testimonials

One of the most impactful ways to grow as an actor or performer is through honest, no-nonsense feedback paired with a supportive environment to put that feedback into action. Rachel excels at both. She has a rare gift for creating a space where people who are serious about improv can truly learn and flourish. Her sensitivity in providing feedback is unmatched—she tailors her notes to each individual, empowering them (myself included) both on and off the stage. Improv is an incredible medium for self-exploration and stepping beyond one’s comfort zone in a growth-oriented way. It’s liberating, healing, and transformational, and Rachel’s approach brings out the best in every performer.

Hypnotist, www.lesterhypnosis.com

The intro to longform improv class with Rachel was such a great experience for not only actors/comedians but for anyone looking to improve their daily interactions! I was blown away by the sheer amount of information that was packed into the 8 week program. Improv is so much more than just “yes and” to me now. Rachel does a really good job making sure each student understands the teaching and how to implement them in their own way. There was no game or exercise that went to waste, everything was relatable for us creating our own scene from a base reality. She was able to extract the best out of us and strip off what wasn’t needed for a funny creative scene. Rachel is the best and I’m looking forward to what’s next!

Sales

This class was amazing! I learned an incredible amount of information from Rachel along with sharpening my skills that I’ve learned from the past. I highly recommend this class for anyone who wants to learn improv or improve their skills.

I love the classes that Rachel teaches. I always get something out of her class and I’ve been able to apply different techniques to my acting tools.

Actor, Stuntman, Filmmaker, Martial Artist
YouTube, Facebook, Instagram

I’ve always loved comedy and admired improv but was hesitant to take a class. I thought I would feel embarrassed or look stupid trying to do it. The truth is, everyone feels this way at first, so it became liberating to try something new with other people who are in the same boat. This class gave me a childlike feeling of creating and simply having fun by listening and connecting with others. I found myself looking forward to this class more than any other thing I had planned for the week. Rachel is a fantastic instructor, filled with joy for the topic. She teaches improv with patience, passion and respect for the craft. Take this class

Creative Director

Rachel is an excellent improv teacher, it’s been so fun to take her classes, she really cares and communicates the concepts well. Looking forward to taking more classes!

Rachel – I just wanted to let you know how much your notes help…it’s awesome to have an instructor who can explain with defined reasons how a scene could be better or how/why it didn’t work.

Author

It’s exciting to see the energy and momentum you are building…!  You’re rockin’ the improv world!

Musician, Teacher

Rachel, thank you for making improv better in every way and the community better in every way.

Scientist, Improviser

Rachel, I appreciate that you give all of your heart to making us better performers.

Technical Writer

I am writing this letter to express my thoughts, experiences, and overall opinion [as it relates to instructor] Rachel Michaela. I have had the recent pleasure of being instructed in a character development class by Rachel…
My improv journey began over a year ago and although I’ve seen Rachel perform many times over the past year, this is the first time interacting with her as one of her students.

After attending the very first class with Rachel, I expressed to many people around me how that class was the most fun I’ve had in improv so far. Just one class with Rachel and I was stepping out of my shell and out of my comfort zone in the most positive way possible. I drove home that evening with a beaming smile and a renewed excitement for what was to come in Rachels class and how her teachings were going to make me a much better improviser.

In the short time that I have interacted with Rachel, I have been in awe of her knowledge, skill, and passion for the art of character work and improv. I feel like it’s easy to recognize greatness in someone when they approach with a desire to share their knowledge in a way that makes sense to others. I see this in Rachel! She is great at what she does and her ability to transfer that to her students makes her, in my opinion, one of the best instructors/coaches I’ve had throughout sports, college, and many professional development courses in my work career.

I truly believe that Rachel steps into every class with passion and an intensity that brings out more than what we, her students, think we have. It would be a disservice to anyone in her class if she didn’t attempt to draw out more from us. The wonderful thing about all of that is that Rachel has that ability. She has an eye for seeing things in others that most can’t. This obviously comes from the many years of experience and training and the time studying she has invested into her craft. But what may not be so obvious is the intrinsic passion she has to see others succeed in an area where she finds joy.

In the past month and a half, Rachel has provided guidance to my entire class that has made us better improvisors with bigger characters. Every week I can see growth from everyone. She challenges us to be better and asks us to dig deeper when she knows that we can. There have been times when some folks show up that are not at their best either emotionally or mentally. Rachel has recognized that and tactfully adjusts her teaching approach for those that need it.

It has been a pleasure getting to know Rachel and an even bigger pleasure to receive guidance and coaching from her in my current class. I look forward to continuing my journey… under Rachel’s direction.

Project Manager in Government

I just finished Level 1 at Improv NM with Rachel Michaela and immediately signed up for Level 2. As an actor, it sharpened my instincts and helped me trust my choices more; but the real surprise was how much it helped me in everyday life. I’ve become more present, more confident, and better at navigating tough conversations. Rachel creates such a fun, supportive environment, and I met some incredible people in the process. Highly recommend for actors and anyone wanting to grow personally and creatively.

Actress, Influencer

Tonight’s class was revelatory. I know how tricky it is to manage so many levels of experience in a class, but your gentle guidance and the diagram of what you are hoping to achieve in the Monologues was invaluable. 

I left class feeling that I might be able, eventually, to grasp the elements of Improv. 

Thank you!

Actress

You are very much appreciated for your talent, and commitment to teaching us. Thank you! Improv is something I love to do. It has changed my way of thinking, helped me learn about myself, and added something special to my life.

VO Artist

The class was such a delight and the instructors so incredible! It’s been a very long time since I’ve done any kind of performance and what a reintroduction. I showed up to have fun, find a chance to open up, and especially to develop the ability to think more on my feet and with ease. The class really delivered on all of those and more. Rachel and Kevin are so attuned to all the students and they give very clear, kind, and actionable feedback. The kind of lightness this class provides, and the feeling of acceptance, is something I don’t think you often find easily in regular life. If you’ve ever thought of trying Improv but are on the fence, take this class! If you imagine the class as being useful for real life skills, it absolutely is! Thank you Rachel and Kevin!

Ledger Artist

https://ledgerartist.net

Thank you for you compassionate, supportive, helpful feedback… You are such a wise, generous and stellar teacher!

Teacher

Taking a class with Rachel is a visit into your subconscious as you dig up things you never felt or said before. She is a masterful teacher who never forgets to incorporate fun into our improv exercises.

First, thanks for your hard work managing a big class … your pre-preparation in detail and your commitment to manage us effectively and efficiently is absolutely apparent. Developing my appreciation of what it takes to do a monoscene is really interesting.

Wow — What fantastic, detailed and nurturing feedback — I can tell that you “see me” !!! Thank you …. I will review and process and after I have had time to absorb it — I would love to chat about it, and then to invite you to hold me accountable for improving. You da best! 

It has been a pleasure for me taking your class. Your passion for the craft exudes from every pore. 

You make being funny seem so incredibly effortless!

Scientist

Have you ever wanted to learn improv? But maybe you felt scared or worried if you can’t do it or perhaps your an introvert, or maybe worried about being judged. Well at improv NM you don’t need to worry about any of that. You can have fun meeting new people in a safe non judgmental environment, pick up some new skills and possible meet a new friend. And best of all Rachel is one of the sweetest teachers. She’ll gently nudge you in the direction needed. And also you can make payments as needed. The classes are not very expensive and you will have fun.

Actress

I am so happy that there will be non-Box improv to Albuquerque. You have been so wonderful and have given me an improv home when I really needed one. If I can express my gratitude by helping spread your artistic generosity to a different audience/pool of students, I’m more than honored to do so.

Actress

Learned so much about improv in the last 2 hours!?!?!! — world changing!

Your guidance and insight helped me put together the pieces for improv so much. It takes me a while to process everything still, so I can’t wait to keep practicing so it comes more naturally. I could see how taking the Game again could be really helpful. 

…Your passion, knowledge, time and energy you put into your craft is so apparent and appreciated. Human to human, thank you for all you do. You are making this world a better place…

Director in Goverment

I’m so thankful to be your student.

Actress, Improviser

It was my first time doing anything like this, and it was epic. One of my favorite parts was seeing each individual’s growth over a few months, and see more and more personality show as time went on. Talk about an ideal way to build community, grow, and have fun all at the same time!

Psychiatrist

I just had an incredible experience at Improv NM! Our instructor, Rachel Michaela, is super passionate and incredibly talented! She creates a really creative space where you feel comfortable being a little uncomfortable. I’ve also found a community that I never thought I’d have, and it’s like having a home away from home. If you’re thinking about taking a class, I highly recommend it!

Actor, Store Manager

I desperately want to get back into class with you.

Actor, Program Manager

Taking class with Rachel has been an absolutely wonderful experience. She has the rare ability to be both a fantastic performer and a remarkably effective teacher. These two roles require quite different skill sets and few people possess both with the intelligence, wit, humor, kindness, and the generous benefit of their many years of experience and expertise as Rachel does.

I am the oldest member of our class and encourage folks of all ages to take a leap of faith and add improv classes to your lives – you will enjoy the benefits in all areas of your life – improving communication skills, enriching personal and professional relationships, thinking faster on your feet, and having FUN! Also, you will meet delightful people whom you probably would never have come across in your everyday life.

I cannot thank Rachel enough for her amazing ability to draw the very best out of each student and for fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie amongst a beautifully diverse bunch of individuals who quickly evolve into a caring, supportive whole, while maintaining and strengthening their individual gifts.

Rachel, you are the best!! 🙂

Artist

I wanted to express my gratitude, love and respect [for] Rachel Michaela… [who has been] an integral if not vital part of what is now [improv in] Santa Fe…

I took my first class in 2020 [when we] were called Stage Santa Fe. One class and many enthusiastic students. Unfortunately, the school was shut down just after 3 classes due to the pandemic.

When classes began to slowly resume once the lockdown was lifted, I decided to start from the beginning and took the beginner classes. When I reached level 2… I then moved up to Level 3 and once again with Rachel.

…I always felt supported, respected and nurtured to improve. Once terrified to perform improv in front of total strangers, I am now performing with the student teams. I couldn’t have done it without their encouragement and

patient guidance….

[She has] poured passion and love of improv into creating the one of the best improv schools in New Mexico. What began as one class has now become a place that is thriving, growing and a gathering of people of all ages and backgrounds that can come together to learn, and, most of all, laugh!

Most of all, I want you all to know that nothing can destroy what love and dedication have created.

Teacher

I am really trying to work on just ENGAGING and not being so passive so I appreciated your suggesting a callback to me tonight and I am frustrated with myself that I didn’t take it and just go with it. I need to just DO it instead of worrying about how to make it funny or why it’s not funny. So I know you’ll push everybody when and where appropriate but please keep pushing me like that, or in whatever other way!! One big reason I’m doing these classes because I’m frustrated with my impulse to over-think on stage and so anything that will help me REACT and FEEL is very helpful. I am enjoying and looking forward to this whole class, you’re a great teacher! Thanks!!

Comedian

I’ve taken a lot of improv classes—from local groups to renowned institutions—all across the country. Rachel’s class continually impressed me and pulled me out of my improv funk, bringing me back to the joy of improvisation.

With an abundance of enthusiasm, positive reinforcement, and direct yet constructive criticism, Rachel infuses each session with a sense of joy and belief in yourself. My favorite aspect of her teaching is her ability to be completely honest, giving you the feedback you need to improve while ensuring you always feel encouraged. It’s a powerful combination—one that I desperately needed to enjoy being on stage again.

I loved the theme of the class, Pulling Premises, and relished watching not just my own growth, but also that of my fellow students as we refined our awareness and expanded our creativity. Rachel is truly delightful, and I believe her energy and teaching style are perfect for both the brand-new improviser looking for a safe and supportive space, as well as the more experienced player seeking a challenge to grow.

All this to say—HIGHLY recommend taking a class with IMPROVNM and Rachel!

Comedian, Teacher
@isthatmyvoice

The best improv class I’ve ever taken!

The positive energy was infectious! Rachel has a perfect balance of enthusiasm and patience, creating a safe and welcoming environment where everyone felt encouraged to step out of their comfort zones. With different improv warm ups and games, you’ll tap into creativity, quick thinking, and collaboration skills you didn’t know you have! I plan on taking more classes as soon as they’re available, and you should too!

Since taking improv classes with Rachel, I feel that my communication, listening, and comedy skills have grown exponentially! Her teaching style is unmatched and any class you take is time and money well invested. From the very first session, the vibe is welcoming and energetic. Rachel has an incredible way of guiding the group while making everyone feel at ease, no matter their experience level. To quote the title of a book, I used to feel like “”I have no mouth and I must scream”” and now I feel like I have more tools to communicate whether it’s for conversational or entertainment purposes.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with a performance background, you’ll find value in the lessons, exercises, and scene work. The classes help break down mental barriers, making you more present and adaptable in any situation. It’s also a fantastic way to meet interesting, creative people, from ALL social circles and backgrounds, who bring their unique perspectives into the mix. Run, don’t walk, to the next round of classes when you have the opportunity to sign up!!

Thanks for everything you do Rachel!!

Comedian, Professional Clown
YouTube,  Instagram

I am writing to thank you for teaching me “game”. I learned a great deal from you in that class, even as I wrestled with my own insecurities and struggles to comprehend “game”. I come from a family of mentally parents and siblings, so finding the unusual is very challenging for me. I finally learned that what felt like my childhood “home” was probably the “unusual thing.” You helped me learn to laugh at that reality! 

I have found you a clear, thoughtful, super well organized teacher. You are a consummate professional and in so doing helped me to improve my own craft as a veteran teacher. You should be proud of this gift. You never waste a student’s time, at the same time that I saw and experienced your patient guidance in class. I look forward to studying with you again soon!

I love watching you perform too!. Keep honing your craft and seek joy in your art. I can’t wait till the next Faculty Lounge show!

I am grateful that you are in my life, and blessed to have had you as a teacher!

Teacher

It was a great class and I can’t wait to grow in her teaching.

Actress

Rachel Michaela’s passion for improv and for people becoming the best they can be is unrivaled. I have seen Rachel sit next to students and tell them “you got this” in the gentlest way until they get a moment… the most caring passionate [improviser] I have ever met.

Improviser