Heirloom Improv is an improv comedy company owned and operated by improviser and instructor JillAnne Aden. We focus on the many ways improv can benefit people in their everyday lives, something commonly known as Applied Improv.
Applied Improv is the ability to transfer the skills one learns in an improv class to their everyday lives in positive ways. Some of the many ways improv can improv a local culture include mental health and wellness with a focus on more positive interactions, more intentional speech, respect and patience for others. Teamwork and collaboration, fun and laughter, improved creativity and mental health and wellness are just a few of improv’s benefits!
We are currently accepting bookings for private workshops, team building events and activity planning, private classes and workshops for community members, and are currently working towards the opening of weekly improv classes in a multi-level adult improv comedy program that will cover the wide range of beginning to advanced improvisational comedy skills in a fun classroom environment. Programs may be developed for youth and after-school services, as well as specialized services geared towards a variety of industry and hospitality and tourism services. Contact us today to create your custom program made for you!
JillAnne Aden has trained and worked the past six years at Finest City Improv, a Chicago long form style school in the heart of historic Hillcrest, San Diego. Starting improv in her high school years, she turned her energy towards studying theatre. She has completed improv comedy, movement, sketch-writing, clown, musical improv and voice and character training with instructors from all over the world, including IO, The Second City, Comedy Sportz Chicago, Annoyance Theatre, Upright Citizen's Brigade, Pack Theater and Improv Comedy Mumbai.
Some of her favorite former teachers include KIDS IN THE HALL's Kevin McDonald, Craig & Carla Cackowski, Jay Sukow, Shulie Cowen, and Brian James O'Connell. She has also had the great privilege of performing with Rick Hall and pianist Laura Hall, of "Whose Line Is It, Anyways?" fame, in musical improv shows.
JillAnne has taught beginning and advanced musical improv classes, all level improv classes and a variety of forms, facilitated workshops with students of all ages, cultures and backgrounds, hosted events, has key skills in character development and vocal diction and performance, and has focused heavily on the benefits improv can have for mental health and wellness, in addition to its socialization, artistic and creative benefits.
*photos provided courtesy of Cornerstone Improv, Finest City Improv, Ocean Beach Improv & Camp Improv Utopia