Tara (@taradefrancisco) is a seasoned vet in the world of improv comedy w/her worldwide show “HERE The Improvised Musical”, she’s co-founder of The Nest Theatre (@thenesttheatre). Lately - she’s become your resident positive pep-talker over on instagram/TikTok (there’s a real good chance you’ve seen one of her videos shared on social). If you’re into comedy, creative spaces, or just want a dose of genuine inspiration, this one’s for you!

Tara was awarded Top 10 Comedians in Columbus in December 2024, the only one known for (primarily) improv-only on the list!

NBC Cbus chats about all the shows and classes Tara & Rance have structured and curated, and all take a fond look at this incredible community of artists at The Nest

All Sides with Anna Staver interviews Tara on the changing landscape of comedy and her experiences as a seasoned performer and artistic director.

LD Madera interviews Tara & Rance from HERE: The (Improvised) Musical (July 2023) - “Guests today are the incredible team of Tara DeFrancisco and Rance Rizzutto. They are the stars of HERE, which has been performed in 24 countries around the world. They founded and operate The Nest Theatre in Columbus, Ohio /run The Improv Retreat since 2012. These two never cease to inspire me, and I hope they inspire you as well!

The Nest Theatre & Comedy Arts Center expands to three stages and a dedicated classroom in Old North/Clintonville (CBus) - with Tara DeFrancisco and Rance Rizzutto.

The Nest adds a classroom (Old Towne East)!

The Nest makes community and magic in Columbus, OH (with Tara DeFrancisco, Rance Rizzutto)

The Nest’s original show ANONYMOUS (featuring Tara & full ensemble) gets an article in OSU’s paper

Packed shows at a new Nest - making it through the pandemic with incredible amounts of work leads to a new home, and lots of folks clamoring to get in to laugh.

(WSYX) Columbus, OH — The Nest Theatre is bouncing back as the pandemic shifts and wanes in 2022! Hosting 25+ rotational mainstage shows and teams throughout the year doing all styles of comedy! Since restarting shows back in February, they had nonstop, consecutive weekends of sold out shows, highlighting the pent-up demand for comedy at it’s new location in the Old North at 2643 N. High Street!

Improving the World (Hong Kong, China) interviews Tara DeFrancisco on improvisational performance and hard work around the world

The Nest finds a big home on Broad Street in Franklinton after loss of a full buildout/bad actor landlord. (2017)

a focus on Columbus economy and its impacts on the arts as the launch of The Nest begins (2016)

HERE’s first review from the Tribune!

Danielle Mari and Nick Cusumano interview TD about The Improv Retreat, iO, Chicago improv, and an upcoming launch of CBus Improvisational Theatre (The Nest)

Pam Victor interviews with well-known, highly experienced improvisers. (2013)

TD talks with Chicago Reader about her work in defrancisCo, her “Funniest In Chicago” award, BlipTv/ABC Family’s Delusions of Grandeur (2012)

New City chooses the top 50 performers across all artistic theatrical disciplines, awarding Tara the honor