performer

"I tried out Dan's 'Breakfast Club' improv drop-in and found the session super helpful as a budding performer. I've been taking regular improv classes so the session was a great supplement for extra knowledge and perspective. Dan made the environment fun and I enjoyed doing the exercises I haven't done before."

Dave Ye

Improv Student

"Dan’s kindness and passion for creative freedom has an incredibly positive impact on the confidence of performers that he works with. He always seeks to lift those around him."

Doug Lyons

Actor

"Dan is supportive, knowledgeable and prepared to go above and beyond for those he instructs. By caring so much for us, he has helped to create an atmosphere that makes me excited to go to improv. He's helped me become more confident as a performer while making sure I never forget to have fun. He is a joy to learn from."

Dylan Dexter

Lawyer

"Every workshop I've taken at Space on Earth has been incredibly fun and rewarding. I've found these classes great for experimenting and shaking off stringent 'rules' to rediscover the joy of improv. As a teacher, Dan is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and open-minded. I especially appreciate how he lets you take the reigns on how you want to learn - giving you as much or as little feedback as you want. I've always felt very welcome and appreciated in his workshops, and I genuinely leave every class feeling energised!"

Eliza McPhail

Performer

"I’ve been doing Dan’s improv workshops for the past six months. Today I had the chance to do a 1-minute pitch for a funding grant. Instead of my heart thumping out of my chest like I’m about to have a heart attack I just got up and HAD A GREAT TIME!!! Thank you Dan 🙏🏼"

Elizabeth Gunn

Learning Specialist

"Dan Thomas is a standout instructor and facilitator/producer on the indie arts scene. Fellow creatives and I have benefited from Dan’s coaching for improv/acting, podcasting and hopefully filmmaking very soon! Not only is Dan brilliant from a technique perspective, he also provides unparalleled value add by his professionalism, clear communication and genuinely encouraging personality. If not for Dan and the creative communities that he’s created, I wouldn’t have had the skills to put vision to reality."

Gwen W.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Dan over the last couple of years. Dan is one of the best improv coaches and teachers that I've ever worked with. He has a knack for bringing out the best in every single performer and allowing each performer to shine, helping them to highlight their own strengths. Dan is very knowledgeable in improv and he is very open-minded. He does not force his beliefs onto you and respects his performers, allowing them to be creative and find their voice. Hands down, Dan is one of the best improv minds in Australia."

Hani El-Rafei

Performer

"Dan is such a great improv coach / instructor. He keeps the classes dynamic, fun and fresh. He explains activities in a clear, direct and simple manner and never has any hesitations clarifying or re-explaining himself where needed. Dan celebrates the performer and creates the platform for individuals to shine and use their unique experiences to inform their creative approach."

Helena J.

Improviser

"Dan has an all round great attitude towards learning and growth. He is always determined to get the best out of someone using a kind and caring approach. I can always trust Dan to go above and beyond my expectations."

Indiana Kiely

Performer, Teacher & Coach

"Dan has a fun, gentle and collaborative approach to teaching improv making all who come through feel at ease. He's encouraging but also provides useful feedback and course corrections to help you get the best out of your scene work. He's extremely generous with his time, he allows class discussions to play out at whatever pace and he often comes to hang out at whatever cafe or lunch spot after the classes. All around good person. I started doing the Format Frenzy recently because I was feeling out if touch with the joy of improv, and this class has helped me rediscover it. Also, love to being acquainted with how many ways improv can be done. This course touches on so much that many of the other improv schools of melbourne don't touch on at all. I recommend!"

James Adamson

Improviser

"I cannot speak highly enough of Dan as an improv instructor and as a person. He creates an environment that is relaxing and fun, where improv feels free and joyful. He is endlessly encouraging and supportive, and he focuses on building people's confidence by encouraging them to lean into their strengths, to follow their instincts, and to follow the fun and joy. These values are embedded into the way he communicates in and out of class, the way he gives notes and encouragements, and the exercises and activities he chooses (eg. at the end of most sessions, we go around the room and are invited to each share one takeaway and one move we did that we were proud of). I feel relaxed in Dan's presence, without feeling any need to impress, without feeling like there are hoops to jump through or tests to pass, without feeling any demand to do anything but enjoy the session and eachother's company. What truly resonates with me is Dan's philosophy on improv. Instead of striving to be witty or clever, Dan encourages us to follow our instincts, to have wants, and to make those wants active (instead of talking about it, go get it right now!). When I first started taking classes with Dan, this was a revolutionary concept for me. I had been struggling with improv at the time, and had lots of restrictive rules and checkboxes swirling around my head. The framework of "have wants, make them active" was so freeing and it made improv feel so fun and easy and exciting!"

Jamie Yung

Software Engineer & Performer

"Dan’s drop-ins and workshops are a valuable addition to Melbourne’s Improv offerings. He creates a relaxed, fun and friendly atmosphere. He always chooses great warm ups that bring out the silly early on and get everyone in a good mood. He has plenty of knowledge and insights to share; he always comes well prepared, knows how to tweak exercises to develop particular skills, and his guidance really brings out a lot of creativity in a way that feels easy."

Jane W.

Improviser

"Dan has coached us for over two years now. Not only is he a kind and generous person, he is a wonderful coach! Dan always comes up with new creative exercises to help us push and grow as performers. Dan always endeavours to create an inclusive environment where everybody feels seen and supported."

Jessie Groves

Performer

"Dan, is a legend in the improv world, so I want to chat pedagogy of his classes! - The workshops at Space of Earth has egalitarian and elective pricing and geared towards accessibility. - The workshops are well-paced to accommodate the core learnings of the material, as well as time to ask questions and reflect. I was always impressed by how much content was covered in a way that was easy to digest and in consideration for everyone's learning pace. - Dan's feedback always feels warm, insightful, and designed to be constructive towards an individual performer's strengths. - The class work always imbued a sense of the potential in what you could use the learnings for, and "where-to-from-here". All in all, it felt really good to do a SOE workshop, especially after other heady performance classes. Go in expecting to reconnect with what makes the practise of improv so great and community-oriented. Thanks Dan!"

Jonathan B.

Improviser

"Dan is a fantastic coach! He is ever patient, insightful and creative. He dedicates a lot of effort into creating fun workshops, unique games and challenges to foster growth and unlock new ways to approach performance. Dan cultivates a safe space for players and performers to experiment and navigate scenes without judgement. I have become a more active and grounded player, able to channel my wants through my fellow cast members, whilst playing authentic, slice of life characters. Dan dutifully encourages appreciation of your fellow players and celebrates each persons unique skills as a performer."

Kimberley Lisle

Comedian, Improvisor & Actor

"Dan is an amazing instructor with years of experience, and dedicates himself to ensuring the progress, learnings and safety of his students. I would highly recommend working with Dan, he is a real team leader, amazing listener and collaborator. Dan ensures his colleagues and students feel a sense of community and always goes the extra mile to look after his peers."

Lucy Griffin

Writer & Production Manager

"Over the years I have known him, Dan has demonstrated time and again his extraordinary dedication to quality in everything he does. His commitment to fostering community and inclusivity has made him a champion of providing environments that allow creatives to do their thing, and do it well."

Madi Savage

Actor, Writer & Performer

"One of Dan’s greatest strengths is the way in which he is able to use both his knowledge and sensitivity to create a safe space where creatives can experiment with ideas, step outside their comfort zones, and ultimately excite and challenge themselves to try something new."

Marden Dean

Cinematographer

"I was encouraged to engage Dan as a coach for the comedy show I produce, Pull Yourself Together. At our first session, I knew he was the right coach for the format. He had planned and structured the session with purposeful activities and allowed the performers to try new things and feel comfortable and free with the format. His combined experience and knowledge as a performer is 100 percent in tune to what we need. Dan is insightful, articulate and encouraging. Our shows to date have been excellent - and I’m so happy that Dan is now a part of our ongoing project!"

Marie Katherine

Lawyer, Actress & Producer

"Dan is always looking for ways to improve and enhance the improv comedy community and by now I know that whatever he is planning, I want to be part of it. I can't recommend Dan enough as a person in general, but also as a facilitator of learning and growing, both onstage and off"

Melissa McGlensey

Writer, Comedian & Filmmaker

"Dan is passionate about everything he teaches and wants the best for each student in his class. He always creates a safe, fun and creative space for students, to learn, grow and trust each other and their instructor. He's very adept at tailoring exercises and shows to the specific needs of the group, and isn't locked into a methodology and listens to his students. I've really enjoyed all the classes I've taken with Dan, he finds ways to connect and gently push me and his feedback is always spot on. I particularly love how he builds towards the learning point of the session, through the warm-ups and exercises that help give me confidence that I can do it. I also love how he ends his courses with positive affirmation, with everyone saying what they like about everyone else in the group and what their key takeaways are from the course. It reinforces to me that Dan is very good at breaking through people's barriers and helping groups of people to bond throughout his courses that help them get to that point of sharing."

Paul O'Doherty

Software engineer, Writer & Comedian

"Dan is the best builder of communities, spaces, teams and classes I’ve encountered in improv. He’s an excellent teacher and coach who challenges me every session. He knows just the sort of feedback performers need, and he ensures they get it. He’s a pillar of the improv community and is one of the few people who excels at both the craft of improv and the craft of teaching."

Phillip Dawson

Feedback Researcher

"Dan is a wonderful curator and facilitator. His commitment to creating inclusive and accessible spaces for people to explore and hone their craft and skills is commendable. Not to mention he’s an absolute blast to be around! I’m very excited to see Space on Earth evolve and have no doubt that it will be a game changer."

Ra Chapman

Actress, Playwright & Screenwriter

"Dan creates a warm and safe environment to create, explore, experiment, fail, and recover. His knowledge and insights into improv, comedy, and performance run incredibly deep. He always provided meaningful and actionable advice that helped guide and push me as a performer."

Richard Mealey

Performer & Writer

"From warmups specifically designed to improve your performances, to giving supportive and encouraging feedback - Dan is a coach that helps actors and improvisers play with confidence and clarity."

Roxie Halley

Actor & Director

"I've been a regular at Dan's classes & workshops for some time now because (a) he has created a fun and supportive environment that has such a energy to play in; (b) he knows how to teach and give feedback whilst still making the sessions enjoyable and light-hearted; and (c) he isn't rigid in his improv philosophy and some of the workshops he's run which challenge the standard "improv rules" have helped me develop as an improviser Can highly recommend. Would use again 😆"

Saj De Silva

Project Manager & Improviser

"Dan Thomas is a highly experienced creative guide and producer! I've always enjoyed his personal approach to attendees / participants / clients! He keeps things simple and there is always a clear end result in mind! A major theme that underlies his approach is to build your self-confidence and self-esteem. With this, all good things follow! Enough said! Work with Dan!"

Sanjiv Ravi

Visitor Experience Guide

"Dan has been a fantastic instructor while doing workshops with him. He has a friendly and calm nature which translates so well when practising the vulnerable art of improv! Dan is incredibly knowledgeable and tailors his feedback in a way that's encouraging and practical. I've often learnt so many hacks in his classes! His workshops feel inviting, warm and allow a lot of space for creativity."

Sarah Gare

Improviser

"Dan Thomas is a fantastic improv instructor. He creates an inclusive and welcoming environment for all performers and meets people at their own level. His workshops are relaxed and joyful. He listens to his students and shows care for us as individuals. I thoroughly recommend his workshops."

Sarah Thornton

Teacher & Performer

"Dan is an incredibly dedicated and insightful improviser and teacher, great at communicating concepts and creating spaces to try new things – and always taking the extra step to build community. As an improviser and collaborator, he constantly finds ways to push his own approaches to performance, leadership and teaching, as well as his knowledge of different forms of improv and other creative fields."

Scott Limbrick

Writer & Performer

"Dan creates a very safe space for learning so that everyone in the group can get the most out of the workshop. Sessions are filled but never feel rushed, and Dan is sensitive to adjust the pace and activities on the fly to suit the particular class. Through Dan's workshops, I've discovered some new, actionable approaches to take into my scenes which are currently at the top of my toolbox!"

Sean Hasselback

Producer and Performer, 'This Just In! Prov'

"Dan has consistently been one of the kindest and most supportive instructors, never failing to provide a safe and encouraging atmosphere to learn and grow. He's warm, welcoming and patient, with plenty of time and a genuine investment in the learning and growth of his students. His commitment to helping people find their own voice, their own style and the confidence to express them is both very welcome as a student, and an inspiration as a coach."

Snow McNally

Improviser

"Dan brings a wealth of expertise in the improv comedy world. As a coach and instructor, Dan is highly skilled at creating a supportive learning space and fun performing environment. Learning from Dan has been a very rewarding and enjoyable experience!"

Talia Contini

Performer & Designer

"I had Dan for my very first improv class in 2019. It's probably Dan that got me hooked. Since then, I've had Dan for structured classes, drop-ins, courses and team coaching. He's hugely committed to the craft, super knowledgable, and a very safe and fun instructor. And he helps you discover where you need to go and what you need to do to improve your craft. If I had three thumbs I'd be putting them up now, but sadly I only have two. Thanks for nothing, evolution...but thanks for the coaching Dan!"

Todd Pierce

Music, software, writing, improv (smooshed together)

"Participating in workshops with Dan has been an immensely rewarding experience. As an instructor, Dan stands out for his meticulous organization and preparation, ensuring that every session runs smoothly. His exceptional availability and patience in addressing questions make the learning process both accessible and engaging. What truly sets Dan apart, however, is his unwavering support and positivity. He cultivates a safe and inclusive environment, encouraging open communication and mutual respect among participants. Dan has become my go-to coach for all the shows I’m involved in. His approach to instruction, characterized by insightful feedback and a deep understanding of improvisational philosophy, has significantly enhanced my performance skills. Under his guidance, I’ve grown more confident, collaborative, and joyful in my performances. Moreover, Dan excels at fostering connections among performers, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and “ making things active” in scene work. Overall, Dan’s contribution to my development as a performer has been invaluable. His dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive community has not only improved my individual skills but also enriched my experience in the performing arts."

Yasser Alsaadi

Scientist, Comedian & Filmmaker

"Dan Thomas is a person who understands the scene very deeply, pointing exactly what's going on so you can process that in a way you also understand. His activities and exercises are very creative and fun, and all of them aim to make you a better improv performer, but not only that. Even outside improv, I took some of the lessons I learned here and I use them for my daily basis. Super fun experience and I would definitively recommend it."

Gabriel Rozas

Machine Operator

"Dan’s ‘Breakfast Club’ drop-in improv workshop is my favourite activity of the week! So either Dan is a fantastic teacher, or I am just a sad little man … or both! He is one of those magical coaches who - I’m going to use a swimming analogy - gets you to wade into the pool for gentle exercises and before you know it you’re swimming butterfly. Except it’s not swimming, it’s improv. You don’t need to bring goggles or a towel or anything. I mean you could if you wanted to."

Scott Wallace

Learning Designer

"Dan is my favourite coach for improv and other creative endeavours due to his combination of technical understanding, impeccable instincts and human decency. Being coached by him helps me back myself, back my collaborators, play to my strengths and enjoy the whole process of creating and performing. I really appreciate that Dan never lets dry theory or ego get in the way of the very reasons why my friends and I create: joy, freedom, growth and connection."

G

Performer

"Dan is the GOAT of instructors. During his workshops, everyone is involved and the energy is always high. Even when teaching large groups, he manages to get everyone participating. Regardless of level of improv experience, everyone can discover the joy of exploring and playing in a safe and supportive environment."

Adam Kohm

"Dan is one of the best improv instructors I've ever worked with. We hired him to work with our team for a few months ahead of an upcoming show. He is so collaborative, supportive and focuses on following the fun rather than getting caught up in rules and structure. He was so well prepared for each training session and brought out the best in everyone on our team. With his support, I did some of the best improv I've ever done in my 5 years as an improviser. Dan is wonderful!"

Michelle Riesel

Marketing Coordinator