Boise’s improv scene has been building something real—and nights like this make it visible.
On Friday, March 20th, nationally touring duo Rollin’ in Riches brings their long-form improv to The Linen Building. With over a decade performing together and appearances at major festivals across the country, they represent a level of craft typically found in much larger markets.
With both Musical Mischief and The U.S. Average kicking things off, the evening starts with performers who are deeply embedded in Boise’s comedy ecosystem—onstage and behind the scenes.
And being placed alongside a group like Rollin’ in Riches signals something clear:
Boise improv isn’t just growing—it’s holding its own.
What makes the lineup especially exciting is the contrast.
Rollin’ in Riches delivers grounded, narrative-driven long-form. Musical Mischief builds fully improvised musicals—songs, characters, and arcs created in real time. And The U.S. Average brings chaotic long-form energy—fast turns, bold choices, and the kind of unpredictability that keeps audiences leaning forward.
Three distinct styles. Same core skill: commitment to the moment.
For Uproar Entertainment—and for the Boise scene more broadly—this is the kind of moment that signals real momentum.
A nationally recognized act comes through. A local producer helps make it happen. Local performers don’t just open—they elevate the night.
It’s not flashy. It’s not overstated. It’s just a room full of people doing high-level improv together—and proving that Boise belongs in that conversation.
One night. Three groups. A packed room at The Linen Building.
And a local scene that’s clearly leveling up.
What happens when two improvisers mix sharp wit with a universe-sized imagination? You get DNA — the new two-person comedy show from Uproar founder Daniel Maggard and his good friend (and fellow Uproar Improv Collective member) Andrew Lyman.
DNA isn’t your average improv show. Instead of everyday scenes in coffee shops and classrooms, Daniel and Andrew dive headfirst into fantastical worlds — but with a twist. They ask: what are the everyday jobs that keep these extraordinary places running? Who handles HR in Jurassic Park? What’s the love life of a raptor really like? And just how many workplace romances can blossom in a theme park where the interns sometimes get eaten?
At their premiere show, the duo took the audience on a wild journey through the offices and break rooms of Jurassic Park. A simple suggestion of “HR” led to intertwining tales of romance across departments and even two raptors fighting tooth and claw for the sake of their children. The result? Big laughs, bigger heart, and a reminder that even in a world of dinosaurs, office drama never goes extinct.
Now, DNA is back with a brand new adventure. On Friday, September 12 at Liquid Underground in Downtown Boise, Daniel and Andrew will head north — way north — into the icy kingdom of Arendelle. Yes, that Arendelle. But instead of Elsa and Anna, expect to meet the unsung characters who keep the Frozen universe running. Who files the snowplow permits? Who manages troll payroll? Who’s in charge of crowd control during spontaneous musical numbers?
With their quick chemistry, fearless imagination, and a knack for finding the hilarity in the “what ifs,” Daniel and Andrew promise a show that’s as surprising as it is side-splitting.
So bundle up, grab a seat, and join us for DNA: Ordinary Jobs, Extraordinary Worlds.
Last weekend, I had the honor of leading an improv workshop at a Parkinson’s Conference—and what I witnessed was nothing short of powerful.
Parkinson’s disease is often associated with stiffness, slowed movement, and speech challenges. But in our hour together, we laughed, connected, and moved freely in ways that momentarily let us forget about symptoms and diagnosis. That’s the power of improv.
Why Improv?
Improvisation isn’t just for actors and comedians—it’s a form of play, communication, and creativity that meets people exactly where they are. At its core, improv teaches participants to say “yes, and”—to accept what’s happening in the moment and build on it. This mindset can be transformative for people living with a progressive disease like Parkinson’s.
The Benefits of Improv for Parkinson’s:
Improv keeps the brain active by demanding quick thinking, decision-making, and flexibility. It encourages participants to stay present and make split-second choices—which can help sharpen mental agility and memory.
Many people with Parkinson’s experience soft speech or difficulty projecting. Improv games invite participants to speak loudly, clearly, and often in silly voices. There’s no pressure to be “right,” just to be expressive—and that freedom leads to increased confidence in communication.
Even simple games that involve gestures or sound effects help ease rigidity and get people moving. Improv invites the body to participate in playful, low-stress movement—offering moments of fluidity that feel good both physically and emotionally.
Parkinson’s can be isolating, especially as speech and motor symptoms progress. Improv is all about connection—making eye contact, building scenes together, and laughing with each other. It’s a joyful reminder that you’re not alone.
Laughter is powerful medicine. It releases dopamine, lowers stress, and helps us feel seen. In our workshop, we weren’t focused on Parkinson’s—we were too busy pretending to be pirates, radio DJs, and confused robots. That kind of joy is healing in and of itself.
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The Takeaway Improv won’t cure Parkinson’s, but it offers something just as vital: dignity, joy, and a sense of possibility. In a world that often tells people what they can’t do, improv says, “Yes, and…”
At Uproar Entertainment, we believe everyone deserves to play, to laugh, and to be part of something bigger than themselves. If you’re part of a support group, healthcare network, or care facility looking to bring improv to your community, we’d love to partner with you.
Let’s keep saying “yes” to joy.
In a world that can often feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and just plain exhausting, one thing has consistently proven to be a universal remedy: laughter.
Science backs it, your body craves it, and your spirit thrives on it. And while there are countless ways to spark a good laugh, one of the most immediate, unscripted, and joyfully chaotic ways is through improv comedy.
Here’s why laughter, especially the kind that comes from watching live improv, isn’t just fun—it’s good for you.
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Let’s start with the basics: laughing triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol and increases infection-fighting antibodies, improving your resistance to illness.
Even just anticipating laughter—like sitting down in a comedy club waiting for the lights to dim—can lower anxiety and boost your mood. It’s the only workout where the only heavy lifting is your shoulders bouncing while you chuckle.
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There’s something uniquely electric about improv comedy. Unlike stand-up or scripted shows, improv happens right in front of you—for you, because of you. The performers respond to your suggestions, your laughter, your energy. That makes every show a one-of-a-kind experience that feels personal and spontaneous.
That sense of inclusion creates a feedback loop: the more the audience laughs, the bolder the improvisers get, and the funnier the scene becomes. It’s comedy co-created in real time, and you’re part of it.
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We live in a time of endless scrolling, curated timelines, and secondhand conversations. Watching improv comedy is one of the few spaces where people gather face-to-face and share a collective, real-time emotional experience.
You laugh with strangers. You lean into absurdity. You discover how ridiculous (and wonderful) human behavior really is. That sense of shared joy builds connection—and reminds us we’re not as alone as we sometimes feel.
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Adults don’t play enough. Improv is a playground for grown-ups. It’s a reminder that silliness, imagination, and curiosity are not childish traits—they’re human traits. Watching people take risks on stage, fail gloriously, or turn a weird suggestion into comedy gold gives you permission to be more playful in your own life.
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You don’t always need a two-week vacation to feel better. Sometimes, a 90-minute show with quick wit, unexpected characters, and a room full of belly laughs is enough to hit the reset button. It’s like a mental palate cleanser—washing away some of the seriousness and reminding you how good it feels to simply laugh.
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Final Thought:
If life’s been feeling heavy, confusing, or just a little too normal lately, maybe it’s time to go see an improv show. Let yourself laugh. Let yourself be surprised. Let yourself enjoy the beautiful mess that is live, unscripted comedy.
Because sometimes, the best therapy is a room full of strangers, a couple of wild suggestions, and a team of improvisers saying “yes, and” to whatever happens next.
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Support your local comedy. Support your own joy. Go laugh.
At Uproar Entertainment, we believe that laughter should be shared—and so should success.
Unlike many improv companies where performers are expected to work for free or “for the love of the game,” we do things differently. At Uproar, we profit-share. But not in a vague, behind-the-scenes way—our performers’ pay is directly tied to how well the show sells.
It’s a system that’s simple, transparent, and rooted in respect.
How It Works
Every Uproar performer receives a cut of the show’s earnings, and the better the show does, the more everyone makes. If a show sells out, the performers are rewarded for their role in making that happen. If it’s a smaller turnout, they’re still paid—but the incentive is always there to build something great, together.
This model creates a real partnership between the business and the artists. We’re not just filling a stage—we’re working collectively to fill the room.
Why We Do It
Because Talent Deserves Compensation Improv isn’t just people being funny on a whim—it’s a craft. It takes time, training, and commitment. Our performers rehearse, promote, and perform. We believe they should be paid accordingly, not handed a drink ticket and a pat on the back.
Because Accountability Works Both Ways At Uproar, success is a shared goal. Our performers are motivated to promote the show, invite their friends, and help cultivate a following—not because they’re pressured to, but because they know they’ll see a direct return. It builds momentum, community, and pride.
Because It Keeps the Art Alive and Sustainable A profit-sharing model rooted in ticket sales means our performers aren’t just surviving—they’re growing. It lets artists take their work seriously, and gives them a reason to stay in the game. That means stronger performers, stronger shows, and a stronger scene in Boise and beyond.
Why It Matters to Audiences
When you support an Uproar show, you’re doing more than buying a night of comedy—you’re choosing a company that invests in local artists. Your ticket dollars don’t vanish into overhead or corporate pockets. They go right back to the people who made you laugh.
So the next time you have a choice between an improv troupe offering “exposure” and one that pays its performers fairly, ask yourself—who’s really supporting the art form?
We’re building something bigger than ourselves, and we’re doing it one show at a time, with a model that actually works for artists.
Uproar: Fair Pay, Big Laughs, Local Love
Our mission is clear: treat performers like professionals, build great shows, and grow a community that values creativity and equity.
Want to support that? Come to a show. Bring a friend. Laugh loudly. And know that when you do, you’re helping rewrite the script—for the better.
Support comedy that gives back. Support Uproar.
At first glance, improv comedy might seem like just a bunch of funny people making things up on stage. But at the heart of it lies a surprisingly profound principle—Yes, And. It’s the cornerstone of improv, and when applied outside the theater, it becomes a powerful mindset that can improve communication, collaboration, relationships, and even self-growth.
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What Does “Yes, And” Mean?
In improv, “Yes, And” is the golden rule. It means:
Yes: Accept what your scene partner has said or done. You don’t have to agree with it, but you acknowledge it as real in the world you’re creating.
And: Add to it. Build on the idea. Keep the momentum going.
This simple approach keeps scenes alive, encourages creativity, and fosters a sense of trust between performers. But you don’t have to be an actor to feel its impact.
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We often enter conversations ready to defend, correct, or dismiss. “Yes, And” invites us to listen first and build second. It doesn’t mean you have to say yes to things you don’t believe in—it means you acknowledge the other person’s perspective before offering your own.
Example:
Instead of: “That won’t work.”
Try: “Yes, I see where you’re coming from. And maybe we could try combining that with this idea…”
This small shift makes others feel heard, respected, and more likely to collaborate.
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In creative or team settings, “Yes, And” fuels innovation. It removes the fear of being shut down. By accepting and building on each other’s ideas, you create an environment where people take risks and explore possibilities.
Compare these two meetings: - One where every idea is met with “Yeah, but…” - Another where ideas are met with “Yes, and what if we also tried…”
The second one isn’t just more productive—it’s more fun.
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Whether it’s a friendship, romantic partnership, or working relationship, “Yes, And” creates a rhythm of mutual support. It means you’re not competing for control—you’re co-creating a dynamic that values input, adapts quickly, and leans into what’s possible.
Even in play, saying “Yes, And” can make people feel more connected and alive. Ever notice how kids do this naturally? One says “Let’s be dragons,” and the other replies, “Yes! And we live in a volcano!” That same instinct is still inside us, waiting to be invited out.
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There’s also an internal power to “Yes, And.” We often deny parts of ourselves—our weird ideas, our mistakes, our fears. But growth happens when we accept what is (yes) and choose to do something with it (and). - “Yes, I made a mistake. And now I can learn from it.” - “Yes, I’m nervous. And I’m going to show up anyway.” - “Yes, I want more. And I’m going to take the next step.”
It’s self-compassion with forward motion.
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Life is improv. The script is always changing, the cues don’t come on time, and sometimes you forget your line. “Yes, And” trains you to stay adaptable. You learn to say, “Okay, this is happening. What can I do with it?”
Instead of resisting change or uncertainty, you become a more playful, resilient, and curious human being.
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Final Thought:
“Yes, And” isn’t about blind agreement. It’s about open-hearted engagement. It’s about saying yes to the moment, yes to the people in front of you, and yes to your own evolving story—and then building something new with all of it.
So the next time you’re in a meeting, a disagreement, or even just stuck in traffic with your own thoughts—pause and try it: “Yes… And…”
You might be surprised what happens next.
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Life’s more fun—and a lot more beautiful—when we stop blocking and start building.