The Improvaneers say “Yes, and” — taking improv and life lessons on the road

In the middle of a darkened stage, light illuminates a simple set-up. Some empty chairs lined up neatly in its midst. The darkness is nothing but an empty canvas, which begs to be filled by our imagination.

And so, we enter the world of improv, in which one simple rule can change everything.

That rule?

“Yes, and.”

Instead of merely shutting down an idea, improv performers will accept it - as random or wild as the idea may seem - and actively build on it, quickly bringing the idea to life. Through the power of imagination and quick wit, improvisers create laughter and imagery in what before was empty space - inviting the audience into the vivid scenes of a story that only lives there, in that moment.

And for the Improvaneers, this principle has become much more than a comedy technique.

Inspired by his son Henry, 2018 marked the year Rob Snow created the world’s first all-Down syndrome improv group based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Having studied improv extensively himself, Rob knew that it could teach invaluable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and listening, as well as help build confidence and hone communication skills such as voice projection and eye contact.

“I remembered what improvisation could do. For all of us, really, but specifically how it can help build skills in individuals with developmental disabilities,” Rob Snow shares with Mark Bergman on the Inspirations News podcast.

The possibility of building these skills is especially valuable to those with developmental disabilities, as it could greatly enhance social, work, and life skills, and provide a platform for them to shine on stage while breaking down preconceived perceptions of ability.

And indeed, audiences perceptions do change after seeing the Improvaneers perform, particularly those who might not know about the talents of those living with Down syndrome or developmental disabilities.

“They come up to me after shows, and go - ‘Oh my god, I had no idea. I had no idea these individuals could do that, and be that funny, good and creative,’” says Rob in the podcast. “And saying that to someone like me, I am taken aback a little bit. It’s slightly offensive, but you’re also a little bit like, ‘Okay. Now you know. Now go share what you know.’”

And the proof of how effective improv is at building these skills, as the Improvaneers’ website shares, is in the pudding - with both professional evaluation and those closest to the participants marking noticeable growth.

So… how do they do it?

With an emphasis on learning improv in a non-competitive, inclusive, and fun environment, the Improvaneer method uses a so-called “scaffolding” approach, working to build skills over three levels.

“[The method] combines the perfect progression of games tailored to specific skillsets, patience, the right personality and directing style, a good amount of energy and a lot of passion,” as stated the Improvaneers’ website.

All games follow the main goal of building skills to improve opportunities across social lives, the workplace, and generally in life.

What started as an approach to increase life skills for communities in and around Ohio has quickly blossomed into something much larger.

“This started with me being told to ‘imagine the possibilities,’ but I could never have imagined this!” Rob exclaims on the Improvaneers’ website.

And indeed, the Improvaneers have made their way to the big stage. With their performance at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal this summer, their appearance went down in history - believed to be the first improv troupe comprised entirely of performers with developmental disabilities to perform at the festival.

“My experience in Montreal, and on stage, was really awesome,” said Henry on the podcast. He continues: “What we want the audience to see is a family. We want them to see who we truly are.”

The close bond between the Improvaneers is part of what makes them so special - and what keeps the seasoned performers calm when getting up on that stage, especially one at a festival as big as Just for Laughs.

“They are family to me,” Improvaneer performer Audrey said on the podcast. “We all can do this together. We can make anyone not just laugh, but see the inside of us, the creativity within us that brings us out to them, to see what we do.”

And now, the story of the Improvaneers is making its way beyond the stage.

A documentary is in production about the seven crew members, following them along on some of their performances, leading up to being selected for and performing at the Just for Laughs Festival - and exploring the highlights and challenges involved, both physically and mentally, but also societally.

“It’ll be a beautiful story - it’s just gonna be incredible. Hopefully early to mid-2027!” Rob said on the podcast.

Intrigued? Check out the Improvaneers here.

To learn more about improv in Montreal, visit https://www.montrealimprov.com/.

Tatjana Huber is a freelance writer with a Master of Science in Climate Change.