Danny Yes, And: My Journey Through Mockingbird Improv
This is probably my most personal blog post, because Mockingbird Improv was my first real step into acting. As a software engineer, I spend most of my time in logic and code, but something in me also wanted to loosen up, take risks, and just play. I found Mockingbird through a social meetup and figured, why not?
It’s found in San Diego’s historic Liberty Station, right in the heart of the Point Loma neighborhood. The vibe is welcoming, the classes are small, and the structure gives you room to grow. Each level teaches something new, and starting in Level 2, you get to perform in student shows. By the time I finished Level 5, I realized I wasn’t just “trying something new” anymore, I had actually started something.
The Chicken Shawarma improv team. No tzatziki sauce included
The people you meet in Level 1? Most of them stick around through all five levels. You bond fast. You cheer each other on. You go out after class, crack jokes in group chats, and share life stories. We ended up doing beach bar crawls, bonfires, street fairs, house parties, you name it. It wasn’t just about learning improv. It was about finding a little community.
Where the friendships were warm and the s’mores were slightly burnt, just the way we like them 🍫
And that final Level 5 showcase? A little nerve-wracking, but also one of the most fun nights I’ve had in a long time. I wasn’t trying to be perfect. I just showed up, trusted my teammates, and had a blast.
Mockingbird Level 5 Student Show
Mockingbird helped me stop overthinking and start saying yes: to scenes, to people, to new sides of myself. I came in just looking to try improv. I left with real friendships, way more confidence, and a desire to pursue more acting.
Absolutely check out Mockingbird Improv if you live in San Diego.