Every 29th July is Say Day where improvisers around the world tell each other just how deeply they are appreciated. The practice was started by TJ Jagadowski, partly inspired by the death of Jason Chin.
Jason’s passing was a wake up call. Don’t wait until it’s too late to tell people that they are loved.
Each year, I’m picking five people publicly that I think are worth shouting about, but there are obviously MANY more improvisers who are close to my heart.
Please consider also sending some messages, and letting others know how much they mean to you.
Gael is one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. I always forget he is a decade younger than me because he excels in so many areas of work - performance, direction, teaching, organisation and being a silly billy. I love how empathetic, deep thinking and passionate he is about everything he does. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without him.
Read about Gael’s improv theatre
I first met Hellena in Austin, Texas, where we were both trying to save the Hideout Theatre from having one of their outer walls demolished by a hotel. Hellena embodies so much of what I love about improv - she is dedicated and joyful, she brings people together. In addition, she seemingly has no ego - despite being a world-class teacher and performer.
Listen to a podcast with Hellena
I’ve know Billy for a long time but recently got the chance to sit down with her and really talk about our lives. If I admired Billy before, my respect is truly on another level now. She has done so much and fought so hard for her community. She has such strength and determination. And above all that, she is a total delight - her warmth and enthusiasm for the art form (and for her friends) comes off her in waves.
My first memory of Ferran is at Improv Utopia Ireland - where he absolutely blew everyone away during a jam night with his stage presence. He is a wonderful performer and has a beautiful singing voice too. I recently got a chance to see him as the conductor of a Playback Theatre performance. He was incredibly charming and you could see the audience adored him. I also love him because he likes technology and gadgets as much as I do.
Anisha was an online improv friend during the pandemic but moved to London the following year. Since then we’ve been to concerts together (Alanis!!!) and had many far-reaching chats about improv and life. Anisha greets everyone with such joy and genuine interest. She cares about other people and she wants them to succeed. It’s the reason she is such a good improviser and such an incredible human being. I’m really glad we perform in the same city now.