Spotlight On: Zach Howard

There's a TON of great students in the improv program at Spitfire and we think it's about time you heard from them. Follow us in the coming weeks as we put the Spotlight on our students - the heart and soul of the theater - and share a little bit of their experience taking classes and learning the craft of comedy art.

This week we got together with the very tall and very talented Zach Howard, a local resident of St. Pete who did a bit of theater in high school and decided to jump off the cliff and never look back a few months ago when he signed up for ST-1 Foundations. He's now a staple in the Spitfire improv community and plays with multiple teams each season.

How did you first learn about improv?

I first learned about improv from being involved with my High School Thespian Group, through an auditioning process that didn't go so well. I was exposed to Whose Line and SNL at an early age, but didn't know what improv was. It wasn't 'til later that I started to connect the dots.​

Why'd you decide to start doing improv?

​My friend and I were interested in pursuing comedy and thought it would be a great opportunity to flex those muscles.

Did you have any acting or improv experience when you signed up for your first class?

​I only had minimal acting experience before taking classes at Spitfire. I did shows for Drama Club in High School and my mom put me in auditions when I was younger.

What's your favorite memory from classes so far?

​There was a day in ST2 where the instructors demonstrated some great scenes, which made every student bring their A Game to every scene. It was an electrifying day for everyone! Felt great after class.

What kind of folks do you like to see in improv classes?

​I like to see people who are open. People who go with the flow and like to do this for fun, ultimately.

What do you think makes a good improv student?

​A good improv student listens, plays for fun, and goes with the flow.

What kind of comedy do you like?

​I love random humor, like Tim & Eric or The Eric Andre Show. Adventure Time has random bits in it that make the show for me. I also enjoy Anti-Humor a fair bit.

What advice would you give a new improv student?

Have all the fun you possibly can. This is not a competition.

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Zach is currently enrolled in ST3: Team Improv. You can see him perform in The Big Damn Comedy Show on select Saturdays this season with his duo Simple Kingdom Intruders, as well as on Fridays in The Spitfire Open with his team New Skool. Zach is a regular performer in Whose Line St Pete on Saturday nights and will be making his mainstage debut this April in Murder on the Hogwarts Express.

Thinking about taking improv classes? Sign up now for ST1: Foundations and save 25% on your first class! Learn More >>