paul stelzer - level 1

chris heiberger - level 2

Chris Heiberger is a Columbus native and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in Organizational Communication. In his early career, he worked as a corporate trainer at Nationwide Insurance and currently works as an IT Consultant at MAPSYS Inc. Chris has taught improv classes for the last 10 years and performs regularly with the Hashtag Comedy Company and TBD: The Improvised Musical casts. In addition to teaching Level 1 and Level 2 classes, he also teaches a class of senior citizens via Zoom every Thursday afternoon. Chris also plays guitar and often assists with the musical improv curriculum.

Josh waddle - level 2, kids

Josh has been performing and producing improv shows here in Columbus since 2017. He is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in education and brings with him 17 years worth of education experience. He’s been a regular part of Columbus’ flourishing improv scene as a member of improv troupes The Sandbox Kids and Donut Sundae, with whom he produces a regular monthly show. He has considerable experience teaching improv across all levels - from kids classes to adult classescorporate workshops, classes for seniors, and personal coaching for other improv performers. He truly loves getting to bring together his passions for improv and teaching.

alex lefeld - level 2

Alex Lefeld has been performing and teaching improv across central Ohio for 15 years with his students finding success on Broadway, the main stage at Second City, and even NASA. Alex has a passion for Learning and Development and has spent the last decade combining his passion for improv and L&D into a successful career in Corporate Improvisation Facilitation and Design. In partnership with fellow Hashtag performer Katie Drown, he recently launched his own company, WitWorks, providing custom improv workshops to corporate clients. You can see Alex teaching improv around town or performing with TBD: the Improvised Musical.

shannon poulsen - level 3, director of curriculum

Shannon Poulsen is a performer, instructor, and the Director of Curriculum for Hashtag Comedy. As a Chicago native, she started performing improv in 2008 with ComedySportz’s High School League. Since then, she’s performed all kinds of improv all across the U.S. Shannon is a regular cast member in Hashtag Comedy’s TBD: The Improvised Musical and Ladies Who Lounge, showcasing her love for long-form musical improv. In addition to being a seasoned improviser, (Dr.) Shannon teaches media psychology at OSU and publishes research on how people understand – and misunderstand – comedy online. Combining a practical and academic understanding of comedy, Shannon’s classes are sure to enhance your improvisational skills.

katie drown - level 4

Katie Drown, with over a decade of experience in the world of theater and musical performances, embarked on her journey in the art of improv comedy in 2011 while attending the Ohio State University. Post-graduation, she delved into the vibrant comedy scene in Columbus, Ohio, making her mark as performer and eventually as an improv educator. Katie finds immense joy in crafting and leading improv workshops for adult improv enthusiasts throughout Ohio and for college improv groups across the United States. Beyond the arts, Katie has 10 years of experience in operations at tech startups such as Uber and Spin. She has enjoyed incorporating her improv knowledge into her work-life and teams. Currently, Katie is a valued member of three highly acclaimed shows: TBD: The Improvised Musical, Ladies Who Lounge, and ROT, where her comedic talent shines brightly.

mike larsen - comedy writing

Professional comedy writer and comedian Mike Larsen has entertained millions around the globe with television appearances, live standup performances, and writing for some of the biggest stars in the business. His television credits include HBO, Showtime, and multiple appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the list of who he’s written for is even more impressive: Bert Kreischer, Ryan Reynolds, Ellen Degeneres, Ron Funches, Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, Reba McEntire, Bill Maher (for whom he earned an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Comedy Writing) and many more. Mike remains in high demand as a writer, penning scripts, speeches, and on-demand comedy for a wide range of clients including comedians, thought leaders and nationally-known political figures.