How Improv Helped Audra Find Her Voice in STEM, Podcasting, and Life
Audra Stephenson is a fiber artist, podcaster, and STEM professional who came to Peak Improv Theater seeking more than laughs—she wanted to get out of her head. Initially drawn to improv to ease workplace stress and support her podcasting, Audra quickly discovered something deeper: a space where her quirks were seen as gifts and her voice mattered. In this interview, she reflects on what it's like to go from wallflower to confident communicator, why every woman in a male-dominated industry should try improv, and how laughter helped her kill shame and reclaim her imagination.
PiT: What made you sign up for your first class at Peak Improv Theater?
Audra: I was looking for a way to get out of my head. I deal with a lot of social anxiety, and I wanted to feel more confident in communication—especially at work and on my podcast. Improv felt like this terrifying but intriguing way to push myself. After that first class, I remember thinking, “That was uncomfortable in exactly the way I needed it to be.”
PiT: You’ve mentioned being a “recovering wallflower.” How did improv help shift that?
Audra: Improv taught me that my ideas aren’t annoying—they’re gifts. I grew up with this feeling that everyone was watching me, just waiting for a reason to punish or judge me. But at the theater, my weirdness wasn’t just tolerated—it was welcomed. When someone says “yes, and” to something I throw out, it rewires that fear. Suddenly, being perceived isn’t a threat—it’s a connection.
PiT: How has that carried over into your everyday life?
Audra: At work, I speak up more. I work in STEM, which is a male-dominated field, and I used to second-guess my ideas all the time. Improv helped me break that cycle. Now I know I can throw something out there—even if it’s not perfect. Sometimes “perfect” is the enemy of progress. I also feel more socially open. I’ve made new friends at the theater, and I’m not as guarded walking into rooms anymore. I trust people might actually be kind.
PiT: You also host with your husband, Matt, on the Gateleapers podcast. Has improv changed how you two collaborate?
Audra: Definitely. Improv gives us shared language and tools—especially around listening, timing, and giving each other space. When we performed our first live show at PiT, I actually felt confident up there. And that confidence came from practice, but also from trusting the format, our co-stars, and myself.
PiT: You’ve taken 101, Intermediate, Advanced, and Stand Up—twice! Which one surprised you most?
Audra: Honestly, each class surprised me in its own way. But Stand Up was the most unexpected. I didn’t think I’d be able to remember my jokes or feel steady on stage. But I did. And I had fun. As someone who’s always been more analytical than playful, discovering I could play—and be funny—was transformative.
PiT: What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about trying improv?
Audra: Do it scared. That’s something my mom used to say, and it’s stuck with me. You don’t have to be fearless to show up. Just start. Even one class can shift how you see yourself. And if you’re someone carrying a lot of shame? Improv might just help you put it down. It’s helping me do that—one scene at a time.
To hear even more of Audra’s insights—including how she’s learning to play, what surprised her about stand-up, and why laughter is its own kind of connection—watch Audra’s full PiT Profile interview on Peak Improv Theater’s YouTube channel.
