Holly Tarnower

Holly Tarnower is a Boston-based teaching artist specializing in improvisation, sketch comedy, and acting fundamentals. Her teaching philosophy is informed by Multiple Intelligence Theory and a community-first pedagogy. She prioritizes varied entry points to learning, ensemble-building, and practical skill development centered around creating community in every classroom.

For over a decade, Tarnower has performed across Boston and nationally, training at IO Chicago, Second City Chicago, and ImprovBoston, and appearing on multiple mainstage casts, showcases, and festivals. She spent 11 years with the applied theater company Rehearsal for Life as an actor, lead facilitator, and interim director of education. There, she helped develop participatory programs and training curricula for youth and educators designed to strengthen social emotional learning through applied theater.

She continues to teach and perform throughout Boston, including as a lecturer in communications and public speaking at Tufts University.