BACKGROUND
JUST KIDDING
IMPROV
Just Kidding Improv was born in 2013 from a simple observation — watching my own daughter transform through improv classes at a local theater.
She laughed more easily. She used her imagination. She started problem-solving her anxiety in ways I hadn't seen before. A quiet confidence began showing up in her academics, her friendships, and the way she moved through the world.
That's when I knew. I wanted every child to experience the power of improv.
Over the last 13 years, I've watched that same transformation happen again and again — in kids of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and brought its devastating social and emotional toll on children, it only deepened my commitment. Kids needed a safe place to connect, explore their emotions, laugh, and just be themselves.
That place is Just Kidding Improv.
What makes us different? Unlike traditional theater classes, you can take JKI again and again — because just like improv itself, every session is completely new. It is never the same class twice.
But more than a class, JKI is a community. A place where kids show up as themselves and leave a little more confident, a little more connected, and a lot more joyful.
And I still get excited walking into every single class. Because the best part of this work?
It's always the kids.
SKILL
DEVELOPMENT
PRINCIPLES
Principles of Improv
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Failure is Okay - you learn from it, so celebrate it
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Make your partner look good
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Yes... and.... Accept your partners offer and add to it
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Fully commit to your choices
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Do what comes next - keep it simple
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LISTEN!!!
Skill Development
The goal is to build social and emotional skills through play. Improv is to play and have fun through games and interaction with peers. During play, it is not important that you find the right answer, more importantly while playing in improv, you learn it is okay to make mistakes - to learn from them and move forward. It is through this play we foster spontaneous and creative development.
What Are The Outcomes of Improv
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Self Awareness
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Team Building
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Collaborating
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Listening
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Following Directions
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Self-Confidence
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Problem Solving
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Empathy
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Creative Thinking Skills
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Intuitive Skills build valuable social and emotional skills through play.
About Me
I have a passion for improv, because it has changed my life. We are lucky to have an amazing improv community in the Twin Cities, which has allowed me to meet awesome improvisors and take classes with teachers from around the world. I am a committed teacher, performer and student. In my 10 years in the classroom, and 20 years in education, I have applied improv techniques in my lessons with great results.
In my many years of teaching improv, I have learned anyone can benefit from improv, no matter their abilities. I have taught all levels and abilities of students and seen amazing transformations.
My background is in teaching, curriculum development, human resources, training and development and project management. My degrees are in Communications from Winona State University and a Masters from the University of St. Thomas.
I continue to actively work on my own skills as an improviser and performer. I am involved in a duo, Community Ed, we have performed at Two Friends, New Orleans improv Festival Green Bay Improv Festival and Omaha Improv Festival multiple times as well as locations all over the Twin Cities. HUGE Theater, Honey's, Bryant Lake Bowl, I have also produced a monthly improv show called Dynamic Duos at Dreamland Arts and produced and performed shows at Bryant Lake Bowl called Community Ed with a Side of Just Nancee. We have performed for Fearless Comedy, as well as performing for private events. I also play in other improv groups, Cursed and Amy Presents...
Why It Matters
The best teachers are still students. The best performers never stop learning. And the best improv educators bring both to every single class.
That's what I bring to Just Kidding Improv — every time.
Based in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Education & Background
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B.A. Communications
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Master of Arts Teaching
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Licensed Teacher
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10 years classroom teacher and curriculum development
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8 yearsHuman Resources: Training and Development, Recruitment and Organizational Development
Improv Training
Studied at HUGE Theater
Stevie Ray Improv Company
Numerous Workshops all over the United States
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Susan Messing, Annoyance Theater and iO.
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David Razowsky, Second City Training Ctr.
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Jill Bernard, HUGE Theater.
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Joe Bill - iO Chicago
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Matt Craig, iO West Theater.
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Lauren Anderson, Brave New Workshop
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Jimmy Carrane, Improv Nerd
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Elena Maria Garcia
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