Our club recently welcomed Bess and Bri from Front Porch Improv, Savannah’s award-winning improv comedy theater, for an interactive presentation on how improv techniques can strengthen teams, workplaces, and communities.

While Front Porch is known for its live comedy shows, classes, and signature events like Savannah Comedy Fest and Savannah for Morons, Bess and Bri focused on the organization’s growing work in applied improv—using improv principles outside the theater to improve communication, collaboration, and leadership.

Through a series of fun audience exercises, they demonstrated key ingredients of successful teams, including psychological safety, active listening, idea sharing, embracing mistakes, and respectful disagreement. One memorable activity challenged participants to enthusiastically celebrate everyday accomplishments, reinforcing the importance of recognizing small wins and bringing positive energy to a team.

Attendees also learned how Front Porch customizes workshops for organizations of all sizes—from small teams of four to groups of several hundred participants. Programs range from conference icebreakers and leadership retreats to train-the-trainer sessions and youth summer camps.

Beyond entertainment, Front Porch remains committed to making Savannah a happier and healthier community through initiatives like Front Porch ACTS, which helps adolescents build resilience and overcome trauma using improv techniques.

As a special offer for Metro members, Front Porch invited Rotarians to experience one of their shows using the code ROTARY.

To learn more about Front Porch Improv’s performances, classes, and team-building programs, visit their website and catch a show!

About Bess & Brianne:

Brianne Halverson is co-owner and Executive Director of Front Porch Improv, specializing in applied improv for team building, leadership development, and communication. She is also a co-owner of Savannah for Morons and serves on the board of Front Porch ACTS, supporting social-emotional learning initiatives for youth across the Lowcountry.

Bess Ratsimbaharison is a teacher, performer, and Program Director of Front Porch ACTS, where she leads trauma-informed programs that use improv and theatre to help young people build confidence, communication skills, emotional resilience, and conflict-resolution abilities.