Spitfire Spotlight: Angela Piepenbrok
What's your day job?
Trained Anthropologist; Ethnobotanist; currently working as an optometric technician.
Do you have any hobbies outside of improv?
I have so many hobbies. People watching, painting, fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, gardening, cooking/baking, cross stitching, making short comedy films with my girl Ashley Dudukovich and many others.
What drew you to improv?
I really love comedians and their quick wit. I have always thought that being a comedian would be so much fun and decided to finally try doing comedy, because If I never tried I would never know if I could. Stand up was my only outlet at the time in Madison, WI and so I signed up for my first 3 minute spot in a dive bar downtown. I got up on stage and remembered I have terrible stage anxiety, but I wasn't going to let that stop me. I am determined to face this fear of the stage and not let it hold me back. Moving to Saint Petersburg a few years ago, I decided that this was the time to tackle comedy again and was asking around for places to learn and do more comedy. I heard about improv and wanted to learn more so I took a Short Course at Spitfire Theater and was instantly hooked. It was what I didn't know I was looking for. I didn't have to do it alone. This made it much more enjoyable for me and helped with my anxiety to be able to play on stage with others.
Angela at the St Pete Improv Jam, our free improv jam on the 4th Wednesday of the month.
What do you like to do most on stage?
Have fun and learn.
What makes a good scene in your opinion?
When everyone listens to each other, acts honestly to the situation on stage, and the audience is engaged in the characters you've created, all you have to do is wait for the funny to happen, because it will.
What's the most memorable moment you've had at Spitfire?
So far my most memorable moment at Spitfire is getting to the top 3 in my Level 1 Showcase. It made me really proud to be on stage knowing that I was kicking my fear’s butt.
Angela taking on the individual improv challenge Character Master as one of the final three in her class’s Whose Line-style Showcase.
How would you explain Spitfire shows to someone who's never been?
Local community comedy theater where you will never see the same show twice.
How would you describe the Spitfire community in 5 words or less?
Family of characters and acceptance.
You can see Angela perform on Fridays in Improvarama.