Greg Tavares performed in his first improv show in 1985 and never looked back. In 2000, he co-founded of Theatre 99, "Charleston’s Home For Improv Comedy.” He’s also the co-founder of  the Charleston Comedy Festival, The Have Nots comedy improv company, and the Piccolo Fringe Festival. Greg wrote the book Improv for Everyone in 2012 and has taught at improv theaters and festivals all over the country. He has a BFA in acting and an MFA in Directing, but still has nightmares that he never finished high school. 

Here, find out why he loves improv, what gives him creative inspiration, and the one improv technique we all need to know. And when you’re done reading, make sure to snag tickets to Greg’s #CMGame talk at The Alley on April 20th! 

What do you love most about what you do? Getting to play with my partners in scenes is so much fun. It’s like being a kid so I never have to grow up.

How did you get into your field of work? Did you always know you were going to be a actor (and theater owner AND author?!)?

I knew I wanted to be an actor when I was in high school. I discovered improv at a young age (around 15 or 16), but the big moment for me with improv was when I was 18 and took a workshop. It was just like the lights got turned on in my brain, and from that moment on, I just knew this is what I wanted to do with my life. 

How do you start your day? I get out of bed and take my six-year-old to kindergarten.

Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment. 

Professionally, I’m proud of being able to open and sustain a theatre that is dedicated to improv. I get to share improv with people in shows and classes, and make a living as an artist. Personally, my proudest moment has been becoming a father of two kids. 

What’s one improv technique everyone should know?

Saying yes to what your partner gives you. Seeing what others do as gifts, instead of something to overcome or change.

Who or what gives you creative inspiration? 

The company members at Theatre 99. They all come from different walks of life, but have found improv, fallen in love with it, and chosen to become improvisers. It reminds me of why I got into this all those years ago.

What’s your go-to coffee order? Regular drip coffee at any local bakery

What is your favorite place in Charleston? The beach when I am paddling on my stand-up paddle board. 

How do you unwind or de-stress? Binge watch Netflix.

Rapid fire: 

• morning person or night owl? Night owl

• summer or winter? Summer

• mountains or beach? Beach

• pancakes or waffles? Buttermilk Blueberry pancakes

• fiction or non-fiction? Fiction