Can I transfer my improv class in LA? Groundlings, UCB and Improv-LA policies
LA improv and comedy classes are almost always non-refundable. What the Groundlings, UCB and Improv-LA actually allow: switching sections, credit, fees and deadlines, and whether someone else can take your seat.
Updated 2026-10-19. Quoted facts link to their sources; everything else is general information. Not legal advice.
Published LA improv school policies (checked Oct 19, 2026)
The Groundlings School: “No transfers or refunds. Drop fees apply.” A $50 drop fee applies to drops requested less than 48 hours before the first day or after a class has started, and dropping earns pro-rated class credit on your Groundlings account, not a refund.Source: The Groundlings, School policies & waiver (checked 2026-10-19)
The Groundlings FAQ: “Once enrolled in a class, can I switch to a different time and/or date? We do not allow transfers. You can drop the class and receive credit back. Drop fees apply.”Source: The Groundlings, School FAQs (checked 2026-10-19)
UCB Training Center: “Classes are non-refundable.” A transfer “may be available more than 7 days before the class depending on availability,” and students can transfer themselves from the student portal or their confirmation email.Source: Upright Citizens Brigade, Training Center policies (checked 2026-10-19)
UCB terms: depending on availability, you may be able to transfer to another course of the same price if you contact UCB at least 7 days before the start of your course or the other course, whichever starts sooner. “Courses are intended for the benefit of the purchaser or their designee only.”Source: Upright Citizens Brigade, Terms of service (checked 2026-10-19)
UCB Training Center: “Only students who have registered and paid will be allowed in the class. Student guests are not allowed.”Source: Upright Citizens Brigade, Training Center policies (checked 2026-10-19)
Improv-LA: “All sales are final.” Course transfers may be possible if requested by email at least 7 days before the course begins, for a $35 fee, granted once and expiring 90 days after being offered. One-day classes: one transfer, requested at least 48 hours ahead, $15 fee.Source: Improv-LA, Terms of service (checked 2026-10-19)
The short answer
You can usually move yourself, not hand your seat to someone else. All three big LA schools we checked are non-refundable. UCB and Improv-LA let you switch to another course or section if you ask at least 7 days ahead (Improv-LA charges $35). The Groundlings don't allow transfers at all; you drop the class and get pro-rated credit instead. None of the three publishes a policy that lets another person take your place, so that needs the school's written OK.
The deadlines that matter
Act before the 7-day mark if you want to switch sections at UCB or Improv-LA; after that, the published policies say a transfer may not be possible. At the Groundlings, the $50 drop fee starts inside 48 hours of the first class, and sessions dropped less than 24 hours ahead don't earn credit back. Once a course has started, options shrink fast at every school.
If you can't take the class at all
Take the credit or section switch if you might want to take the class later; that's what the policies are built for. If you won't, ask the school in writing whether a replacement student could take your registered seat (UCB's terms mention a purchaser's “designee”, but its class policy also says only registered, paid students may attend, so ask before assuming). Sold-out levels are where a replacement is most likely to be welcome.
Listing a class seat on Unrefundable
We only list a class seat if the school's terms allow a transfer to another person or the school agrees in writing. If yours does, list it free: we review your registration, introduce someone who wants that course, and charge 8% of what you recover only after the school confirms the new student.