Ira Briones

I’m a New York-based queer, non-binary, polyamorous immigrant improviser from the Philippines.

I bring my identities forward in this bio so you can have a sense of how I show up in the world because, despite the lack of conversation around it, the most sustainable path to growing in improvisation as a craft is to deepen your relationship with yourself, and you need a coach whose values align with you and whom you feel safe with to do that.

While I am proud of how quickly I’ve grown as a performer, I also know that coaching/teaching is a separate skillset, and I’ve been a coach and learning facilitator long before I stepped into the world of improvised theater.

I am adept at meeting you and your team exactly where you are while sensing deeper beyond the surface to co-create a learning experience that will help you to embody the kind of performers you want to be.

I believe learning the tools is only half the process, the other half is unlearning the ways we've been conditioned to subconsciously hold ourselves back from our unique flow.

My coaching is tailored to specific needs, so if our energies align, I can help you with any performance goals while working with any form, or even creating a new form together!

The biggest influences who have shaped the way I think about improv are Magnet Theater’s Louis Kornfeld, Peter McNerney, Michael Lutton, Rick Andrews, Megan Gray, and Rachel Hamilton, as well as Groundlings alum Holly Mandel. I'm officially trained on how to coach and teach improv at the Magnet under the guidance of Michael Lutton.

If my approach resonates with you, hit the email button or head over to my Instagram @mx.ira.rain to send me a message about my rate and availability.

If you wanna see me perform, catch me at The Blackout at the Magnet Theater, Grimace Gang at The Armory, or with my indie team Hard Maybe!

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Here’s a bit about how I work according to fellow improvisers who have received my coaching.

“Ira’s coaching session was just what our group needed. They prepared a lesson plan beforehand based on our interests, and then adapted and tweaked the exercises based on how we responded in real time. Before the session, our group had been overthinking a bit and trying to find the fun again. Ira coached us back toward the basics, while leaving plenty of room for us to take risks and improvise in our own voices. I’m so pleased to have Ira’s advice still popping into my head weeks after the session.” - Nate

“Ira has a profound calm and strength that is palpable in their teaching. They are not only extraordinarily skilled and insightful when it comes to improv itself, but also when it comes to conveying that knowledge to others. During my session Ira helped me realize that I need to nurture trust in my fellow teammates and take my mind off of compensating for my own perceived weaknesses and this was something they helped me realize would benefit me both on the stage and in real life as well.” - Ben L.

“Ira brings a great energy to the coaching session. The warm-up exercises were all designed to warm up different aspects of our body and mind. Ira is very present, listening attentively and giving great notes. I loved the side coaching as well.” - Eric Luftig