Join our BIPOC Improv Track: Exploring Character Work class for an empowering improv journey. Open to performers of all levels, this class provides a supportive space for BIPOC individuals to explore character creation and development. John Gebretatose will teach this class.

John Gebretatose is a comedy and improv community trailblazer with over 15 years of experience. He founded Good Camel Comedy Theater, an arts company dedicated to humor that speaks truth to power and fosters diverse voices. As the co-executive director and former Director of Diversity and Inclusion at HUGE Theater in Minneapolis, John has led significant diversity initiatives that have shaped the regional improv landscape. He co-founded the Black and Funny Improv Festival and Blackout Improv, which spotlight and uplift underrepresented artists. Additionally, John is an award-winning podcast host for “MinneCulture” on KFAI radio, further showcasing his passion for cultural storytelling. John’s expertise in improv, coupled with his directorial skills, makes him a sought-after performer and teacher globally. His teaching extends to various settings, from K-12 schools to corporate environments, where he promotes inclusivity and understanding through comedy.

Ashawnti Sakina Ford was raised amidst the richness of Black artistic expression and creativity. It was a natural progression for her to become an actress, improviser, director, playwright, arts educator, cultural producer, and now a community programs associate with TTT! Her work has consistently focused on social justice, youth empowerment, and arts accessibility.

As an actress, she has performed with theaters such as the Children’s Theater Company, St. Paul’s History Theater, Pillsbury House and Theater, Sandbox Theater Company, and more. As an educator, she has conducted workshops based on “Theater of the Oppressed” for youth in Monrovia, Liberia, and London, England. Additionally, she has curated and facilitated theater workshops for youth across the metro area and for college students in the Midwest.

This 10-week journey is designed specifically for BIPOC creators who want to harness improvisation to fuel their creative voice both on stage and online. Why settle for one creative outlet when your voice deserves every platform?

You'll explore improv fundamentals and discover how to translate spontaneous ideas into compelling digital content that carries your unique perspective.

What You'll Experience:

  • Community-centered learning in a BIPOC-only space

  • Hands-on guidance from experienced instructors

  • Practical exercises bridging performance and digital creation

  • Supportive feedback honoring your distinct voice

Note: Your participation in content creation is totally up to you! It's all good whether you want to engage a little or a lot. You can gain value from the class without any pressure to participate. What matters is that you focus on learning what interests you and enjoy the journey! 

Feel free to set up your own payment plan! Just pay whatever amount works for you now, and later on, you can pay what you’re comfortable with later.

Amanda Rodriguez (she/her, Minneapolis) is a seasoned marketing and communications professional with over a decade of experience. Her expertise lies in institutional storytelling, community programming, and driving transformative change. With her background in social media, branding, and multichannel digital marketing, she has helped elevate and diversify the Twin Cities's most renowned predominantly white institutions including the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Opera, and others. Amanda serves as a Workforce Outreach Coordinator for the State of Minnesota and sits on the board for In the Heart of Beast Puppet and Mask Theater, where she fosters community connections and drives strategic marketing initiatives. Outside of arts marketing, Amanda is a wedding DJ, a trivia co-host, and chronically online.