March 31, 2026 - THEY improv's Comedy Fetured in Florida Weekly
Improv provides comedic relief
/ South Florida’s comedy troupes transform lives through the art of laughter and creativityBY KRISTIN VOIT
There’s nothing like shared laughter to lighten a mood, clear the mind or soothe the soul. Daily life, with its unguarded, sometimes situationally ironic spontaneity, is a breeding ground for amusement. There’s no better way to channel the essence of everyday hilarity than improvisational theater — the art of spontaneous, unscripted performance.
Improv’s roots stretch back to the early 20th century when Viola Spolin, an American theater director, developed a series of theater games that emphasized spontaneity and group dynamics, with the purpose of unleashing creativity and authenticity in performers. Spolin’s work laid the foundation for the renowned Second City in Chicago, which has grown into an iconic improv institution, and in recent years, improv has worked its way into mainstream entertainment with shows like “Whose Line Is It Anyway.”
Bringing levity and offering escape from a complicated world, improv is quickly evolving beyond laughter to inspire and transform how people communicate, learn and heal. Stage 2 Improv and The Naples Players in Naples; Oops, We’re A Troupe and THEY Improv in Fort Myers; Improv Comedy Arts in Bonita Springs; the Englewood Community Coalition and Comedy Kitchen in Palm Beach are among the groups bringing improv to non-traditional venues throughout South Florida.
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THEY Improv: We’re all in it together
Todd Rice, a seasoned performer and director at THEY Improv in Fort Myers, emphasizes the importance of trust between players in improv scenes. At THEY Improv, Rice has led corporate workshops, training sessions and performances that demonstrate how improv can foster collaboration and enhance team dynamics.
From its humble beginnings raising money for local charities, THEY Improv has grown into a nationally touring improv company. “I’m a unicorn. I’m an improviser who makes a living doing improv. We still try to do charity work when we can, but we’re all over the country,” said Rice.
“Improv is all about the trust you have with the people around you,” he explained. “It’s not just about being funny. It’s about making each other look good and creating something together. Improv isn’t just for the performers — it’s for the audience as well. It’s a shared experience, and that’s what makes it so powerful.”
For Rice, improv involves creating an inclusive environment where performers and audience members share the experience. “In improv, we’re all in it together,” he said. “It’s about connection, not just entertainment. The more we can create these spaces, the more the community grows. I’ve seen it time and again — people from all walks of life coming together, laughing and realizing that we’re all human. It’s a truly unifying experience.”
The future of improv in South Florida: Anything is possible
From its therapeutic applications to its growing presence in corporate training and education, improv’s potential is profound and far-reaching — and South Florida’s improv troupes are extending the boundaries of the art form beyond entertainment to self-expression and personal development.
“I encourage everyone to try improv at least once,” said Judith Santos. “It’s about breaking down your own walls and stepping into a space where anything is possible. When you open yourself up to that, you never know where it might take you.”
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