In Part 1 of our conversation with Bridge Improv Theater, co-owner David Raftery and education director Jess Klemm join host Rupesh Parbhoo and co-host Rachel Perez (Composion) to explore how improv builds confident communicators. You will hear simple warm-up games to spark creativity, why presence and active listening beat memorizing a script, and the real meaning of "yes, and" as agreement and support. They also clear up common misconceptions about improv and share how a playful mindset can reduce speaking anxiety and strengthen connection with any audience. Perfect for professionals, leaders, and speakers who want to show up more present, confident, and connected.

Key takeaways
- Presence and listening reduce anxiety more than memorizing a perfect script.
- Quick warm-up games help you think faster and loosen up before speaking.
- Improv is collaborative discovery, not standup or "being funny on command."
- "Yes, and" is really agreement - supporting what is happening and building together.
- Repetition in a safe, playful environment builds confidence and connection.

Chapters
00:00 - Cold open
00:55 - Welcome to Speak Arizona
01:38 - Meet co-host Rachel Perez
02:56 - Meet Bridge Improv Theater
04:51 - Warm-up games
10:13 - What improv is and what happens on stage
14:24 - Stop clutching the script
18:14 - How Jess and David got into improv
23:41 - Misconceptions
28:56 - Confidence and community
37:38 - "Yes, and"
43:14 - How to visit Bridge

Guest
Jess Klemm is the education director at Bridge Improv Theater and began her improv journey in 2018.
Connect
- https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/bridgeimprovtheater/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridge-improv-theater/

David Raftery is a co-owner of Bridge Improv Theater and has been performing and teaching improv in Arizona since 2012.
Connect
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-raftery-7ab689212/
- https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/bridgeimprov/

Rachel Perez is a brand identity designer and runs Composion, a one-person design studio.
Connect
- https://www.composion.design/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-perez-composion/