Our Story

We understand how to teach what WE do and apply it to what YOU do.

HOW “WEST COAST” CAME TOGETHER:

In the late 1980s, improv had a resurgence in the Bay Area, with its transition from short form to a more extended narrative. This was when Stephen began his improv career working with Bay Area improv legends such as Pulp Playhouse, BATS Improv, and later True Fiction Magazine and 3forAll.

In the early 1990s, I (Jo) was a Bay Area actor who took my first improv class at BATS to develop my pivoting skills in auditions. I soon realized these improv skills were excellent life skills. I put the word out in the improv community, “Any improvisers want a free Bay Club membership in exchange for leading the once-a-month new employee orientation?” Skills like listening, making your partner look good, and “yes and” were perfect for the hospitality business.

One improviser who answered the call was Stephen Kearin; thus, a partnership and, later, a wonderful marriage that continues today.

At the same time, I was asked to join Scratch Theatre, a long-form improv group that Krisina was in. In the late 90s, we all found our way to Los Angeles. Kristina and I partnered to take an improv deep dive, integrating Kristina’s consulting work and my mad-scientist brain, creating experiential training to get at the core of human connection and innovation.

In the early 2000s, I took over Los Angeles Theatresports School of Improv and met Nick Massouh. Nick was particularly drawn to the long-form narrative class I had created, inspired by my Northern California training, and eventually took over running the school. In 2006, we became founding members of the world-renowned narrative improv group Impro Theatre.

We improvised our plays to sold-out houses in Los Angeles at The Broad Stage, The Garry Marshall Theater, The Anson Ford Amphitheater, The Pasadena Playhouse, and more. We traveled around the world and were reviewed and revered as a theater company that happened to write its plays while on its feet in front of an audience.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU:

How to get on the same page with others to collaborate and create a riveting theatrical experience became our life’s work. These are the same skills teams need in business today—in every industry.

There is disruption all over the globe. What worked before might not work now. You need to see the edge coming and know how to pivot to avoid the wall. Maybe you are pulling your company out of the ashes and want to create a culture of trust and innovation. Perhaps you have a great company culture or team and want to build on this success.

We can’t wait to work with you.