Capabilities Within Improv

In Improv, the assumption is that all team members are the same high energy level, the same age range (20-30s), the same physical capabilities and are neuro typical. 

But, that is not the case. So, how can we support our teammates of differing abilities? If we really need to improvise as people of differing physical abilities or ages, how can we do so realistically? If you are a theater director, how can you realistically support people of different capabilities. Luckily for you, we’ve assembled an amazing panel who can directly provide you with tips and personal experience to better inform your theater / group.

Panelists:

Our expert panel will share their insights, followed by a short Q&A.

David Richman is an experienced and seasoned improviser who has played with the Baltimore Improv Group since 2018 as a house team performer. He was trained initially at Washington Improv Theater in 2014 and has learned from a variety of instructors and schools across the country. Additionally he has taught at Bird City in Baltimore virtually during the summer of 2021. He considers himself bi when it comes to improv scenes and maintains a presence in both Baltimore and Washington DC.

Ann Crimmins has studied improv at Hartford Stage Company, Flying Blind, Playhouse on Park, Sea Tea Improv, improvBoston, Zen of Improv and improvUtopia. For the past five years she has taught improv comedy at Sea Tea Theater.

Archer Rosenkrantz (They/Him) is a performer and performance arts educator specializing in improvisational theater programs. Archer creates inclusive programming and curriculum that holds diversity and equity at its focal point. Trained in schools of improv across the country, he has noticed that the improv world has a lot of growing to do, and advocacy is at the roots of the art he engages in. When he isn’t engaging in the improv world, Archer can be found performing with puppetry, walk around characters, and plays. Online @archiebeshort on Tik Tok is where Archer has gained a following making comedic content that highlights the intersectionality of his queer, trans, and autistic identities.

Virtual Indie Festival Organization Panel

As our communities are re-emerging and our artform is growing with experience, our panelists all have experience creating their own improv festivals from scratch in recent years. They’ve experienced marketing through all the various methods & means, creating partnerships with theaters & communities, fostering experiences & hosting talent from around the globe. Most of all they’ve attacked creating a sustainable annual event that can return and grow with our artform.  Our panel will share the highs and lows of starting your own festival!

Panelists:

Our expert panel will share their insights, followed by a short Q&A.

John Gebretatose (he/him). He has traveled the world performing and directing improv along with teaching workshops and producing shows, all the while making improv inclusive and welcoming to all people, especially the underrepresented folks. John is a founding member of one of the hottest new improv groups, Blackout. He is the co-creator of the Black and Funny Improv Festival, which started in Minneapolis and now has chapters all over the world.

James Tierney is a founding member and the business manager for the Blue Brick Theatre–home of Happy Valley Improv– located in State College, PA. James has been performing and teaching improv since 2006, being a member of both short and long-form troupes across the country. When not doing improv, you can find James in the classroom teaching entrepreneurship or running his academic coaching company Tierney Education. He also volunteers his time throughout the State College community. He lives with his amazing wife and their two wonderful rescue pups, Penny and Dakota.

Tashika Campbell is a coach, teacher and workshop facilitator from Baltimore, Maryland. She has taught classes and workshops with Highwire Improv, Queen City Comedy, and Bird City theater. A member of the award-winning troupe Cake Walk, she has performed in festivals across the United States. Tashika serves as the lead coordinator of F.A.M Fest, an Improv festival dedicated to celebrating Black and Brown Improvisers and is currently working on a documentary highlighting the historical and current contributions of Black Improvisers across the globe. 

Wendy Penrod is a founding member of OTC Comedy and the current Artistic Director. She has been studying and performing improvisational theatre for over 15 years. She is also a member of Pawn Takes Queen and has performed internationally. Wendy co-founded both the Red Rocks Improv Festival and Ye Olde Improv Competition and serves on the board of Improv Utopia. She is currently one of OTC Comedy’s instructors and has taught improv to people of all ages for over 10 years.