Diana Brown (USA)
Diana is an improv artist, actor, director, speaker, and communication coach whose work bridges theatrical performance and real-world leadership. Known for emotionally grounded, character-driven, genre-inspired improvisation, she helps performers, founders, physicians, and executives communicate with greater authenticity, presence, and confidence.
Named one of The Improv Boost’s 2025 Sudden Impact Teachers and voted Most Valuable Mentor and Teacher at the San Francisco Improv Festival, Diana performs, teaches and directs internationally. Her work has been featured at Improv Fest Ireland, Impro Amsterdam, Liverpool Improvisation Festival, Vancouver Improv Festival, Belfast Improv Festival, SF Sketchfest, SF Improv Fest, SAVI Fest, Gather Fest, Camp Improv Utopia, Countdown Improv Festival, Uptown Improv Festival, and festivals across North America and Europe. She recently co-directed Mark Smith’s international ensemble Taxi Tales at Impro Amsterdam and will direct the international ensemble at Improv Fest Ireland 2026.
Diana leads the Advanced Improv Performance Lab at Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s School of Theatre and teaches with Leela Improv Theatre, BATS Improv, and All Out Comedy Theatre. She also coaches founders, leaders, artists, and professionals in high-impact communication.
As a performer, Diana appears with But Of Mind, Bingewatch, Serious Kicks, Fleeting Reminiscence, Gamesome Frolic, The Oracle, Slumber Party, Time Piece, The Heartbreakers, and other original ensemble projects exploring theatrical improvisation, character, and genre.
Diana is currently in development on Dial Up Diana, a completely participatory, unscripted theatrical experience. Conceived and directed by Mark Smith, performed by Diana Brown and Lindsey McGowen, with design by Kai Jones. Built around live audience interaction and spontaneous storytelling, the project continues her exploration of theatrical form, character, and human connection.
Diana’s work is guided by one belief: every person is infinitely more interesting than they realize, and remarkable performance begins by uncovering what makes them unforgettable.