Creating characters from the inside out
Newsletter #59: Getting inspiration from yourself and others to create interesting characters
Jen deHaan
Jen deHaan founded StereoForest in 2024 to focus on creating comedy podcasts, audio dramas, and audio fiction series that blend scripted and improvised material. Jen has taught long form improv classes at/with World’s Greatest Improv School (WGIS), Compass Improv, Highwire Improv, and Queen City Comedy. She was also the WGIS Online School Director, and hosted a lot of improv jams.
Connection doesn’t only mean eye contact
This article is about making eye contact with your scene partners, and other ways that improvisers and actors can facilitate connections on stage if meeting a direct gaze is not available to you. Traditional modes of connection are sometimes not…
Honesty in Character Creation & Improv Jams
Newsletter #58: Develop some realistic characters by examining honesty in their creation and reactions
Memory and recall exercises in improv & comedy
Newsletter #57: When do you remember things best? One thing to try for that. And an article about literalism in comedy, new jams with Jenice & Keri, and an animated audio drama
Impedance matching improves comedy performances
Balancing energy in your interactions and performances involves communicating well, and putting some effort into it sometimes
Practice Active Listening (exercise)
Newsletter #56: You can be present to listen better - one thing to try for that. And an article about literalism in comedy, new jams with Jenice & Keri, and an animated audio drama
Literally about literalism in improv & comedy
Looking at how a common neurodivergent trait, literalism, affects our writing and scenes. This article includes a special nod to improv.
Science supports group games and icebreakers, too
We love them or hate them, but even studies show they can make spaces more creative and beneficial for most. Here are a few more ideas to adjust these games to better support diverse neurotypes.
Suggestions for Protecting Your Mind While Doing Comedy
Ten suggestions to help you protect yourself while doing comedy and participating in our communities. YOU deserve compassion & respect no matter where you are with mental health or your neurotype.
Beneficial Exercises & Icebreakers for New Groups of Performers
Icebreakers. They're common in an acting class, at the top of an improv jam, or maybe when a team or cast is just getting to know each other. Some people love 'em, some people hate 'em.