Defiant Monkey Improv

Defiant Monkey Improv is a two-person comedy team formed in 2009. Performers Karen Eichler and Andrew Spragge are experienced improvisers, actors, professional development specialists, and Teaching Artists who love to have as much fun as possible.

Defiant Monkey Improv has provided workshops and training for such major organizations as AmeriCorps, Moog, Kaleida Health, The Association for Talent Development (ATD), and MAHLE Behr Troy. They perform regularly scheduled shows in Western New York, and, through the Defiant Monkey School of Improv, provide workshops specifically designed to help improvisers and their groups take their improv to the next level.

Karen is regarded as one of the most talented and versatile improvisers in the field. She is the co-author of The 5 Elements of Improv, The One Minute Improviser, and The Big Book of Improv Games, and is a founding member of Defiant Monkey Improv.

Karen has been performing improv across the country since 1997 and is the co-creator of the Defiant Monkey School of Improv.

Many years prior to resuscitating a house in Niagara Falls, New York, Karen received her BA in English and MA in English Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She taught public speaking to fifty students a semester for more than ten years at Niagara University, and she also tutors and teaches writing at Empire State College.

Andrew is a seasoned performer, educator, and researcher in the field of improvisation. He is the co-author of The 5 Elements of Improv, The One Minute Improviser, and The Big Book of Improv Games, and is a founding member of Defiant Monkey Improv.

Andrew’s extensive directorial and teaching background, along with his desire to inspire others to keep improving, led to the development of the Defiant Monkey School of Improv.

Living in Western New York, Andrew received his BA from Canisius College and teaching degree from Daemen College. A former math and science teacher, he also spent 14 years as a corporate trainer. Yes…14 years.