We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Garmon-williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rachel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My most meaningful project is launching the first ever Sensory Friendly Improv show in 2017. It truly set off a new career path for me. In 2012 I started working at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland. This is a children’s theater that believes the arts should be accessible to everyone. Their classes made space for every student regardless of disability. I started teaching improv classes and soon we realized that improv had a unique ability to help those on the autism spectrum. Soon I was teaching accessible classes along with specific camps for autistic youth. Laughter is such a powerful connector and creating more welcoming spaces was something I wanted to do. Creating a show for individuals and families to come and be themselves and laugh has been incredibly fulfilling. We make space for anyone to engage in comedy in a way that suits them. Every show I offer I learn more ways to adapt and grow, and I get to see folks engage in an art that previously had a lot of barriers to it.

Rachel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an improviser, educator, and accessibility advocate with 20 years of experience in the world of improv. Working with troupes in Richmond and DC from ComedySportz, to improvised Musicals, duos, and more. As a disabled improviser I believe that everyone should have access to the arts. I have dedicated my creative career to making improv comedy more inclusive for all audiences and performers. I continue to adapt improv shows and classes for groups around the country. In 2023 I founded Bridge 9 Theater, to combine my passion for performance and education to build a community-focused space that champions inclusivity and innovation. Bridge 9 Theater is a hub for accessible performances, training programs, and workshops that serve diverse audiences. Off-stage, I conduct workshops to train other improvisers and creative arts organizations how to make adaptive workshops and learn the skills of pivoting to adapt programs on the fly. I. I focus all talks and workshops to help individuals and organizations embrace change, solve problems collaboratively, and thrive under pressure. I truly believe in the power of improv and the skills it grows.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Throughout the many roles I’ve led in life (Actor, Fundraiser, Personal Trainer, Executive Director) I have always said my personal value is to help people. Over time I found myself focused on the ” A rising tide lifts all boats.” quote. To create and spread art we must work together. Supporting and building the community around you only helps you grow and flourish. I’ve learned so much from other creatives and organizations because we chose to champion each other versus seeing each other as competition.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Resiliency! I think creative artists develop the skill of resiliency in such a unique way that it becomes a part of who we are! Learning to take failure as an opportunity and see mistakes as a chance to grow opens a whole world of possibilities for us! Creating and being creative is hard and challenging; it takes a unique ability to bounce back and keep going. Leaning into failure may seem counterintuitive to non- creatives, but you start learning to take risks again and seeing more opportunities everywhere.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bridge9theater.com
• Instagram: @bridge9improv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bridge-9-Theater/100092587105870/ (Bridge 9 Theater)
• Linkedin: Bridge 9 Theater or Rachel Garmon-Williams

Image Credits

Katie Dodge