By Lindsay Lindeman
I’m Lindsay Lindeman, a current student at Stomping Ground. Without a scholarship, my comedy education would’ve remained out of reach – and improv training has had such an impact on my life, I’m so glad I haven’t had to miss out.
Saving Up for Level One
In December of 2024, my friend asked if I wanted to take an improv class at Stomping Ground Comedy with her. I was so excited at the suggestion because I’ve secretly wanted to try improv for a long time. Unfortunately, by the time I had saved up enough money to enroll in January, the class was full. So I used that money to enroll in Level One Improv for the following term. I began my improv journey in March 2025.
“Improv or an Advocacy Credit”
On our first day of Level One, we each introduced ourselves and shared why we decided to do improv. I was amazed at the variety of personalities, careers, and backgrounds that were represented in that group. When it was my turn, I explained to my class: “I’m Lindsay. I’m in law school, and I really need to get comfortable speaking in front of people. So, it was either this or an advocacy class at school.”
For me, the choice was clear. What better way to learn how to think on my feet than improv? Would an advocacy class even help build my confidence if I started from a place of such fear? Plus, an improv class surely wouldn’t lead me to writing any essays… Well, until now.
My Scholarship to Stomping Ground Changed My Life
When the time came to register for Level Two, I was devastated. I knew I could not afford to continue improv. As I prepared to say goodbye to Stomping Ground, my new friends, and the version of myself that came alive on that stage, I was presented with an opportunity.
I noticed there was an application for Diversity & Accessibility Scholarships on Stomping Ground’s website. I wasn’t sure how good my chances were, but I applied anyway. Soon after the application window closed, I heard the good news: I was granted a scholarship for Levels 2-5 at Stomping Ground Comedy’s Training Center. I was thrilled! I got to continue doing something I love with the really cool people I had met. Because of this scholarship, I got to keep growing and learning and being challenged.
Besides securing my place in improv classes this year, the scholarship also affirmed a message that Stomping Ground holds central to its mission: everyone deserves to have their voice heard. As a disabled, queer, neurodivergent woman from a working class background, my perspective has not always been valued. But at Stomping Ground Comedy, my voice matters.
Finding my Voice
For five months now, I have been discovering my voice through improv. I have been connecting with the parts of myself that thrive on play, fun, and joy. I have been meeting amazing new people who bring out the silliest sides of me. And I have already noticed many benefits in my everyday life, such as:
- Increased confidence
- Improved public speaking skills
- Connection to my inner child
- Comfort being vulnerable, weird, and totally myself around new people
- Finding more creative solutions to difficult problems
- Playfulness in the midst of personal and global struggles
- Ability to adapt quickly to change
Why Support Stomping Ground Comedy Theater?
Stomping Ground isn’t just a place to go see comedy. It’s a community that not only accepts, but celebrates all identities. And without my scholarship, which is made possible by donors like you, I would be missing out on this community. I would be more reserved, less bold, and would be having a lot less fun than I am now. I feel so lucky to get together once a week with my friends to be goofy, support each other, and just enjoy life through laughter.
During North Texas Giving Day, 100% of donations go to the Scholarship Fund. I hope you’ll join me in supporting Stomping Ground Comedy in fostering inclusive comedy education and ensuring that the voices on our stages truly reflect the diversity of Dallas.