Baltimore Improv Group offers free admission because we believe improv comedy should be accessible to everyone. Your donations help us keep our improv events free. Here's information about our status in 2019

1. BALTIMORE
IMPROV GROUP

2. Live Free Comedy
In Baltimore, By Baltimore,
FOR BALTIMORE!
The Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) is dedicated to advancing
the artistry and appreciation of improv comedy in the greater
Baltimore region. A collective of over a hundred performing
artists, teachers, and students, BIG has been committed to its
mission for 15 years.
2018 has been a banner year for BIG!
• Voted Best Theatre, Baltimore Sun’s 2018 Readers Choice
Awards
• Moved to our beautiful new facility on North Charles Street
• Expanded programming to every night of the week, every
week of the year
• Made all of our shows 100% FREE
• More than doubled our annual audience and student body
BIG aggressively pursues its mission in Baltimore with three
programs, each expensive but valuable to our city:
FREE SHOWS: We offer quality comedy shows every night
of the week, every week of the year, usually multiple times
a night. Anyone interested in having a laugh is welcome to
attend any of our shows at absolutely no cost.
MULTI-LEVEL TRAINING: We maintain a busy school offering
15 multi-session classes on improv comedy every other month
or 90 classes a year.
DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS: BIG believes that money should
not stand in the way of your improv education. We accept
tuition from those who can afford our $200-$300 fees per
class, but offer numerous diversity scholarships. BIG is on
pace to offer 150 scholarships in 2019 (20%+ of our entire
2018 enrollment revenue) at a cost of $30,000.
.

3. THE BALTIMORE IMPROV GROUP (BIG) VALUES
YES AND
An approach to life that encourages us to
build harmoniously on the ideas, values and
preferences of others rather than placing our
ideas, values and preferences above or in
competition with those of our colleagues.
MAKE OTHERS LOOK LIKE GENIUSES
Improv teaches us to honor and celebrate
others, even if objectively they make
mistakes or reflect opportunities for personal
improvement, as we all do. BIG believes that
when we make choices that amplify the best
in someone else’s actions, we actively invest
in a bigger, better, shared success.
A GROUP IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF
ITS PARTS
Improvisers enhance each other’s strengths
through unconditional support, acceptance
and enthusiasm. By embracing ideas without
judgment, improv turns so-so ideas into good
ideas, good ideas into great ideas and great
ideas into earth-shattering masterpieces.
INCLUSIVITY & RESPECT
In pursuit of its goals BIG seeks to share the joy of
improv with everyone. In order to ensure that all
parties feel welcome and able to fully participate
in our offerings, BIG insists that all stakeholders
uphold these standards:
• Professionalism
• Mutual Respect & Civility
• Acceptance and Celebration of our Diversity as
a source of strength
THE BALTIMORE IMPROV GROUP (BIG) MISSION
The Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) advances
the art and appreciation of comedy improv
in the Baltimore region through enthusiastic
participation and education. BIG enhances the
quality of, expands participation in, and fosters
appreciation for improv comedy throughout
Baltimore.
THE BALTIMORE IMPROV GROUP (BIG) VISION
BIG envisions awareness of, participation in and
passion for improv comedy spread throughout the
Baltimore region. We similarly envision improv’s
infectious culture of support spread throughout
the greater Baltimore area, inspiring community
and creativity among all.
BIG Mission,
Vision & Values
Baltimore Improv Group 2019

4. StudentEnrollment
Baltimore Improv Group 2019
Similar to the famous improv theaters of Chicago (Second City, IO) & NYC (UCB) BIG offers a
comprehensive education in long-form improv comedy using a 5 class core curriculum. The curriculum
prepares students to perform dynamic and hilarious sets of improv comedy using the original long-form
improv structure, The Harold. Over the last three years our class enrollment has increased by nearly
twofold mirroring a similar surge in our attendance.
BIG University Enrollment, Projected Through 2019
BIG U Enrollment/Revenue:
2019 is off to a blistering start, with 352 students already enrolled
in the first 3 months.
Class enrollment is inspired by our shows, thus audience growth is
a leading indicator for class enrollment: As our audience grows so
too does interest in learning to perform improv comedy. For this
reason, BIG is very optimistic about our growing training program
over the next few years.
Consider these numbers:
BIG U Enrollment/Revenue:
-2016: 486 students/ $90,500
-2017: 529 students/ $117,500
-2018: 774 students/ $162,000

5. Diversity
Scholarship
Baltimore Improv Group 2019
One key component to upholding BIG’s
core value of Inclusivity & Respect is our
diversity scholarship program. Not only
does this program serve to diversify our
performer and student populations, but
it also speaks to BIG’s deep commitment
to our Mission.
We began the program in late 2016 and
the program has proven to be a popular
and useful way for students with limited
means to learn in our classrooms
• In 2017 BIG awarded $5,000 in full
and partial diversity scholarships to
less than 20 students.
• In 2018 Big awarded $14,280 in full
and partial diversity scholarships to
65 students (47 full scholarships, 18
partial scholarships).
• In 2019 BIG is on pace to provide
$30,000 in full and partial diversity
scholarships to 140 students with a
goal of 66% receiving full and 33%
receiving partial scholarships.

6. Our mix of free entertainment, robust programming and an inclusive, welcoming environment has led to
audience expansion at a blistering pace. Over the last three years, BIG’s audience has quadrupled and
we’re already outpacing our audiences from last year.
Audience Growth
Baltimore Improv Group 2019
Year 2016 2017 2018
Attendance 3,250 9,69319,308

7. DIVERSITY
SCHOLARSHIPS 11%
FREE SHOWS
53%
FESTIVAL 2% OVERHEAD 3%
CLASSES 31%
Donation Dollar
BreakdownEvery donated dollar offers crucial support of BIG’s ambitious programs. Here’s how your unrestricted
donations are spent at BIG.
Baltimore Improv Group 2019
Unrestricted Donation Breakdown: How your money is spent

8. The BIG Club
Baltimore Improv Group 2019
$10 CLASS CLOWN
Pays for printing one month’s worth of our
monthly schedule
• Your name in bright lights! (on our website)
• An annual barbecue!
• Priority access to 2 Eventbrite ticketed events
(workshops/shows/etc) per year
$25 JOKESTER
Pays for a case of beverages and water to be
offered for free to guests of our theater
• All the above benefits
• A BIG Tee Shirt
• Two free tickets to BIG’s Annual December
Fundraiser The Moyerthon
$50 CUT-UP
Pays for 2 nights of productions a month
• All the above benefits
• A free 7-week class with priority enrollment
$75 HUMORIST
Pays for 3 diversity scholarships for students
• All the above benefits
• Inclusion in prominent in lobby thank you
poster
• Consultation with BIG staff member on
improv’s application to communication,
leadership or sales or on a subject matter of
choice.
BIG invites you to become apart of the BIG Club by becoming a monthly donors. To join online please
visit our page on Network for Good at bigimprov.org/DonateNow. Your monthly contribution is
integral to the success and expansion of BIG and comes with different benefits for you.

9. Sponsorship
Rights
Baltimore Improv Group 2019
BIG says thanks to major donors by offering brand
and name positioning rights at key locations and
performances popular within our community.
$2,000 - Name A Weekly
Performance For One Year
(Example: BIG Time presented by (Company Name Here)
with logo and company name positioning in our lobby, on
our website and listed in our monthly printed schedule
$5,000 - Name A Rehearsal/
Practice Room For One Year
(Example: The BIG Theatre’s front rehearsal room is
referred to as The Mitch after one of our larger donors,
Mitch Fishbein) With logo and company name positioning
in our lobby, on our website, on relevant scheduling
calendars and on the door to the rehearsal space
$10,000 - Name Our Free
Podcasting Studio For One Year
With logo and company name positioning in our lobby, on
our website, on relevant scheduling calendars and on the
door to the podcasting studio.
$25,000 - Name Our
Theatre For One Year
With logo and company name positioning in our lobby,
on the outside of our building, on our website, on our
monthly printed schedule and in the theater itself.

10. Baltimore Improv Group 2019
BIG is grateful for larger donations from its supporters. Free nightly shows and diversity based
scholarships match up well with BIG’s values of acceptance, inclusivity, and support. But our ambitious
programs are expensive. Please consider supporting Baltimore’s only comedy theater with a tax-
deductible donation.
BIG Annual Attendance
Large 1X Donations
$100 - QUIPSTER
Pays for one week of office supplies
• Your name in bright lights! (on our website)
• A BIG Tee Shirt
$250 - AUDIENCE PLANT
Pays for one full scholarship
for a 7 week class
• All the above benefits
• Two free tickets to BIG’s Annual December
Fundraiser - The Moyerthon
$500 - YUKSTER
Pays for one month of professional
House Management at our theater
• All the above benefits
• A free 7-week class with priority enrollment
$1,000 - LIFE OF THE PARTY
Pays for 4 diversity scholarships for students
• All the above benefits
• Inclusion in prominent in-lobby thank you poster
• Consultation with BIG staff member on improv’s
application to communication, leadership
or sales or on a subject matter of choice.
$2,000 - HEE HAW
Pays for a month of free shows
• All the above benefits
• A free private improv workshop for you and
your friends or an improv based workshop
for the office (on leadership, communication,
or flexibility in the face of the unexpected)
• Name A Weekly Performance For One
Year (Example: BIG Time presented by
PNC Bank) With logo and company name
positioning in our lobby, on our website and
listed in our monthly printed schedule
$5,000 - COMEDY NERD
Pays for critical infrastructure investment
• All the above benefits
• A free private improv show for you and your
friends or performance for a corporate event
• Name A Rehearsal/Practice Room For One Year
(Example: The BIG Theatre’s front rehearsal
room is referred to as The Mitch after one of
our larger donors, Mitch Fishbein) With logo
and company name positioning in our lobby, on
our website, on relevant scheduling calendars
and on the door to the rehearsal space
$10,000 - IMPROV ADDICT
Pays for the expansion of BIG
Educational Programing Staff
• All the above benefits
• A free series of classes, BIG’s 5 class core curriculum
• Name Our Free Podcasting Studio For One Year
With logo and company name positioning in our
lobby, on our website, on relevant scheduling
calendars and on the door to the podcasting studio.

11. Baltimore Improv Group 2019
Biography paragraphs for key artistic and management personnel, all regularly employed artists,
current board members and arts program committee members:
Terry Withers, Managing Director
A past teacher, performer, and Director of Sales at The Upright Citizens
Brigade Theatre in New York City, Terry brings a decade of arts management
experience to BIG. An avid improviser himself, Terry continues to teach
at BIG. He is proud to serve as BIG’s Managing Director and passionately
believes in the company’s mission to expand the knowledge, practice and
quality of improv comedy in the Baltimore region.
Jennifer Withers, Artistic Director
Jennifer is the Artistic Director of Baltimore Improv
Group. A former Broadway performer (42nd Street)
and Radio City Rockette, Jennifer also earned her MA in
Counseling from NYU. On Broadway she used to
rehearse endless hours perfecting every move for the
stage. Now, she just gets up there and wings it! She fell
in love with improv in early 2007 and trained extensively
with fantastic teachers at the Upright Citizens Brigade
and The Magnet Theatre. In NYC Jennifer performed
regularly on UCB Lloyd Team Huxtable and around NYC
with indie teams dear to her heart.
Michael Hartwell, Education Director
Michael Hartwell is a Baltimore-based educator, improviser, and
facilitator. He is the Education Director for the Baltimore Improv Group,
a Teaching Artist for Young Audiences of Maryland, and an adjunct
faculty member at Johns Hopkins University, teaching improv to science
and engineering students. He has taught improv to adults and children
since 2013. Prior to his current work, Michael was a Teach For America
corps member and Baltimore City Schools middle school teacher for ten
years. He is a member of BIG’s Harold Night, along with special project
Surprise Party!. In addition to completing courses with BIG University,
he has studied at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater, the Annoyance
Theater and at Kevin Mullaney’s Improv Boot Camp. Outside of improv
and education, Michael is an avid reader, dog lover, music snob, certified
Master Gardener, and uniformly disappointed Buffalo Bills fan.
Staff Board

12. Baltimore Improv Group 2019
STAFF:
Richard Gorelick, House Manager
A native of Baltimore County and a longtime resident of Baltimore City,
Richard has been studying Improv at BIG University since Fall 2016.
He has worked for such arts organizations as the Walters Art Museum
and Baltimore Center Stage and is the former restaurant critic for the
Baltimore Sun.
Brian Young, Marketing Associate
Brian brings 19 years of art direction experience to BIG. Whether
working with local, national, or international concerns, Brian is an
expert at expanding brands in a human-centered way using a unique
skill set in design thinking, project management, and technology.
This means connecting on the ways real humans make everyday
choices both online and in the physical world. Since 2016, Brian has
studied improvisational comedy with Baltimore Improv Group and
is the creator of the podcast/blog Uncanny Creativity, discussing the
mechanics behind artistic productivity.

13. Baltimore Improv Group 2019
Anne Neal, Board President
Anne Neal is a legal recruiter and owns her business, Neal Consulting. She is a
former practicing attorney and special education teacher. Previously she was
President and Board member of the Central Baltimore Democratic Club. Anne
has been performing improv since 2011 and has been a house performer with
BIG since 2016. She has one daughter, who performs with several improv troupes
in Washington DC and NYC.
Susan Anthony, Board Vice President
Susan J. Anthony formed Sawmill Marketing Public Relations in 1995, following a 20-year tenure with
national marketing communications agencies, including Carton Donofrio Partners in Baltimore where she
served as Executive Vice President, Director of Public Relations. Her broad public relations experience
includes all facets of marketing public relations with particular expertise in designing and executing media
relations programs as key business development strategies.
Philip Tyler, Board Treasurer
Philip has worked in the financial industry for almost 20 years, most
recently as a Vice-President at Raymond James in Baltimore. He is also
President of the Harris Hill Condominium Board, having served on that
board for the past eight years. In his spare time Philip enjoys live theater
and music. He understands the great value of BIG in the Baltimore
Community and looks forward to assisting in moving the organization
forward towards its goals. He studied at The University of York in the U.K.
where he obtained a B.A. (Hons) in Economics.
Liz McKenna, Board Secretary
Liz initially fell into improv at The Annoyance in Chicago in fall 2014. She
graduated with a Masters of Social Work with a specialization in Leadership
and Development, in conjunction with a Certificate of Philanthropy and Non-
Profit Management from Loyola University Chicago. She plans to assist BIG in
fundraising and special events. She started taking BIG classes summer 2018
and likes to jump into jams whenever possible- often she can be heard in the
audience laughing and clapping loudly when she finds something hilarious.
BOARD:

14. Baltimore Improv Group 2019
Jeffrey Richardson, Board Member
Jeffrey Richardson is an engineer, who is employed the Department of Defense
as a Systems Engineer. He has worked over 22 years in private industry
designing and manufacturing electronic systems for Northrop Grumman and
Westinghouse corporations. He recently became a Distinguished Toastmaster
(DTM), the highest award Toastmasters International bestows, for his
leadership and public speaking skills. He has experience in bookkeeping and
auditing for an Episcopal Church in Baltimore and received financial training
from the Arch Diocese of Maryland. He holds two Bachelors degrees for
Columbia University in Liberal Arts and Industrial Engineering. Also, he has two
Masters Degrees in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering.
Sheila McMenamin, Board Member
Sheila brings an insider’s knowledge of the nonprofit sector to BIG thanks
to her current work as the Director of Programs at Baltimore Tree Trust, a
nonprofit that focuses on growing and maintaining Baltimore’s urban tree
canopy. She has been taking classes and performing at BIG since 2016
and is happy to be a part of BIG’s growing community of performers and
creatives. Her professional background includes project management,
writing, counseling, recruitment, event planning, and community
engagement.
Stephanie Mellinger, Board Member
Stephanie is the founder and owner of The Mellinger Group, LLC, a consulting
firm specializing in fundraising strategies for candidates and non-profits based
in Baltimore, MD. She has over 22 years of experience creating, coordinating
and executing fundraising and campaign plans as well as small- and large-scale
events for politicians, political parties and non-profits.
Ms. Mellinger is a graduate of Hood College in Frederick, Maryland with a
Bachelor of Arts in both Economics and Political Science. Most recently,
she was nominated and selected to participate in Cohort 4 of the Baltimore
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program with other entrepreneurs across Maryland. After
participating in one of BIG’s Sunday night workshops, she eagerly signed up for classes, started
volunteering and joined board in 2019.
BOARD:

15. Baltimore Improv Group 2019
“BIG has been a fantastic addition to the Station
North community. Since they have arrived,
there has been a noticeable increase in people
visiting the area, which has helped support all
of the surrounding businesses. There is also a
greater sense of safety and security having an
increased population. The staff and performers
are wonderful, as well as a very talented group of
people and we LOVE having them as our next-door
neighbor.”
Ann Costlow - Owner, Sofi’s Crepes
“BIG has been a fantastic addition to the Station
North Arts District. Arts Districts should feel
bustling and BIG’s nightly free performances
combined with its robust improv class offerings
provide a tangible contribution to our district’s
efforts. We could use more companies like BIG in
Station North.”
Jack Dana - Director of Commercial Revitalization,
Central Baltimore Partnership
“For me, BIG is this incredibly supportive
community of people that are always willing
to help you learn and grow. The teachers, the
staff, the other player, everyone wants to help
you be your best most confident you, I love
that.”
Devin McKay, Performer and House Manager

16. Baltimore Improv Group 2019
For maybe the first time in my life, I feel like
I’m doing what I really want to do. I know
this is only possible because of the support,
encouragement and opportunity I have received
at this theater. I can’t overstate how important
BIG has been for my well-being and personal
development. I only wish I had found BIG
sooner.”
Justin Brashear, Teacher House Performer
“I’ve been with BIG for about six years and
in that time I’ve done just about everything
from be a student, front desk volunteer,
host, light and tech guy, performer, director,
coach, teacher and occasionally janitor. I’m
proud to have done all those things with BIG.
More than any other thing in my life have,
BIG has provided me with so many tools and
opportunities to learn new things and grow
personally. I’ve met the most wonderful, weird
and eclectic group of people who I never would
have encountered without improv and whom
I’m now privileged to call friends.”
Alan McCombs. Teacher House Performer
“Before taking classes at BIG, I was mostly work,
and not enough play. I love my job, but something
was missing. Having the opportunity to create
something funny and beautiful with others at
BIG has cracked my heart wide open. Life can be
so hard sometimes-- I love having the chance to
make people laugh and forget their worries for a
few seconds. It feels like magic.”
Eileen Heady, Student