Reflecting on 2025: Comedy and Connection
Comedy and Connection
A reflection on time spent January-March 2025 teaching improv workshops, directing and coaching improv teams, performing improv comedy, connecting offstage through board games, conversation, and a pilgrimage through Alabama.
We are living in a time where Black history and our contributions are being erased daily. In response to this type of erasure, I am leaning into being more visible. Reflection is one way to do that.
I can’t believe we are a quarter of the way through 2025! Here’s a TLDR recap:
Casted 50 performers on multiple improv teams after sitting on two audition panels at two different theaters in Seattle and Portland, seeing over 80 improvisers
Directed one improv team on a Spokane-style based improv format using interviews of couples on stage
Coached one improv team in a follow the leaver format
Taught a workshop to improv teachers on how to reduce harm in their classrooms
Taught a workshop to BIPOC improv performers to prep for auditions at an improv comedy theater
Performed on a team with a monoscene format based on missed connection ads on Craigslist
Played in an out-of-town match at CSz Portland
Connected with former co-workers, celebrated milestone wins, and decompressed over slightly competitive board game nights
Most of my time was focused on supporting teachers and performers in improv. I started the year teaching a workshop to improv teachers in Portland, Oregon “Oops,...Ouch: Responding to Unexpected Moments of Harm,” and a workshop for BIPOC performers to prepare for upcoming improv auditions at Kickstand Comedy, “From Class to Being Cast.” Both workshops reminded me of the importance for improvisers of reps, isolating skills, and finding the courage to try.
Spending time in Portland allowed me to perform in my first out-of-town match at CSz Portland. It was a delight to bring Pat Short out of retirement to play with me. A few weeks later, I watched him, Ruth Jenkins, and Rick Steadman play against Seattle in a Portland v. Seattle match a few weeks later at CSz Seattle.
The new year also brought a new skill for me, directing and coaching improv. I have the pleasure of supporting amazing performers as Director of The Couples Quiz at Bandit Theater and as Head Coach for the Loop, a long-form improv club at CSz Seattle. Being in space weekly and supporting the growth of new and seasoned performers is something I enjoy and reminds me how important the basics of improv are: listening intently, finding agreement, and being in the moment.
My day job allowed me to participate in a Learning Lab with the Empower Initiative in Alabama. I visited Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma. It was a personal and professional pilgrimage through Southern US history, and reminder of place and how we can re-purpose spaces to fit to our current needs.
Spending time off stage playing board games, catching up and celebrating achievements with former co-workers, and being supported at shows reminds me of the importance of connection and community.
I am grateful for the opportunities in Q1 and looking forward to what’s again in Q2.