Reston Nonprofit Bringing Joy, Laughter to Those in Need

Founded in January 2025 in Reston, the Resonance Improv Alliance is already making waves in Fairfax County by providing transformative experiences through improv. Operating as a program under the nonprofit CORE Foundation, Resonance brings together improvisers to not only experience the joy of improv for themselves, but also to use their skills to bring light and laughter to those who need it most.

Resonance’s impact is already being felt in the local community. The Lamb Center, a day shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Fairfax, started a social club to combat isolation. Wendy Baird, Director of Development, invited Resonance to facilitate the inaugural session of the club. “All of our guests benefited from the experience, from those who participated actively to those who observed but couldn't help laughing and smiling,” said Baird. “We are deeply grateful for community resources like Resonance Improv Alliance who want to help our guests express themselves and share their stories.”

Resonance held an improv workshop for the South Lakes High School cast of "Once Upon a Mattress", preparing students to incorporate fresh jokes into their nightly performances. “I am so glad that I brought the Resonance Improv Alliance to work with my students,” said SLHS theater director Mike Viola. “They were incredibly professional, engaging, and positive. They made my students feel comfortable to make choices and put themselves out there. The adults leading
the workshop made comedy achievable for ALL students.”

The improvisers are even facilitating support groups to bring improv to the Inova Parkinson's & Movement Disorder Center and the Insight Memory Care Center on a monthly basis. These groups offer a moment of freedom to individuals who are experiencing memory loss or movement limitations.

At the core of Resonance’s work is improv, a live theatrical performance in which the actors create situations, characters, and dialogue on the spot. The heart of improv lies in the principle of “Yes-and,” where each performer accepts and builds upon the ideas of others to create something greater. Resonance takes this one step further by emphasizing “Got Your Back”, a concept that encourages
improvisers to support one another, ensuring that every scene partner shines. “Improv has opened up the opportunity to yes-and my life. The got your back focus has helped me to perform at my best in a judgment-free setting,” says improv enthusiast Karen Briscoe.

This philosophy of collaborative play extends well beyond the stage. Improv has long been used to conduct corporate workshops to improve team dynamics and public speaking skills, but Resonance was compelled to do more. Dan Brown, owner of Reflex Improv, which teaches individual and corporate improv classes told us, “I really believe yes-and could change the world if enough people experienced it.”

As a Reston-based nonprofit incubator, the CORE Foundation is the fiscal sponsor of this work. Megan Murphy, Executive Director of CORE, shared, “Resonance Improv Alliance is doing incredible work bringing joy and laughter where it’s needed most. Their ability to connect meaningfully with youth, seniors, and underserved populations—showcases the transformative power of improv. They
truly exemplify the CORE Foundation spirit of connecting and empowering our entire community. We couldn’t be more excited to support their journey.”

Get Involved!

Community members can experience the magic of Resonance Improv Alliance firsthand by attending an improv comedy show in the heart of Reston, at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods, on Friday, April 11th, 6:30PM. Your support helps further the nonprofit’s mission of bringing joy and connection to our community. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/RestonLaughs.