As a new empty-nester, local professional photographer Juls Buckman began searching for an enjoyable activity that, in addition to her hobbies at CBC C home, would provide a good balance to her career life, and also allow her to meet other people in the community.

Buckman began acting in plays, and after discovering that memorizing scripts was challenging with her business schedule, she decided to take an improv class.

“I loved the experience of being on stage, but I didn’t like the homework part of it,” Buckman said. “I wanted something I could enjoy while I was there, and didn’t have to spend a ton of time working on. Improv provides that because you can’t script it ahead of time; you’re going in raw.”

After taking the first improv class offered through the Heritage Theatre, Buckman’s daughter, Abigail Buckman, expressed interest in taking the class. Realizing this could be an activity for them to do together, Buckman signed both of them up for a weekly improv class held over the course of three months.

“Upon hearing the word improv, my initial thought was ‘I could never’,” Abigail Buckman said. “In improvising, I’ve grown more confident and curious which has definitely translated into how I approach my work and social life. As fun as improv has been, it’s more than an outlet. It’s been a source of connection and empowerment I didn’t know I needed.”

The class taught skills including teamwork, communication, understanding facial expressions, and other concepts that allowed team members to be in tune with one another when presented with the prompt for a new scenario. At the end of the course, the team performed a show for a packed theater.

“I was surprised there was so much interest. So many people wanted to see this show,” Buckman said. “Many of those on our team wanted to continue practicing, so we decided to casually meet once a week at my photography studio.”

The group consisted of members from various career paths, religions, and ages; an “improbable” gathering of people whose common interest is performing improv. As such, the group deemed themselves “The Improvables.”

Originally unsure of what the response would be, The Improvables began by performing free shows for the community. When they noticed every seat in the theater was full, the team was encouraged to sell tickets for subsequent shows, and still — the shows would sell out.

“We’re still pinching ourselves, really,” Buckman said. “Apparently people are really hungry for something different; something that’s funny and fun.”

Audience participation and games are big parts of the improv shows. Suggestions for themes, locations, character relationships, and more are offered to the team, and they incorporate those into their performances without knowing what the outcome will be.

Andrew Mundhenk, Communications Manager, Henderson County Department of Public Health, said practicing and performing in this way has improved his speaking and listening skills when communicating with the media and large groups. He has increased confidence, has learned to think fast and adapt to uncertainty, and is more willing to make suggestions as well as embrace the suggestions of others.

The ability to show up authentically, have a good time, and make people laugh has helped build individual and professional confidence for The Improvables’ participants who agree that their experiences have improved their social and work lives.

Adam Safer, Director of Economic Development Policy for the Carolina Small Business Development Fund, said he began improv classes with the intention of meeting people, having fun, and feeling more comfortable and spontaneous socially. He was surprised that improv helped him build meaningful relationships, discover opportunities for expressing and processing challenging emotions, and become a better communicator in his professional life.

Executive Communication Coach Kaia Sommers said improv is always at the center of her work. She’s found community, support, and a true sense of deep listening and connection and is more comfortable with the unknown; she now encourages her clients to live in the moment and accept what shows up in their lives.

Mountain Deli Manager Jerry Fitzgerald said improv has helped in both his professional and personal life. While working in a high-volume service industry setting, his ability to think on his feet while under pressure has improved. He has found more confidence socially, and enjoys improv as a stress reliever after a hard day. 

“Personally, I’m thankful for the stretch it’s created in me,” Buckman said. “I’m learning it’s okay to bring my sense of humor into my photography sessions. It’s always been fun, but it’s grown to a different level of fun because I’m more confident that it’s okay to cut up and enjoy myself while creating great photos for my clients.”

The Improvables are a group of individuals from the Hendersonville area who perform improv comedy at various area theaters. Learn more and check out some of their performances on YouTube @TheImprovablesHendo. Learn more about the Asheville Improv Fest at DoubleDipProductions.com/AshevilleImprovFest2024.