instructors
We bring different comedic perspectives to the stage, but we’re united by a love for purposeful play, thoughtful collaboration, and real connection.
Josh Cohen & Tamra Malaga
For 27 years, The Josh and Tamra Show, pioneers of puppet improv, have toured the U.S. and beyond, performing and teaching their unique blend of comedy. Born at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City in 1999, their show combines puppetry with long-form improvisation. Starring seasoned long-form improvisors Josh Cohen, a Jim Henson Muppeteer and Tamra Malaga, a character actress. Each performance begins with an audience suggestion and unfolds into a hilarious, one-of-a-kind, puppet-filled adventure. (May contain adult language and situations.) Linktr.ee/thejoshandtamrashow
Samantha Jones
Samantha Jones is an accomplished actor and director originally from New York City. Her recent acting credits include A Murder at the End of the World (FX), FBI: Most Wanted (NBC), The Green Veil with John Leguizamo, Dr. Death (Peacock), Emergence (ABC), Bull (CBS), The Blacklist (NBC), Law & Order: SVU (NBC), Skin with Jaime Bell, and Driveways with Brian Dennehy. After more than 20 years of teaching, directing, and coaching her unique method of improv in NYC, she made the leap to the Hudson Valley, where she continues to share her expertise.
Michael Short
Michael Short (he/they) has been performing improv since 2000 as a founding member of their college’s improv group. Over the years they have trained with notable improv theaters like the Second City, the Magnet, the Annoyance, and the Upright Citizen’s Brigade. They’ve been a part of house teams at the Magnet and Annoyance and has performed on improv stages across the country. In 2014 and 2015 Michael worked for the Second City as one of their performers aboard the Norwegian Cruise Lines in weekly sketch and improv shows.
Interested in being an instructor?
Workshops
Josh Cohen & Tamra Malaga
Do you love puppets? Do you love long-form improv? This workshop teaches puppetry manipulation, character development and long-form puppet performance improvisation.
• Learn the basics of hand and rod “Muppet style” puppetry
• Vocal characterization
• Improvisational scene work with your new puppet character.
Students will have a better understanding of how to become the character they are playing and will be able to apply these teachings to their work in the world of acting, improv, puppetry and beyond. The experimentation of puppetry can be used as a means to free the artist or performer and help create interesting characters. You will have a blast and walk away with your very own practice puppet and a new found skill. Open to all.
Puppet Improvisation 101Samantha Jones
In this class, Hudson Valley Improv founder and actor Samantha Jones (Rabbit Rabbit/Netflix, Murder at the End of the World/FX, etc.) introduces her in-depth acting technique designed specifically for improvisers. This class is a crash course of her signature moves — the same ones she uses on stage and in front of the camera — to bring a performance that's not only deeply funny, but unforgettable.
Samantha Jones is an actor and the founder of Hudson Valley Improv, a conservatory-style training center built on her original Improv Empowerment methodology. With over 30 years of experience as an improv direct/teacher, Sam has developed a distinct approach to training that bridges serious acting technique with the spontaneity of improv — equipping performers to bring depth, truth, and unforgettable presence to every scene.
ACTING for IMPROV
Introduction to Solo ImprovMichael Short
Discover the thrill of commanding the stage alone. Led by Michael Short—Blind Tiger’s Artistic Director and creator of his own solo show Legion—this workshop teaches you how to instantly spin up multi-character scenes using rapid physical and vocal shifts.
The best part? Solo improv is the ultimate training ground for ensemble play. By mastering self-reliance and sharpening your comedic radar, you’ll return to your team as a fearless, hyper-adaptable scene partner.
Populate the stage, trust your gut, and become your own favorite cast. All experience levels welcome!