The Improvaneer Method

The Improvaneer Method was founded in 2020, but the idea planted its first seed in 2009, when founder, Rob Snow, had his second son, Henry, who was born with Down syndrome. Rob had a background in comedy and improvisation, and in 2013, he and his wife Ellen founded the non profit Stand Up For Downs, which was created to enhance the lives of those with developmental disabilities through humor. After raising money through comedy events, Rob was reminded from a friend how improvisation could be used to help those with developmental disabilities. The lightbulb went off and Rob began teaching improvisation to individuals with Down syndrome once a month. This then turned into a weekly class with a troupe called The Improvaneers, the world's first all Down syndrome improv troupe. After about two years of training and several sold out performances, Rob and his assistant Director, Maggie Bisesi, put pen to paper and created The Improvaneer Method. The goal of the Improvaneer Method is to use improvisation to build skills that will greatly increase social, workplace, and lifetime opportunities for those of all abilities. Those skills include focus, listening, problem-solving, creative thinking, quick-thinking, eye contact, voice projection, adapting to change, character development, and a healthy dose of self confidence. The program also uses field-studied evaluations, parent and participant surveys, and case studies to prove the value of the method. Currently the various programs offered are live classes, licenses and certifications, online classes, private online sessions, group parties, performances and workshops. Prior to the pandemic, The Improvaneer Method was set to deliver various programs to 20 different locations around the country in 2020. The pandemic allowed the team to "improvise" and begin online classes which are currently teaching over 500 participants around the country each week.