Meet the Speakers

Shana Merlin

The Founder of Merlin Works, Shana Merlin is one of the most experienced and effective improv teachers in Central Texas.

Presenting and performing nationwide, some of her clients have included Dell, Goodwill, The Driskill Hotel, The University of Texas and HP. Shana founded Merlin Works, in 2003 to provide custom training, interactive presentations, and comedy shows to businesses and organizations using improvisation.

 Some of her most requested programs are on the topics of team building, communication, sales, persuasion, leadership, medical communications, and creativity. In 2008, she opened the Merlin Works Institute for Improvisation now based at ZACH Theatre, offering classes in shortform gameplay and narrative longform improv.  

She has also been awarded  “Best Improv Teacher” and “Best Improv Class,” by the Austin Improv Collective.