AL
As the youngest of 4 and the baby boy, Al has always been interested in the stage and how performance works. Possessing a degree in Psychology, he was always a connector and wondering how do people connect when humor is a factor. 1970’s TV was an early influence. Naturally funny people were an attraction and he was drawn to doing stand-up comedy. After pursuing comedy he realized humor could impact the corporate world and designed inside joke shows for various corporate companies. Along the way he was attracted to improv, joining Comedy Sportz in downtown Raleigh, and founding his own group, The Village Idiots, which survived for many years. As comedy critic for Spectator Magazine he gained insight into what worked and what didn’t. He was drawn to improv because people are reacting to each other and in the moment. Unpredictable, exciting and unscripted, improv is a real art form. The most attractive characteristic of improv was the teamwork. Performers had to work together for it to work but when they did, the results were powerful. The world always needs teamwork and teaching improv fulfills the desire to bring people together, impacting their relationships and careers. He is well trained in sarcasm, as the youngest and only boy, of four siblings.
Approximately 15 years ago he discovered Toastmasters which is an opportunity to learn and practice speaking skills and training skills. For years Toastmasters has taught him how to get to the point, share the focus and make others look good. The meetings are never about one person getting all the attention and Improv is similar. He combined these skills with his Improv background to impact the corporate world and show the benefits of working as a team..