Meet Florida Studio Theatre's new associate improv director

Sarah Durham's official title is "resident artist" at Florida Studio Theatre. She’s also FST's new associate director of improv. Her work includes teaching at the FST school, writing for children’s theater and cabarets and constantly performing. The year 2025 marks a new responsibility. She's taking a bigger role in the Sarasota Improv Festival. And it’s a very big baby. But she’s not overwhelmed. Durham believes in the power of laugher, storytelling and creating spaces where everyone belongs. The Improv Fest puts those beliefs into action. It’s a lot of hard work. But Durham’s doing the work she loves. And she's happy to tell us why.

What got you hooked on improv comedy?

Improv’s in my blood. There was no ah-ha moment, no lightning bolt. It’s just who I am.

Who taught you the art form?

I’m a Second City-trained improviser. I’m also a sketch writer, so I’m constantly teaching myself.

How’d you become FST’s new associate improv director?

I was Will Luera’s assistant improv director for about three years — basically since the pandemic. When he left last November, I stepped into the main role.

Are you enjoying the job so far?

It's been a blast. I’ve been an improv fanatic for so many years. Now it’s great to be doing what I love with such a strong team. We’re having a lot of fun.

Does it get scary sometimes?

It’s scary in terms of the sheer volume of work. It’s organizational work, with so many complex details that I have to nail down. It makes the improv possible at FST. But it’s kind of the opposite of improv.

What could possibly go wrong?

Yeah, that is the question. Nightmare scenarios flash through my mind sometimes. Like forgetting to pick up a team for the Improv Festival or walking onstage barefoot or naked — or both. Those nightmares haven’t happened … yet. But empowering the art of improv has been a dream come true for me. I’ve been at FST since 2018, so this is my community.

Let’s talk about the evolution of improv comedy. The mutations are on fast-forward these days. What’s new at this year’s Improv Fest?

Almost everything! But game-based improv is always new. It’s a very commercial form but still a lot of fun. Sounds Funny Players create on-the-spot games with the audience every night. They’re constantly inventing new ones.

Now let’s talk about old-school comedy. As I recall, Second City’s sketches were hybrids. A sketch would emerge in improv; they’d write it down and refine it. Am I right?

Totally. Improv is sketch comedy lightning; a script captures the lightning in a bottle. Second City pioneered that approach — and it revolutionized comedy.

Are any groups following in Second City’s footsteps this year?

Yes. Unauthorized from NYC, definitely. Their sketches are a blend of improv and script — and that’s the Second City style. Their show constantly evolves. And their director, Kihresha Reymond, trained right here at FST.

What do you predict for next year’s Improv Fest?

Ask me next year.

This story has been updated to correct Sarah Durham's title to associate director of improv at Florida Studio Theatre.