Our Mission

To help people transform and grow through joy and laughter.

Our Team

Cam ALGIE

Cameron is an improviser, teacher, coach, and communications trainer. He founded Play with Fire Improv where his classes have helped hundreds of people with their anxiety, and his corporate workshops have helped companies like Pfizer, Capital One, Doxim, Thomson Reuters, and Autodesk with team building, stress-reduction and communication.

He also developed Second City Toronto’s Improv for Anxiety Program, where he is Lead Facilitator & Instructor. In addition to teaching new skills, Cameron helps people understand the psychology behind why we do what we do. 

He has been interviewed by the BBC, CBC, Marilyn Denis Show, The Carla Collins Show and several podcasts about how improv helps with mental wellness. As a performer he has toured North America, and now teaches online to people all over the world.

 

KEN HALL

Ken Hall is a Canadian Comedy Award Winner (Best Breakout Artist) and multiple CCA award nominee, including most recently, Comedic Artist of the Year.

He has appeared in numerous film and television roles including Netflix's THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY where he plays the lovable Herb and provides motion capture as the body of Pogo, and two seasons on TBS’s hit series PEOPLE OF EARTH.

Ken teaches Improv, Comedic On-Camera Acting, Clownprov, Mindfulness, and Public Speaking. He was awarded the Frank McAnulty Award for Faculty Instructor of the Year in 2019.

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yitzi gal

Yitzi studied Drama Therapy in the Master’s Program at N.Y.U and Concordia University. He’s a faculty member of Toronto’s Second City Training Centre, in their Adult Improv, Longform Improv, and Improv for Anxiety programs. He also teaches longform improv at The Assembly.

Yitzi started studying improvisation at age 19, in the hopes of alleviating his considerable anxieties. He had no plans of making a career out of it, but quickly fell in love with improv, especially its capacity to help people with their mental health.

• Master of Arts, Drama Therapy, New York University/Concordia University

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michelle Gibson

Michelle is a mindset coach, speaker, and educator who uses her lived experience to create innovative and transformative solutions to today’s mental health challenges.

In addition to running her own coaching business, Michelle teaches at Second City where she uses improv to teach kids about acceptance, teamwork, and empathy. She also facilitates Laughing Like Crazy, a peer recovery program that uses the power of comedy to empower participants, reduce isolation, and challenge stigma.

• Master of Education, Educational Psychology, Western University

• Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Toronto

 

BENEFITS OF IMPROV FOR MENTAL HEALTH

A 2014 government survey showed that an estimated 3 million Canadians (18+) reported they had a mood and/or anxiety disorder. And those numbers are probably low. When you factor in the stigma of mental health issues, the fact that almost half of people say they’ve never gone to see a doctor about their issues, most people end up suffering alone before admitting what would be perceived as a “weakness.”

While few scientific studies exist, improv and play have been shown to help:

  • Relieve stress and anxiety

  • Stimulate brain function and boost creativity

  • Improve relationships and your connection with others

  • Enhance your ability to take risks and try new things

  • Relax the body and keep you energized

  • Release endorphins (making you feel good) and boost the immune system

It changed my life (read my story here). And I’ve personally seen it change the lives of others. Improv is like going to therapy, and having fun at the same time.

Laughter truly is the best medicine.

 

Play with Fire Improv is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.