Today we’d like to introduce you to Dreena Moran.
Hi Dreena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born with jazz hands. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved to perform. If there was a stage, I was on it. If there was an unattended microphone, I was working the room. If there was a group of people gathering for absolutely any reason, wonderful–an audience!
It wasn’t until after college that I discovered an art form that transformed the game: improv comedy. The thrill of going up on stage with no script, no props, no plan–it was intoxicating. After taking classes at the major improv schools in New York City and performing on a house team at The Peoples Improv Theater for several years, I finally found my tribe: Howdy Stranger. Performing with Howdy Stranger for over 10 years has been the greatest joy of my performing career.
Our monthly improv comedy shows at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center and our Howdy Hour improv jams at SideBar are a staple in northern New Jersey, proving you don’t have to go to New York City for a great night out. Our annual sketch comedy shows every April also give us an opportunity to show off our writing skills; it is truly one of the highlights of our year.
One of the most rewarding parts of being a member of Howdy Stranger is seeing how much our community has grown over the past few years. I teach the beginner improv class for our program, Improv Principles. Ryan Huban, Howdy Stranger’s fearless leader, keeps our curriculum fresh by introducing students to a variety of different improv forms.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anyone who has pursued a career in the performing arts will tell you it is not for the weak. The hustle and constant rejection make you question every decision you’ve ever made that has led to this moment and to consider a career in literally anything else if it offers a steady paycheck, health insurance, and paid sick days (the holy grail). As a voice actor, I’ve had the great fortune to work on some incredible projects. However, once a project is done, it’s back to the grind of auditioning.
I think that’s why improv has been such an important part of my creative life. Often, as an actor, you are at the mercy of a casting director to choose you. It’s empowering to make something for yourself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Along with teaching and performing improv comedy with Howdy Stranger in Hackensack, NJ, I’m also a singer, songwriter, filmmaker, and voice actor. One of the voiceover roles that I’m most proud of is playing Dot in the YouTube series “Smudge” by Alane Adams Studios. As a voice actor, I use my improv skills daily. When a director asks for a different approach to the copy or when they need a few more character voices for additional roles during a session, improv helps me pivot and make fresh choices on the fly.
As a teacher, I’m so proud of my improv students. I teach improv comedy classes for adults and kids. In the classes for kids, I’ve seen tremendous growth and the development of important skills, like getting better at losing and working as a team. In the classes for adults, my students often have zero performing experience. On the first day of class, many students will share how nervous they are or that they are only taking this class because their boss recommended it for professional development. It takes such bravery to even show up to an improv class, and I don’t take that lightly.
Our curriculum is designed to ease them into it, step-by-step. By the end of the first session, the most nervous student will usually say, “That was fun!” or “That wasn’t as scary as I thought!” And by the end of our six week class, the students are much more confident. I’m always amazed when people say the class changed their life. I think, “It’s only been 6 weeks!” But it’s true. The exercises to improve listening skills, the ability to be absolutely present and aware, the freedom to step out with your teammate and trust that things will work out—these skills are life-changing. It is my great pleasure to be able to share these experiences with my students.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Take an improv class! It’s helpful for performing, but it’s even more helpful for life. We offer classes year-round on our website, HowdyStranger.com.
Also, make stuff! A few years back I took a transformative class at The Barrow Group with Chris Roberti called, “At Hand.” In the class, we were encouraged to make films with whatever was “at hand.” Roberti emphasized it was “better to be done than good.” We can put so much pressure on ourselves to create something that’s perfect. That type of thinking is paralyzing. It can prevent us from finishing or even starting a creative project. Release yourself of that pressure. Find a community and make stuff—just for the fun of making stuff.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.howdystranger.com/
- Instagram: @howdy_stranger
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowdyStrangerComedy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowdyStrangerComedy
- Other: https://dreenamoran.com
