The Team
David Jahn
Co-Founder
David Jahn has an extensive professional background that includes actor, improvisation teacher, and public relations specialist. Prior to launching Innovate Improv Solutions, David partnered in creating The Donahue Group, one of Los Angeles' leading public relations firms, which specialized in corporate events, marketing and publicity. After building the company for a decade and becoming the company's CFO, David left The Donahue Group in 1999.
While still active in his PR company, David began teaching at the Groundlings Theatre, the renowned improv and sketch comedy troupe famous for launching the careers of many household names. It was there he recognized improvisational training could be brought to the workplace. He has since coached employees on every level for numerous companies. David's teaching also led to directing numerous productions, including the Groundlings' legendary Sunday Show. David's own films, Pro-Choice and Day Stripper, have played throughout the world.
David's television credits include Morning Show, Black-ish, Arrested Development, The Comeback, Modern Family, Doin' It Yourself, Cougar Town, General Hospital, and a series regular role on My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss for Fox. His film credits include The Package, A Patient Man, Men Women & Children, and Thank You For Smoking. David’s one-man shows Do You Fear What I Fear? and Fill Your Hole have played to sold-out houses. The Los Angeles Times called David's abilities “wholly distinctive"....David is doing something improvisational right this second.
Krista Gano
Co-Founder
Krista Gano began her successful career in the entertainment industry at the young age of 22, when she starred in and produced the independent film, Chicks, Man. Following that triumph, she continued her education in the entertainment industry by immersing herself in the business aspect of Hollywood, spending the next five years as an assistant to a high-profile celebrity.
Krista eventually moved back to theatre and worked with Tony Award-winning producer Steven Eich at the Geffen Playhouse. It was there that she refined her business skills by learning how to bridge the communication gap between management and artists. In 2002, Krista moved on to the Groundlings Theatre, where she held the position of Executive Director. She produced the Groundlings 30th Anniversary Season, which included a gala celebration co-hosted by alumni Will Ferrell, Cheryl Hines, Chris Kattan and Lisa Kudrow. Under her leadership, the Groundlings expanded their school and training divisions. During this time, Krista discovered a true passion for bringing the tools of improvisational training to the private sector.
After taking leave from the Groundlings in 2006, Krista began working with David to create Innovative Improv Solutions, where she's paired her natural abilities of improvisational training with her thriving business background.
Krista spent over 9 years on the communications faculty of CPMG helping medical clinicians have more empathetic and effective interactions with their patients and staff. She is a partner with the SeriesFest Pitch-A-Thon where she works with creators and artists to help them package and present their work to future stakeholders.
Guy Stevenson
Facilitator
Guy has been involved with the Groundlings since 1998 and has been teaching there since 2006. Performing in the Groundlings Sunday Company helped him get a position writing and producing on the Fox show MAD TV. Guy has also appeared on "Punk'd", "Reno 911", "Curb your Enthusiasm", "The League" and "Parks and Rec", to name a few. Guy has taught improv to thousands of students all over the country, from beginning child classes to directing seasoned adults in advanced student shows, and is often requested to lead cooperate training classes. Guy continues to volunteer teaching improv and communication skills to veterans. He strongly believes that improv is a vital tool not only for the actor, writer or director but anyone who strives to be more collaborative and innovative within a group setting. “The communication skills taught in an improv class will carry to all aspects of your life.” Guy lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three sons and is himself a proud veteran of the Marine Corps.
Christine DiDonato
Facilitating Partner
Christine DiDonato, founder of Career Revolution, Inc., is an innovator in the space of employee and leadership development. As the former Head of Talent for Sony Electronics, Inc., Christine focused her passion and research on acquiring, coaching and developing organization’s youngest generation of employees to become the next generation of leaders.
As a leading advocate for Millennial Career Development, Christine created AccelerateME, a unique feedback tool specifically designed for today’s young professionals to get the feedback they crave and take greater ownership of their career path.
Christine is a progressive facilitator that moves groups beyond theory to put solutions in place that address the challenges of a new generation. Christine is a LinkedIn Author and recognized leader in her field as seen in her contributions to popular media sources like TIME, Money, Inc., Forbes, Human Capital Institute, Society for Human Resource Development, College Magazine and USA Today.
Aikane Belez
Digital Marketing , Social Media Manager
Aikane Belez founded Friendlee Social Media as a way to combine his enjoyment of social media and desire to help others. He partnered with Innovative Improv Solutions as their approach to teaching communication is unparalleled. Communication skills are not easily developed in today’s digital age, but Innovative Improv Solutions has created a syllabus designed for today’s difficulties.
Having come from a background in healthcare and real estate, he can attest to the need for proper communication skills, both in business..and life. Aikane has an MSEd in Sports Medicine from Old Dominion University where he served as a teaching and research assistant and his BS in Athletic Training is from the University of Tampa.