ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (November 14, 2023) – When Amy Angelilli’s improv students take the stage, giggles, guffaws, and inspiration quickly follow. Improvisation, or improv, as it’s more commonly known, is a form of live theatre in which the scene’s characters, relationships, and interactions are made up in the moment. St. Augustine, a town known for its thriving arts scene, is one step closer to having its own space dedicated to the art of improv. Third Space Improv, the brainchild of The Adventure Project’s Chief Adventure Officer, Amy Angelilli, was recently awarded a State of the Arts (SOTA) Grant by the St. Johns Cultural Council to aid in the construction of an accessible stage in its new space.
“I’m so thrilled to see this kind of investment in the arts,” says Angelilli. “Improv is an incredible practice that builds confidence, encourages active listening, and gives participants a supportive environment to be creative and spontaneous. The urge to improvise can’t be confined – it’s a space that should be open to everyone, and with our accessible stage, Third Space Improv can welcome community members of all abilities!”
The name Third Space Improv comes from the belief that everyone should have three spaces – the first, home; the second, work; and the third, a communal space where people can come together and bond over a shared interest. Third Space Improv will host a five-level improv school, with classes for beginners to experts, regular improv comedy shows, kids camps, open space for creatives, and improv theater experiences. The creative studio is housed in a former yoga studio in downtown St. Augustine and is currently being renovated. The SOTA grant will contribute funding to construct a stage with a ramp and a railing, providing access to community members with different abilities and wheelchair users. Angelilli and her community of students are completing the bulk of the renovations. She believes so deeply in the power of improv that she has self-funded all improvements and costs up to this point.
“The power of improv lies in the personal transformation,” reveals Angelilli. “With more than 20 years performing and teaching under my belt, I’ve seen how improv can positively affect people. We’re so scared of failing or being judged. In improv, we face those fears but in a safe and supportive space. Our students become comfortable with themselves and in their abilities. It’s a magical thing to see – and it carries over to all aspects of their lives. And our accessible stage is a game-changer. I’ve had students unable to navigate the stairs and narrow pathways that make up typical stage areas. It opens a new world of possibilities, making Third Space Improv a true community space.”
Third Space Improv is crowdfunding to assist with renovation costs, seating, signage, licensing, and more. Support the local improv movement by contributing to the campaign here. Photos can be found here.
ABOUT THIRD SPACE IMPROV: Third Space Improv is a creative community space offering a five-level improv school, community events, improv comedy shows, teambuilding for organizations, and unscripted theater experiences. Located at 200 Malaga Street #7 in downtown St. Augustine, the studio space is scheduled to open in January 2024. Learn more at www.3rdspaceimprov.com and follow along on social media @3rdspaceimprov
