Erica Clermont’s energy is contagious. I have never seen her enter a room without a smile for everyone and genuinely cares so much about the people around her.

This month, we put our spotlight on one of our teachers to re-introduce one of the women that have helped to grow this community immensely.

Erica’s story is not unlike many of our students. She was looking for change, and a community to help her as she started a new period of her life.

It is a true joy to watch Erica continue to thrive and now help others with her love of improv and her natural ability to say “Yes! And…” to life.

For more on Erica, watch the video below.

In Her Words:

Speaker: 5 Things you would need to know about Erica Clermont to know Erica Clermont.

1. I am Canadian.
2. I have a brother and a sister.
3. I love my dog.
4. I can speak French.
5. I’m a really good friend.

Teaching improv, it just lets me get people realize that they can do anything they want and that who they are is perfectly fine and that they can just do something that scares them and that it’s going to be ok. So that’s why I do it I guess. Because I love it also.

I think improv is magical. I’m getting goosebumps just talking about it. I think improv is magical because it a. it celebrates us as unique individuals just being who we are. I get all teary. That’s so important because we are in a world that everyone is trying to make us somebody that we’re not. And if we can be a little bit vulnerable and let people see who we are and then put that on stage and then make people laugh and feel something. I’m crying.

Speaker: I’m crying!

But it’s like, then you find all these people, all these weirdos just like you that love to do it just as much as you. Honestly, I don’t know what else you’re supposed to do at that point. You’re like ‘this is the people I’m supposed to be with.’

I try to make them feel so welcome from the get go and that I want to know why they’re there, and I want them to realize they’re all in the same boat.  So from the very beginning I’m like “Who are you and We Love you. Come be who you are and let’s do this together.”

I think improv will definitely show you the possibilities you have. And I think it’s going to make your life more fun. I think you’re honestly gonna meet the coolest people you could possibly meet. The people just like you that are waiting for an experience that is different that is not a meetup group or not another bar. You’ll make friends that you’re probably going to have forever. A community that is going to be there and surround you. And you might actually learn something about your self. For sure.

Learn how improv can help in your life and try a free class!

This article is part of the Community Spotlight Series highlighting our amazing students, teachers, and performers.

Are you an FCI student or graduate that has a great story to share? We’d love to feature you! Let us know.