During December, we think back over our year and take stock of everything that happened in our lives. We wanted to hear from our Stomping Ground community about what made their year here at SG so special, and they had a lot to say. As you think ahead to your own 2025, maybe these memories from our students, performers, and staff will inspire you to try something new, make a bold choice of your own, come for a laugh, and support our growing comedy community with a gift.
Here’s what it looks like when we connect the community through comedy:
What started as a simple return to improv in April 2024 – after a 15-year hiatus – turned into one of the most transformative years of my life. I found an incredible community of friends at Stomping Ground who’ve become fixtures in my weekly life in and outside of improv classes. We’ve celebrated birthdays, we’ve helped each other move, and supported each other through our highs and our lows. This year I was also cast on my first team and first show. As if that wasn’t enough, I discovered that I could make strangers laugh during my first attempt at stand-up comedy, and even tried my hand at sketch writing for the very first time for “It’s Giving Thanks.” Sometimes the best decisions are the ones that bring you back to where you started, only to discover a whole new path forward.
-Coral Davis (Student and Performer)
A lot of exciting things happened to, for, and around me this last year at Stomping Ground, but the memory that will stick with me most is the Introduction to Clowning class. A 15-minute, silent, purely physical comedy set is something I’ve dreamed of doing ever since I first started improv. Thanks to Stephanie, Andrew, and Justin for making my dream come true! (You should take this class. Yes, you. If you think you know what you and your fellow improvisers are capable of, you do not.)
-Will Holston (Student and Performer)
This year, I conquered my fear of musical improv, starting and graduating from all three levels. In July, I represented Stomping Ground well, winning a Julie Andrews Award at the People’s Improv Theater in NYC while participating in a musical jam when visiting NYC. To top it off, I’m now thrilled to be part of Stomping Grounds’ newest Musical Improv House Team, Vocal Fried!
In July, I joined the SG staff as the theater’s part-time Development Director, where I’ve had the privilege of connecting with our amazing community. Together, we exceeded our fundraising goal for North Texas Giving Day, raising 120% of our goal from 84 generous donors and matching funds. These funds directly support our Diversity and Accessibility Scholarships, ensuring everyone can experience the joy of improv. I’m also thrilled to have assembled a team of dedicated Community Ambassadors working hard to make our upcoming 2nd Annual Laugh-a-thon a resounding success. This past semester, we were also fortunate to be selected as a beneficiary of the UTD Business for Good program, sponsored by the United Way. This program connects graduating business students with local nonprofits for valuable projects. A group of students worked on a project titled ‘Impact Improv“, which will be the framework for a corporate sponsorship program designed to benefit Stomping Ground financially.
-Kelly Kaufman (Student, Performer, and Development Director)
This was the year I joined the Stomping Ground community. Joining improv changed my life. I met my best friends, gained the courage to do standup, joined an improv troupe, and even met my boyfriend at SG! One small decision to enroll in level 1 improv completely changed the course of my year, in the best way possible! I couldn’t have even imagined what SG would bring me.
-Kaylyn Wold (Student)
I got to teach my first clown class this year and watched my students transform as performers! We laughed, we cried, but most importantly, we clowned around. It was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to teach it again in the new year!
– Stephanie Bell (Operations Director, Student, Performer, Teacher, and Director)
This year was a time of renewal and growth for me. I made so many great new friends. I decided to go to the open auditions just for the experience and was fortunate to be cast in a fantastic show. I learned so much and had such a great time. The friendships that I’ve made and the connections that I’ve felt have been the absolute best part. I have hope for the future and a bop in my step these days because of the love and acceptance that I’ve experienced at Stomping Ground.
– Aaron Hall, Student, Performer, and Volunteer
This year I was cast in my first ever Sketch Comedy Show, “It’s Giving Thanks.” Working alongside so many talented people to bring joy and laughter to the audience is why I love to perform. This is my year one of being a part of the Stomping Ground community, building friendships with my improv classmates and sketch show castmates, and I have grown a lot over the last year. I love being a part of this amazing community filled with such amazing and talented people.
– James Johnson, II (Student and Performer)
And if you want to have even more fun with memories from 2024, don’t miss our New Year’s Eve shows, Year in Rearview.
Here’s to more laughter and camaraderie in 2025!
