Holly Mandel

Artisic Director, Founder

IMPROVOLUTION! was founded by Los Angeles GROUNDLINGS alumna HOLLY MANDEL in January 2002 when she moved to New York after deciding to leave LA and, well, move to New York. As a GROUNDLING she performed, wrote, directed and taught as a Main Company member for over six years, studying and performing with some of the best in improv and sketch comedy.  She created the longest-running long-form show in LA before leaving, “The Crazy Uncle Joe Show” which you can see any Wednesday night at The Groundlings. She also studied with the wonderful SECOND CITY director Jeff Michalski and the fantastic Stan Wells of THE EMPTY STAGE in Los Angeles.

Holly teaches at and directs IMPROVOLUTION’s shows, as well as performs with GROUNDLING alums and various troupes. She also teaches improv at HB Studio and coaches both individuals and groups.

Here is a photo of Holly in a blonde wig from a sketch from the Groundlings.

No, she does not still own it.  Yes, she wishes she did. ”It was one of the best wigs I ever had the honor of wearing.”

Radhika Vaz

RADHIKA VAZ has been teaching improv for over 4 years with IMPROVOLUTION.  She has also taught at various other schools including HB Studio.  She has also worked with several media companies in India. She is the QUEEN OF LEVEL 1.

Radhika has been performing with IMPROVOLUTION for over 6 years and produced her own sketch show with Katarina Kojic in 2007, The KAT AND RAD SHOW.

Radhika thinks birthdays are indulgent.

Anthony Minto

School Administrator

This is not what Anthony looks like now. Some people didn’t get that this was Anthony as a confident youth.

Anthony has been teaching for almost 6 years and has been a performing member of IMPROVOLUTION for almost 7 years. He has also performed in several improv groups including 4 PLAY, 7 CHAIRS, and THE AGENCY.

He has taught at various schools including HB Studio.

Anthony has been known to celebrate not only his own birthday but his vast array of friends’ birthdays as well.

Mike Drummey

A very clever lad with constantly shifting facial hair combinations.

Rebecca Stuard

Helping steer the ship, using her skills of positivity, organization, lots of care, and eerie ability to attract people and things.

Anthony “the Mint” Minto

Lives Improvolution. Helps with the school and keeping the love going strong with us all.

Nadia Manzoor

Assisting Improvolution in many ways – from her business and non-profit structuring background, to her appreciation for the power improv has to develop individulas and groups.  A true team player.

Kat K.

Photographer

Improv changed my life. Period.  No…exclamation point…and smiley faces!

Mike Iaia

Restaurant Manager

I love improv! There I said it. It was something I always wanted to do but was also terrified of it at the same time. When I saw one of Holly’s shows I decided to go for it and I’ve never looked back.  It’s a neck injury… No, anyway!….it’s more fun than you can imagine and you’ll meet amazing people who you’ll want to know for the rest of your life.

David F.

IT / Web Strategy

I think anyone who knew me before I started taking improv would say that I am pretty much a different person now. And…I’ll admit it…a happier, more outgoing person at that. It’s very hard to list all of the benefits I’ve gotten from Improvolution but it’s safe to say there are a lot and they’re all completely positive.

Adam S.

Project Manager
Improvolutionary since 2010

Improv has increased my confidence to deal with situations when then arise. It has helped me be flexible in the way I deal with things and to ‘trust’ the process of living. And at Improvolution, I love how nurturing, engaging and respectful it is of each persons abilities and ambitions.

Laura A.

Office Administrator
Improvolutionary since 2010

Take a class! It is totally fun and worth it! The teachers are awesome and you’ll meet great people and be proud that you took the class. All I can say is ‘Thanks for helping me evolve!

Vicki R.

Actress/Photographer, founding member of "Knuckle Sandwich"
Improvolutionary since 2002

Improvolution gave me amazing lasting friendships and a strong improvarsenal! I love the camaraderie there – nobody is competing, everyone is supportive ofeach other! … And it’s FUN!!

Becca L.

Actor, Teacher, Server
Improvolutionary since 2009

Definitely take a class. Even if you’re not an actor or are nervous about it, improvisation is very freeing and a lot of fun. The classes are safe and supportive environments in which to learn a lot about yourself, play and let loose. At Improvolution I have met a lot of great people, have an amazing improv teacher who knows my strengths and weaknesses and encourages me to go after my goals.

Jeanne F.

Voice Actor
Improvolutionary since 2005

Improvolution has opened me up, both as an actor, and life in general -gives you confidence, it’s a safe and fun environment to play in. The school offers personalized attention if you seek it, and the staff is very supportive and positive.

Douglas T.

International Politics / Author
Improvolutionary since 2010

If you’re thinking about it, just do it… you obviously want the challenge. It’s not a broadway audition, nor will your boss find out if you flub a scene in class! I love Improvolution because it is FUN! Because in the midst of a crazy week, I had that night to just let go, let loose, and learn about myself and what I’m capable of!

Lovena V.

Investment Banker
Improvolutionary since 2004

The biggest change and benefit I have seen in myself is my spontaneity!! Somehow having to always think things through muddies the mind, sure you can solve a complex problem… but how fast can you respond to an immediate situation? I have much more confidence to do that at work…and everywhere.

Barry S.

Actor
Improvolutionary since 2004

‘It has helped my acting…and auditioning specifically…immensely. And I listen better. A LOT better. I always say to people, why not give a class a try? They always love it.

Justin H.

Producer / Writer for television and film
Improvolutionary since 2009

Improv is a unique and fun way to look at performing. Whether you work in a creative field or not, it gives you confidence in the choices that you make. But more importantly, it teaches you to understand where your choices come from and to think about those choices within the context of the world in which you operate. You know, just shut up and take a class.

Stephanie B.

Advertising Sales, Network Television
Improvolutionary since 2009

Wow, where do I start. I had no idea when I started taking Improv classes the effect it would have on me. First off, looking forward to class every week helps me get through the day. No matter what else I have going on I know that for that 2.5 hours I’m just going to have fun! Improv teaches you how to think of your feet and not be afraid to say whatever is on your mind. Not only have I noticed a change in my confidence but my friends have as well. I also have made some amazing new friends.

Michael G.

Software Developer
Improvolutionary since 2009

You should give Improvolution a try – an intro class will give you a good idea of what you’re getting into and if you enjoy it (wihch inevitably you will) you’ll no choice but to do a whole class. I love the excellent teaching here, high expectations from both the teachers and the students attending the class.

Marina R.

Business Owner
Improvolutionary since 2007

These classes have helped me to be myself in different aspects of my personality. They really made me better at speaking, thinking on my feet and generally more confident. I noticed how I was using what I was learning in class to help brainstorming meetings at work. Minus the character voices of course…

Radhika V.

Performer, Writer, Improv Coach
Improvolutionary since 2002

Take a class. It’s a great idea because improv is one of those skills that helps you become better at whatever it is you do. It has helped me, over and over, to face both my strengths and my weaknesses…and keep improving in both areas!

Anthony M.

Editor Employee Trainer
Improvolutionary since 2004

There so much to love about Improvolution…I’ve taken a lot of classes all over town and I’d have to say, my favorite thing is the small family feeling. And that there is real care here for one another.

Matthew G.

Copywriter and entrepreneur
Improvolutionary since 2005

This is the most fun you’ll ever be afraid to have. And at Improvolution I love the people, the comraderie, the genuine interest in helping people to improve.

Brian A.

Media Buyer
Improvolutionary since 2003

Yes, I like bananas. But more than bananas, I like improv. I had no idea I would. Then I took a class at Improvolution and have been an addict ever since. Not to get famous, but because I love it, love the people, love getting better and having fun with really cool people.