Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Hensgens
Hi Brandon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
So, I guess started my journey into improv comedy back in high school theatre class. I notice it was a great way for me to help me with my shyness and social awkwardness. I started pursuing it even more in 2011 with Roar, a local improv troupe. It was a very fun escape from the graphic design college stress and continued to help me find more play in my life. That led me to start taking it seriously by going to classes in LA, finding more sources to learn from. Eventually, I worked my way to become a performer and instructor for Finest City Improv. Through improv, I learned that I was enough and my experiences are worthy to be on stage. I gained more confidence, comfort in myself, and developed my creative voice.
Since then, I performed and taught improv in multiple states, produced sold out shows, and help developed improv comedy troupes. After a 3 year stretch in NY, I came back to San Diego this past summer. This past February I became the Artistic Director of Finest City Improv. Now I’m trying to give back to the art form that gave me so much and help people find their voice and confidence.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not very smooth at all. Some personal struggles was like finding ways to feel worthy, dealing with depression and improving myself. Gaining the confidence to make moves. I guess my biggest struggle was when I was living in NY. I cut a lot of ties moving there and had the idea that I was going to live there forever. But then I went through a breakup, and lost my professional graphic design job. The good ol’ 1-2. Couldn’t find any job for over a year. I was stuck in NY with no purpose, no money, and no hope. So I decided to move back. I had to reconnect those ties and use my NY experience to discover what this sequel journey of my life entails .
When I moved back home, I didn’t know I would be making a big pivot in my professional career from graphic designer to theater director.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love creating and making things. Big fan of it. My main creative avenues are graphic design and improvisation. I find those to be the foundation I branch off of those into similar mediums like hand lettering and embroidery for design or song writing and freestyle rapping for improv. I’ve been told what sets me apart is the drive to keep trying to things, and combining different passions together. For instance, I love Jackie Chan movies, so I created a show that is an improvised martial arts movie show where we do our own silly stunts for laughs. If you follow your passions then everything will feel authentic.
Becoming the artistic director of my home theater, Finest City Improv, has been something I’ve been very proud of lately. It’s been the pinnacle of my improv life, so far. Its the culmination of the last 14 years of my life. to be entrusted with the improv community and send the ladder back down to help bring up the next generation of improvisors.
I just want to create dope things and make people laugh for the rest of my life.
What does success mean to you?
In this line of improv work, I see profession success as full improv classes, full audiences, and consistent excitement. Where people are excited to perform, watch, and build together! Have a safe third space for people to come to and enjoy live comedy.
Pricing:
- Free Intro Class at Finest City Improv: https://www.finestcityimprov.com/classes/discover-improv/
- See an improv show! Half of our shows are Pay What You Can! https://www.finestcityimprov.com/upcoming-shows/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.finestcityimprov.com/
- Instagram: @brandonmeetsworld @finestcityimprov
Image Credits
Seabass aka Sebastian Fowler
Alex Lee
