Is an inner monologue useful for improv comedy? (ft. NYC improviser Sabrina Banes)
Tired of being told to "get out of your head"? This episode of Your Improv Brain explores a different approach. Discover how your active inner voice, often seen as a distraction, can actually become a powerful tool for your improv.
Host Jen deHaan and guest Sabrina Banes discuss practical ways to understand and even harness your mental chatter for more grounded, spontaneous, and less anxious performances.
How can an inner monologue help you with a core long-form improv concept? Jen lets you know near the end of the episode.
You can also watch this episode on YouTube at the Your Improv Brain channel.
About our Guest, Sabrina:
Sabrina Banes is an improviser and Tarot reader who lives in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn with a Siamese cat named Kevin. In addition to Manifesto Update Sabrina also performs with her Improv College group The Fae Team and her Highwire troupes Dolly Lana and Jace Spam. Sabrina is also an improviser in and co-creator of Manifesto Update, produced by StereoForest.
See Sabrina's team The Fae with Improv College here: https://youtube.com/@improvcollege
And watch our show Manifesto Update on Stereoforest here: https://youtube.com/@stereoforest (first episode June 17, 2025) or listen to the podcast version here https://stereoforest.com/manifesto
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Your Improv Brain
Do you learn, coach, or perform improv and comedy? Then this show is for you. Jen talks about the intersection of comedy and different forms of thinking. How do our brains work when learning and performing improv. Because there are so many different types of brain wiring that affect how we learn and perform together.
Good comedy is neuroinclusive when you're performing or learning it. That means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, and all the different ways we experience life. Which is… you, since that is every type of human brain!
These episodes are about the many different types of brains that exist in the comedy and improv space. It features the voices of neurotypical and neurodivergent performers, any and all of the variations of brain types we have.
The topics we discuss are relevant to comedy, improv, acting, and performance. We can be better at comedy and acting if we try to understand each other. When we do, we work together more efficiently, learn more effectively, and function on teams with more success. And we're funnier.
These episodes are not for diagnosing people, making excuses for bad behaviour, or a form of therapy. They are for discussing, learning, and being human in your improv or comedy practice!
Hosted by Jen deHaan, an autistic and ADHD comedy performer, improv enthusiast, and writer. Produced by https://StereoForest.com.
Note: This podcast was formerly called "Neurodiversity and Improv"! New name, same kinda stuff.
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