HISTORY

Since 2009, Santa Fe Improv has been teaching improv to actors and writers, artists and scientists, students, therapists, lawyers, teachers, retirees, entrepreneurs, and more. Founded by Ben Taxy, Santa Fe Improv waxed and waned as Ben, improviser, teacher, and writer, found his legs as a small business owner in Santa Fe. In 2017, he committed to the idea that improv was something that everyone needed, not just for fun, but for the courage, teamwork and listening that would support the individual in their quest for change.

In January of 2019, Kita Mehaffy procured the business. Using Ben’s model as a springboard, she quickly grew the school (then called Santa Fe School of Improv), expanding class opportunities, curriculum, performance teams with regular performances opportunities, professional development offerings, etc. She also applied for and received nonprofit status, expanding SFI’s opportunity to serve the community at large. Kita remained the Executive Director until December 2021, running the school in partnership with an extraordinary Board of Directors, Eric Weiss, Artistic Director, and Clare Maraist, Managing Director.

Ben Taxy founded Santa Fe Improv in 2009 and served as Artistic Director until 2018. He is a graduate of Harvard University and former writer for network television (Family Guy). Ben's improv philosophy and belief in the healing power of comedy draws on his training with Jeff Michalski and Jane Morris, founders of Second City ETC, Stan Wells, founder of The Empty Stage, and Judy Carter, elite corporate speaker and best-selling author of The Comedy Bible and The Message of You.  Ben lives with his family in Portland, OR. You can find out more at bentaxy.com.