Jump into the exciting journey of improv through a decolonized perspective! This course invites you to rethink traditional narratives and practices in improv, inspiring participants to explore fresh ways of thinking and connecting with others. It's designed for anyone eager to enrich their improv skills while shedding old habits and cultural norms to create a more inclusive storytelling environment. Classes are open to everyone—yes, you too! We truly mean it, everyone.

Class capacity 14.

Feel free to set up your payment plan! Pay whatever amount works for you now; later on, you can pay what you’re comfortable with later.

Instructors:

Ashawnti Sakina Ford was raised amidst the richness of Black artistic expression and creativity, it was a natural progression for her to become an actress, improviser, director, playwright, arts educator, cultural producer, and now a community programs associate with TTT! Her work has consistently focused on social justice, youth empowerment, and arts accessibility.

As an actress, she has performed with theaters such as the Children’s Theater Company, St. Paul’s History Theater, Pillsbury House and Theater, Sandbox Theater Company, and more. As an educator, she has conducted workshops based on “Theater of the Oppressed” for youth in Monrovia, Liberia, and London, England. Additionally, she has curated and facilitated theater workshops for youth across the metro area and for college students in the Midwest.

John Gebretatose (He/Him) is a comedy and improv community trailblazer with over 15 years of experience. He founded Good Camel Comedy Theater, an arts company dedicated to humor that speaks truth to power and fosters diverse voices. As the co-executive director and former Director of Diversity and Inclusion at HUGE Theater in Minneapolis, John has led significant diversity initiatives that have shaped the regional improv landscape. He co-founded the Black and Funny Improv Festival and Blackout Improv, which spotlight and uplift underrepresented artists. Additionally, John is an award-winning podcast host for “MinneCulture” on KFAI radio, further showcasing his passion for cultural storytelling. John’s expertise in improv, coupled with his directorial skills, makes him a sought-after performer and teacher globally. His teaching extends to various settings, from K-12 schools to corporate environments, where he promotes inclusivity and understanding through comedy.