Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Miller.
Hi Dylan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my improv career in 2015. After years of struggling to find my calling, I forced myself into a class and became quickly addicted to the art form. I knew this was what I was made to do. After years of studying SNL and creating sketch videos of my own, I found my tribe of people. I began taking class after class, volunteering many hours at theaters to be around all of the performers I wanted to be like. I live and breathe this stuff!
In 2021, after performing in various places, my focus had shifted. I was looking for a more meaningful experience. I was itching for opportunities on my own terms, with my own people. I was ready to take that next step in my improv career, so I contacted a local theater and asked for the opportunity to do a show. They gave the green light. After gathering other players, I created social media accounts, flyers, and found myself gaining valuable marketing skills. I knew that I wanted this project to succeed and the only way to do it was to go full force. I entered us in holiday parades to hand out flyers, began making connections with local businesses and city employees. Our first show as Subject to Change sold over 100 tickets.
Fast forward to today – I’ve been able to teach multiple classes. We now have a monthly show called the “Comedy Chaser” at DeBary’s Gateway Center for the Arts. We host open community jams for those looking to play. I’ve performed improv in various places from Megacon stages, to Second City in Chicago, even funeral homes in Clermont! It’s a dream that has taken a lot of hard work. I am thankful to have such amazing support from my wife, family, friends and teammates at Subject to Change.
Improv has taught me so many valuable skills in my life, both on and off stage. It’s allowed me to create meaningful connections with people, build confidence and give me purpose. The most valuable skill I’ve learned is to jump out of the airplane and figure it all out on the way down. Take the chance in your life. Follow your impulse. Knock on the doors you want to open, because they just might.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle was creating something from nothing and learning how to navigate that. I knew what other theaters did, how other groups operated, what their style was. I wanted Subject to Change to be something different. I wanted to fill the void I saw in the community, teach the students the way we wish we were taught and play in the shows freely without needing to ask “am I good enough to be doing this on my own?”. With starting from nothing you have this freedom, but you also have the fear. You’re now the line-leader.
I had to re-learn myself. How I play, host and where my commitment lies. I had to learn to lead. Sometimes I would question if I could keep this up. Advertising for our shows felt very overwhelming for the longest time. Getting the community to buy into an idea that an improv show is with coming to was tough. DeBary had never had a stand-up or improv comedy show. We had the privilege of being the ones who introduced the community to improv.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the creator of Subject to Change – Central Florida improv comedy team. I teach improv classes, host the shows, play in the shows and lead workshops. Make business connections through marketing.
I currently work at the Gateway Center for the Arts as their marketing coordinator. I am most proud of taking a chance on my goals and succeeding. What sets me apart from others is my personality and heart.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is love. Loving my wife, family, friends, music, food, etc. Without love, we have nothing to look forward to. I learned early on in my life with the loss of friends and hardships in family, that life is too valuable to care about anything else. I look forward to making people smile, laugh and feel loved.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Meestanalyd
- Facebook: @Subjtochange
