Improv Comedy

So, for various reasons, over the past couple weeks, I've ended up at several 'improv comedy' events.  I like improv, however, I have two issues with it:

1)  It's become a little too prevalent that it's lost its novelty.

2)  I feel anxiety for the actors.  I imagine they are feeling anxiety.  I could be completely wrong.  But I know if I were in their shoes, I'd feel anxiety.  The pressure to be funny.  In front of a live studio audience. Who could potentially be mean and boo.  Or could potentially feel sorry for me and laugh and clap patronizingly.  I am really not sure which would be worse to someone trying to make it in comedic acting.  I actually think it might be the latter.

Anyhow.  Does anyone else feel this way about improv comedy?  I still like it, in spite of those issues.  What are your feelings on improv?  Does everyone else accidentally type improve every freakin' time?  Your thoughts?

Has Anyone Out There....

...tried out Improv Comedy classes?  I have been thinking about it.   The only things are 1)  they are expensive and 2)  there seems to be some strict rules about not being able to miss class.   Not that, after spending all that money to take them, I would want to miss a class; I'm just sayin' - girlfriend's got a busy life and things come up.  

I am reminded of the time on The Office when Michael Scott took improv...I promise I wouldn't be like that.  

Does anyone know of any good improv joints that are cheap with flexible policies?