tara
DEFRANCISCO
comedic performer.
engagement speaker.
professional actor.
general good time.
ABOUT TARA
Tara DeFrancisco believes in the power of connection & collaboration of comedic work on a cellular level. Globally, she is celebrated for her hilarious and encouraging work on platforms like Instagram (140k) and TikTok (65k), with multiple viral messages shared to millions around the world. She’s a professional improviser, sketch performer, stand-up, and comedic performer with over 9000+ live shows and events to date. Individually, she has toured to 25 countries and 200+ cities as a headliner, speaker, keynote leader, and instructor. She has been known for television, voiceovers, movie work, and jingles over her career. She’s also known as an Educator and Artistic Director in performance spaces, and an Adjunct/Guest Professor in universities in the U.S. This is just a teaser - Want to see her full, actual professional bio? Click here!
Keynote | Speaker
A sought-after speaker, Tara uses research and 25+ years of comedy arts teaching/professorial experience to make interactive, connectively beneficial experiences for intimate and large events.
Performer | Host
A well-known global performer, TD is able to come to your location for improvisational shows and stand-up. Request “Here: The (Improvised) Musical” or stand-up/salon to get started!
Instructor | Consultant
Whether you need a workshop or breakout session, a retreat or program development, a comedic writer or designer - Tara’s professional resume is often unparalleled.
PHILOSOPHY
Tara loves working with people - whether it’s from the stage, with organizations, leading improv troupes, at retreat centers, amongst artists, leaders, healers - the joy of comedy is in community building and tethering the human experience.
let's make magic
let's make magic
“maybe you don’t realize how good you’re doing
because you keep raising the bar”
"we’re just gonna go hard in the paint for joy”
“if you’re doing something good for yourself, and someone says ‘oh, i miss the old you!’, tell them
they’re about to miss the new one!”
“gang, how about instead of resolutions, we do revolutions, where you love yourself exactly as you are”
"you ever look at your schedule, and you’re like - “aww! why would somebody do this, no one would do this!”… i did this.”
“i think instead of being a #girlboss, i might turn into #girlmoss, where i just sit on a rock
and everyone leaves me alone”
“laughter is a form of rebellion”
Tara DeFrancisco’s viral Reels / TikToks / from social media
Check out these existing events!
-
THE NEST THEATRE
a dedicated space to 40+ rotational shows in CBus; Tara is a mainstage performer when off tour in “HERE: The (Improvised) Musical”, Armando CBus, KISMET, Now with TD + Rance, ANONYMOUS - the Secrets show, and more! Support live arts at any of their 40+ rotational shows and courses.
-
THE IMPROV RETREAT
a sleepaway conference solely for artists in the improvisational performance field. this is 12 years running, held in Michigan, and brings instructors from all over the world to work with 125+ campers each event - next is May 29 - June 1, 2025!
-
HERE: The (Improvised) Musical / NOW with TD + Rance
monthly residency at The Nest Theatre, often on tour - check out the duos upcoming shows!
MIAMI IMPROV FEST 1.17 SOLD OUT
MIAMI IMPROV FEST 1.18 OVERSOLD
THE NEST CBUS 1.31 HERE ON SALE
THE NEST CBUS 2.7 NOW ON SALE -
Debatables Podcast
a ridiculous podcast where Tara & Rance debate listener-pitched questions, sometimes with guests, always hilarious
-
KEYNOTE Speaker / Breakouts
2025 keynote speaker and breakout leader for Ohio STEM Learning Networks, held at the CBus Convention Center (June 2025)
-
Upcoming Limited Tour
A limited tour is in the works - stand-up/solo show (with guests!) in 6-8 cities in 2025. Stay tuned!