Using improvisation to build skills that will greatly improve social, workplace and lifetime opportunities in those with developmental disabilities.
“The Improvaneer Method Way focuses on supporting our mission while maintaining immense respect, admiration, and support for the individuals utilizing the program. At all times, we will create a positive learning atmosphere that incorporates fun, humor, and discipline into the achievement and ultimate practice of this skill. No one who participates in this program will ever be forced to do something they don’t want to do or aren’t ready to do, and they will never be told to do something that scares or embarrasses them. We will work to understand each individuals’ abilities and thresholds of discovery and enjoyment of the program to provide the best experience possible.”
— Rob Snow - CEO and Creator
“Imagine the Possibilities!”
Dream it.
Rob Snow is the founder of Stand Up For Downs, an organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of those with Down syndrome through humor. He and his wife, Ellen, developed the charity in honor of their son Henry who has Down syndrome. After 6 years of raising funds for the developmental disability community, Rob was looking for a change.
In 2017, Rob Snow, was visiting a friend who was pregnant with triplets. He asked her, “What would you want to be doing if you weren’t going to be a bit occupied for the rest of your life?” She said, “I always wanted to teach improvisation to those with developmental disabilities.” Rob responded, “Why’s that?”. She said, “Imagine the possibilities.”
Rob immediately stole the idea and began to think of each and every possibility his former friend had dreamed of.*
The idea was ready to become a reality
*OK, the idea was actually gladly given to Rob, and she remains his friend.
Build it.
The Hypothesis:
If we teach improvisation to those with developmental disabilities, we can build skills that will greatly increase social, workplace, and lifetime opportunities.
Classes were taught monthly at first using a variety of games to see what might work best. Soon an approach began to form and the method started to work. Rob wanted to test his hypothesis further by casting a group of more dedicated individuals to teach once a week. In 2018, the world’s first all Down syndrome improvisation troupe, The Improvaneers, was born.
Rob and his assistant director and lead trainer, Maggie Bisesi, began to see the skills that were developing, and they worked with renown experts to discover a unique way to measure it. They now knew the impact this program could have. Through The Improvaneers, the Improvaneer Method was beginning to take form.
Grow it.
From the sold out shows the Improvaneers performed in July of 2019, Rob, Maggie, and the rest of their team have been growing in huge ways. The Improvaneer Method was officially created. This program teaches 3 different levels of improvisation - Improviser, Improvaneer, Performer - all focused on allowing participants to grow in ways they never thought possible.
During the pandemic of 2020, the program “improvised” and created 40 online classes and 3 levels. This online program currently teaches over 500 individuals with developmental disabilities each week.
Today, the Improvaneer Method has programs being taught throughout the country. Individuals and organizations can book performances, workshops, online sessions, youth programs, individual training, monologue and speech making training, and purchase their own certified license.
In the end, what the Improvaneer Method truly wants is simple….Global Domination!
Upcoming Events & Classes
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BGSU Improvaneer Method Show
Join us as we celebrate our BGSU Improvaneers, who have just completed their first session of The Improvaneer Method!
This class began in February, in partnership with BGSU Main Campus, and led by Certified Directors Ellie and Derick!
The grand finale will be a performance for the community! The performance will be held on April 17th from 5-6pm at the Student Union Theater: Bowen-Thompson Student Union, 1001 E Wooster St, Bowling Green, OH 43403.
This is a FREE show, so come on out and show these awesome Improvaneers your support!
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BELONG Concert Series: Featuring The Improvaneers!
Please join The Fine Arts Association for the inaugural production of BELONG. A musically theatrical concert series developed to celebrate the unique gifts and talents each of us possess. BELONG shines the spotlight on the distinctive ways in which we convey those gifts and talents through the lens of the arts.
We are honored to be a part of this series and to return to the Fine Arts Association for our second performance at the venue!
We hope to see you there !
The Improvaneer Method…Online!
In this crazy world, the Improvaneer Method has found a way to reach even more individuals with developmental disabilities than we ever imagined. Our Online Improvaneer Method program is teaching improvisation to over 500 individuals each week. Are they learning improv and building incredible skills? Of course, but maybe even more, they are getting a necessity that the pandemic took away - connection. Click below to find out how you and your loved one can be apart of this ground-breaking program!
