What is this, and why subscribe?
This site is dedicated to exploring how different neurotypes approach learning and performing improv and comedy! Because the author is an autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) improv and comedy performer, the content is delivered from that perspective. However it is probably relevant to any performer who feels a bit different than typical… and everyone who shares a stage or classroom with them (us).
Which is every improviser. Every comedian. Every performer. We all share spaces with autistic improvisers, ADHD comedians, and so on.
I’ve been told these topics are relevant to performing comedy and acting in general. So hopefully that’s true too and makes this podcast and these resources 10% less hella-niche.
You should subscribe if you want to make your practice a bit more inclusive, including with yourself. If you want to empower your neurodivergent mind and self.
You might want to subscribe if you want to understand your differences, or those of others. Or maybe you just like improv, or comedy, or autistic people.
Do you like comedy?
About the author
Hello! I am Jen, a neurodivergent (autistic and ADHD) improviser. Cognitive topics, comedy, teaching, learning, and improv are subjects I love thinking about. My formal education and background is in teaching, so I thought I’d talk about the intersection of all these things on this website in written resources, and on the podcast.
Bio
Jen deHaan has taught and coached improv at several schools including World's Greatest Improv School (WGIS) and Queen City Comedy. She was also the Online School Director of WGIS. Jen does improv shows and makes podcasts for small niche audiences such as the one on this site, and a bunch of podcasts and shows delivered on StereoForest.
Jen founded StereoForest so she can create, direct, and produce podcasts for both audio and video delivery.
In the before-times, Jen enjoyed teaching dance fitness and performing in semi-rural vaudeville/burlesque themed shows both of which took place on stages made of wood. She loved it a lot. Like, a lot.
Jen has a degree in teaching creative arts to adults from University of Calgary. Her professional background is in software technology (audio/video/web/graphics) in Silicon Valley, including instructional design and writing. She likes to explain things in detail. Jen has been teaching humans in a formal capacity since the early 90s, and autistic since the 70s. Basically, she has a diverse work history that would make any AuDHD nod in agreement.
StereoForest & Other Newsletters
Many podcasts mentioned in this newsletter are produced by StereoForest. You can find other podcasts about improv, and improvised podcasts and shows. You can find StereoForest shows here.
Subscribe to the StereoForest newsletter for new episodes of improv comedy podcasts, shows, and audio dramas.
Sub to the StereoForest newsletter if you want to learn about opportunities to guest on improv and comedy podcasts or audition for audio dramas!
Get bonus content for all podcasts!
You can support this site and receive bonus content by becoming a paid subscriber here on Substack. You will receive all of the written essays about being a neurodivergent brain in comedy.
Improv Update: All things improv!
You can also also subscribe to Improv Update. I send out weekly updates about improv comedy podcasts, shows, livestreams, and more. There might even be a link to some jams you can attend.
Discount Improv
If you want improv at steep discount prices, check out Jen’s Discount Improv Emporium or follow it on Instagram. It’s so cheap it’s free.
Contact
Reply to any newsletter, use the button below, or contact me here. This contact form sends an email to shows@ the domain, and I’ll get back to you quickly.
Note that if you contact via social media DM I’ll get it, maybe, at some point (I don’t check them often - the above is quicker/more reliable. Thanks!)
