IIC will be performing at Le Petit Lounge in Columbus, IN on Friday, January 27th @ 7:00 PM.  Tickets are $10 at the door.  It's sure to be a great time.

Don't let the size of this book fool you.  It is packed with a wealth of improv wisdom that is summed up beautifully.  If you've had the chance to work with Jill Bernard, you are already aware that there are few people who bring that depth of joy and delight to the art.  Her book reflects these aspects well.

Whether you are a new improviser or a seasoned pro, this book is fantastic for reminding you why you fell in love with improv in the first place.  It's an easy read and is a great resource to return to if you find yourself burnt out or losing focus.

You can order your copy here.

All members of IIC have their own emergency copy.  We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

IIC will perform on the Short Fringe stage as part of the Indy Fringe Festival.

The Short Fringe Stage is located on the corner of College and St. Clair, near the Art Bank and Beer  Tent.

We have two, 15 minute slots.  We're planning to showcase a shortened long form format.

Friday, 8/26 at 6:45 PM

Saturday, 8/28 at 5:15 PM

Come cheer us on!  Tickets are just $5 at the door.

In the technical since, improv is a live theater style where everything presented is made up on the spot.  There are often inspirations for the things seen, sometimes in the form of an audience suggestion.

There are many different styles of improv, although the two most common seen in comedy-based improv are divided into short form and long form.  No matter which form you see, you are witnessing something that will only live in that moment, never to be performed again.

Improv can take on a number of purposes in addition to humor.  It can be used to educate, provoke, and inspire.  In some cases, all of the above can happen in one short scene.  Which shows will feature that?  We don't know.  We're making it up.  We're often as surprised by the outcome as you are.


Either form requires improvisers to develop a specific set of skills.  Most improvisers go through an endless cycle of classes and workshops to advance their understanding of the art.  But what in the world are they practicing?  They learn how to trust their instincts, think on their feet, work cooperatively in a group, and put their fear aside.  Yes, improv can be scary work!

But most improvisers stick with improv for the love of the freedom and creativity it brings. It isn't uncommon for individuals to use improv as a healing tool.  The larger improv community is filled with beautiful people who are dedicated to improving the craft by improving themselves.  The ability to "play" improv with other individuals is truly a gift.


We at Indy Improv Collaborative want nothing more than to share the improv experience with you, either by performing on a stage or by helping you take the first steps in your own improv journey.

Bess fell into improv accidentally after being surprised with improv classes for her birthday.  What started as a fun way to get out of the house quickly became an obsession.  Her love of improv comes from the inner game and how the process helps shapes one as an individual.  Improv helped her at a challenging time in her life.  She wants nothing more than to share the joy of improv with as many people as possible.
Bess used to train in circus arts with a focus on static trapeze.
Bess has taken local classes with IndyProv and is a graduate of Comedy Sportz.  She has also traveled all over the country to seek out the best instruction.  She has completed an intensive with the Annoyance, where she has performed on the main stage.  She attended a long form intensive at Second City where she geeked out on forms with Susan Messing and Rachel Mason.  She adores working with Jimmy Carrane, as his art of slow comedy approach meshes well with her slow play preference.  Her other travels have included annual sojourns to The Improv Retreat and a week in Minnesota at Huge Theater studying with Jill Bernard and Stacey Smith.  Bess has found her current training home at iO Chicago.  After completing a week long intensive there in 2016, she decided to begin the formal program.  She is currently in Level 4 and is set to graduate next year.   

In addition to directing IIC, Bess also owns Collaborative Ventures LLC, which offers improv geared towards business needs.



He earliest exposer to comedy were the countless hours of watching The Three Stooges with her father as a young child.  Bess also enjoys Tina Fey, Jim Gaffigan, Kristen Schaal, and Flight of the Conchords.  Her improv influences include Jill Bernard, Tara DeFranscisco, and any show directed by Mick Napier.
Bess' primary career is as an Information Architect specializing in Microsoft SharePoint.  She is a homeschooling mom to her three children and she does mom things like drive kids to scouting, karate, and art lessons.  While there is little free time to spare, she enjoys video games, comic books, and the geek lifestyle in general.