I hope you’re ready to laugh!  Today’s guests, Rob Snow and Nick Doyle are masters at improvisation, and they had me laughing before we even hit record.  Rob started a non-profit called StandUp for Downs and performs improv across the country to raise money for local Down Syndrome affiliates.  A few years ago, he developed the Improvaneer Method, a program that teachers individuals with developmental disabilities improvisation skills.  The program has yielded so many gains for its students- eye contact, patience, voice projection, problem solving, adaption to change, listening, focus, quick thinking, creative thinking, character development- to name a few!  Rob and Nick describe the program more in this episode, and yes, they made me play some improv games!!!  

Meet My Guests:

Rob Snow - CEO and Creator

Rob is a native Ohioan, but moved to Chicago and began his comedy and improvisation journey in the late 90s while training at the famed Second City Theatre, as well as Improv Olympic and The Annoyance Theatre.  In 2000, Rob “gave up” comedy for the serenity of the “real world”.  He married his wife, Ellen, and they had their first son Charlie. In 2009 the Snows moved back to Ohio and Rob decided to give comedy a shot again performing open mics and guests sets while he traveled for his day job. Also in that year, Rob and Ellen had their second son Henry who was born with Down Syndrome. 

The merger of Rob’s passion for comedy and the love of his son has paved his path ever since.  In 2011 Rob created his first of three one-man shows which he continues to perform nationally (www.weneedasign.net). The Snows also founded Stand Up For Downs, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with developmental disabilities through humor. In 2017, Rob created the The Improvaneer Method. He serves as the Chief Executive and still rolls up the sleeves to Co-Direct when Maggie allows him.  

Nick Doyle - Assistant Director and Sales Associate

Nick Doyle is from Canton, OH and has become a vital part of the success of The Improvaneer Method. Nick is an original cast member and quickly establish himself as the ‘big brother’ and leader of the troupe. Through his dedication to the craft, he quickly became a standout performer. In 2019, Nick joined Rob as a board member of his non-profit, Stand Up For Downs.  He  also joined the board of GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. 

Nick serves as an Assistant Director for online and live Improvaneer Method classes as well as a Sales Associate helping promote and sell programs at conferences nationally.  He also continues performing with The Original Improvaneers around the country.  Beyond serving in all of these roles, Nick works as a host at Applebees restaurant in Canton.  He is currently performing a one man show called “Truth Be Told” around the country.  Nick’s hobbies include bringing joy to everything that comes into his path. 

For more information about StandUp for Downs and The Improvaneer Method, check out www.theimproveneermethod.com