The Groundlings award-winning improv training comes to Elon University Los Angeles

“Never Be at a Loss for Words” improv workshop teaches Elon Los Angeles summer students the art of knowing what to say in any situation.

Summer students at Elon University Los Angeles, joined by a group of students from other summer LA study away programs, had the opportunity to participate in a new and innovative workshop that teaches students how to think on their feet in a variety of situations. From an internship interview, to a job interview, to social and classroom situations, “thinking on your feet” training can benefit them in myriad of ways.

A speaker and moderator lead a discussion with students inside Elon Los Angeles, where participants are seated in a collaborative workspace beneath the illuminated “Elon Los Angeles” sign.
Elon University Los Angeles Director Brad Lemack moderated a conversation about the history and styles of improv with The Groundlings improv coach Andres Parada.

The “Never Be at a Loss for Words” workshop idea was created through a partnership between Elon University and The Groundlings, an industry improv training leader in Los Angeles. The workshop was led by actor, improv performer and The Groundlings improv coach Andres Parada. Parada has spent many years teaching actors critical communication skills that prepare them for anything that comes up in an audition, in a live performance or on a film set. Actors Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph and Lisa Kudrow are among the many well-known alumni of The Groundlings.

Now, Elon LA students have learned how to apply those techniques to benefit them along both their career and personal journeys ahead.

Elon University Los Angeles, offered by Elon’s Study USA and National Campus Programs, offers spring and summer immersive experiences for students that feature academic courses taught by instructors who are working professionals in their fields and on-site experiential learning at internship sites across the city. The Elon LA experience also includes alumni engagement, community service and unique professional development opportunities.

Based in historic Hollywood, applications are now being accepted for the spring 2027 semester.

Students participate in an interactive workshop at Elon Los Angeles, engaging in a hands-on group exercise led by an instructor in a collaborative learning space.
Improv coach Andres Parada brought “think on your feet” improv exercises to Elon University Los Angeles.
Students and an instructor smile and laugh together during an interactive discussion at Elon Los Angeles, reflecting the program’s collaborative and engaging learning environment.
Laughter and skill building were the orders of a night of improv training for non-actors at Elon University Los Angeles.
Students sit in a circle during a small-group discussion at Elon Los Angeles, participating in an interactive activity that encourages conversation, collaboration and relationship-building.
Elon Los Angeles summer students learned how to “Never Be at a Loss for Words” at a fun, new, innovative improv workshop.