About Improv Update

Improv Update focuses on learning improv through the lens of neurodiversity. The site offers resources, episodes, and articles for performers of all neurotypes. Jen deHaan explores neurodivergence in comedy, drawing from experience as an autistic and ADHD performer to provide inclusive training tools. For you.

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Our KEY RESOURCES

Neurodivergence and Comedy Resources to help learn or perform

#1

Newsletters & The Archives

The archives document strategies for learning improv across different neurotypes – and you can search the database for articles and episode transcripts too. Our Newsletter distributes current research and practical applications of neurodiversity in comedy, and lets you know about new improv resources being added every week. Subscribe to the newsletter here. The content and resources on this site reflects Jen’s experience as a neurodivergent improviser and educator.

#2

Your Improv Brain (the show)

This show investigates cognitive diversity in performance. Episodes analyze how neurodivergent and neurotypical brains learn, process and experience improv comedy (and work together on a team, too). Jen deHaan applies personal experience as an autistic and ADHD performer to the discussions on learning improv and nervous system regulation in the show. Subscribe to the podcast or watch on YouTube.

#3

Downloads

Downloadable guides provide structured exercises for learning improv. The PDFs focus on neurodiversity and include specific modifications for neurodivergent performers. These resources translate complex cognitive concepts into applied performance techniques suitable for solo practice, teaching, or coaching. They’ll help teachers and teams be inclusive of neurodivergent performers, and ANY improviser get better. Even if you’re not neurodivergent, you improvise with us. Find the downloads here.

Who made this?

Jen deHaan investigates how different neurotypes approach learning improv and comedy performance. This includes both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals. Neurodiversity plays a really important role in how groups perform comedy together… because every improviser is neurodiverse (it includes all neurotypes), and whoever you are, you improvise with or teach neurodivergent performers.

Jen also analyzes general improv techniques and comedy strategy in her shows, articles, and downloadable resources. As an autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) performer and podcast show producer, she delivers content from a neurodivergent perspective. This offers specific insights into cognitive diversity in performance that are often overlooked in traditional training.

Neuroinclusion begins with the understanding that neurodivergent performers are present in every space. Listening and learning are darn important for inclusive comedy environments. We can all do better here. Why?

Very few, if any, classes I’ve taken out of hundreds and hundreds have been truly neuroinclusive. For example, I’ve never ever been taught an alternative to an emotional label in hundreds of emotion exercises from dozens of teachers. But 10% of all humans process emotions differently and often cannot use those labels.
Jen deHaan

This site is created and hosted in Canada.

To learn more about the human who makes this site, see her bio here:

About Jen

Podcast

Your Improv Brain

Focusing on ALL types of brains doing improv and comedy alone and together as a group. If you are an improviser, this show is for you.

Watch or Listen

This show is available as a video series on YouTube, or as an audio-only podcast. Jen also offers articles in text based format (which also link to their video and audio versions). The podcast is recorded separately from the video, and sometimes has a few additional details. Find the show here:

YouTube

Podcast

JEN DEHAAN

PODCAST & YOUTUBE SHOW HOST

More comedy and improv

Some Other Shows

Comedy Podcasts

Find our shows that use improv and scripted comedy to deliver original storytelling in (primarily) audio formats. We do educational (non-fiction) shows too!

VISIT STEREOFOREST