Amy Angelilli, owner and ringleader of Third Space Improv in downtown St. Augustine, is noticing a trend at her performance studio. The women are showing up and thriving in the improv and comedy space, where they are using their perspectives and experiences to craft unique and relatable entertainment.
Angelilli opened Third Space Improv in January 2024 as a place where people can come together to live in the moment, build self-confidence and make new friends.
“We’re thrilled with how the community has embraced the concept and the space,” said Angelilli. “As we’ve moved forward with classes and performances, I’ve had this wonderful influx of women who have used improv and comedy as a safe space for self-expression. Performance is all about putting yourself out there, casting aside self-consciousness and just flowing with the situation. It’s incredibly freeing and builds these amazing bonds of trust and friendship.”
Women have always held an important space in improv and comedy. Viola Spolin, born in 1906 and widely considered the “Mother of Improv,” used play mixed with theater techniques in her social work to transcend language, culture, gender and socio-economic barriers. Comedy pioneer Sophie Tucker started performing in vaudeville acts in 1906, amusing audiences with cheeky songs that challenged societal norms about female beauty and restraint.
And Angelilli is here to help women dig deep and discover their unique voice — and their funny bone.
Third Space Improv offers plenty of ways for new and aspiring performers of all persuasions to hone their craft. Magic Mic is a monthly all-arts open mic performance where anyone can try their hand at their form of entertainment. Students Liz Bonacquisti and Lo Flaural have used Angelilli’s improv classes and Magic Mic nights to combine their talents for art, storytelling and entertaining. Flaural is a master speed caricaturist, and during the act, she completes several speed drawings of audience members while Bonacquisti tells the story of their relationship and business.
Third Space celebrates women in comedy with a special all-female Stand Up Community Comedy Night at 8 p.m. Friday, May 9. Comedians from across the First Coast will showcase their most gut-busting and saucy content, so this one is just for the adults. Jacksonville comedian Sean Steel hosts the show, which features an all-female lineup including Alet Weist, Allie Owens, Alysse Stewart, JPaw, Kayla Mai and Wendy Gillis.
Third Space Improv offers regular improv and comedy shows, open mic nights and drag performances. Classes and training include a five-level improv school, comedy writing, workshops from visiting instructors, mixers, team building, corporate workshops, laughter yoga sessions, summer camps and more.
The space is also available to rent for public or private events. A full list of classes and performances can be found at 3rdspaceimprov.com.
