Meet Lindsay Goldapp and Andrea K. Baum

VISIT DALLAS: What inspired you to co-found Stomping Ground Comedy, and what vision did you have for its impact on the community?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: Two very different journeys brought us together to create Stomping Ground. I came from the improv world and have studied and performed improv since 2001. I studied improv in Chicago for a few years and returned to Dallas in 2012 with all of this excitement about what the Dallas comedy scene could be and how it could grow. As I was performing around the city, I found the need for a new kind of comedy space. I had also struggled with severe anxiety and depression throughout my adulthood and I had seen the benefits of improv on my mental health. Andrea was working as a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice and took improv classes for fun; she noticed that a lot of the skills she was working on with her patients in private practice were organically embedded into improv classes. When we found that we both had such a passion for not only improv comedy, but its positive impact on mental health everything fell into place.

VISIT DALLAS: Can you share a pivotal moment that made you realize the power of improv for mental health and personal growth?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: I think the thing we didn’t expect was all of the people who accidentally became hilarious comedians. People take classes at our Training Center for a lot of reasons and usually, it isn’t that they want to do comedy. Sometimes they just want to meet people, find a hobby, become a better public speaker, or be more confident at work. They come into their first class nervous and uncertain. But what happened was people who intended to take one improv class to help them at work or socially would stick around because they fell in love with improv and they people they met. And then they would take more classes and become incredible performers who take our stage every weekend. They didn’t know there was a hilarious person hidden within them and they accidentally become a comedian. We didn’t expect this to happen and we love seeing these transformations.

VISIT DALLAS: How do you integrate your diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise into the programming offered at Stomping Ground?

ANDREA K. BAUM: Honestly, it’s like this perfect mashup of our skills. I come from a clinical therapy background—I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor—so my focus has always been on mental health, emotional wellness, and communication. When we started Stomping Ground, I wanted to create programs that used improv as a tool for connection, growth, and healing. In addition to our regular improv, sketch writing, and stand-up classes, we also have classes for people with anxiety, autism, dementia—really unique populations that benefit so much from feeling seen, heard, and understood in a playful, low-pressure environment while learning a set of skills tailored to their needs.

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: And I’m coming from this performance and teaching background. I did the Chicago comedy scene thing—Second City Conservatory and performing in the city for a few years. I’ve been teaching and performing improv for over 25 years, and what I love is making it accessible and fun for everyone, whether it’s actors, comedians, corporate teams, or just people who want to loosen up and have fun.

ANDREA K. BAUM: And what’s cool is that our different skill sets just naturally complement each other. We’re both really big on the idea that improv can be more than just comedy—it can be therapeutic, educational, and transformative. We also think that improv can save the world–we really think this! And Lindsay’s background in performance and teaching really helps bring those ideas to life in a way that’s engaging and approachable. She is an incredible improv instructor and has a true gift for reading a room and making everyone feel at ease while having the most fun they have ever had.

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: Aw! Honestly, I do it because I love teaching and watching the transformations- big and small. I’ve worked with everyone from CEOs to high school kids, and the magic is the same—it’s about creating a space where people feel safe to take risks and just be themselves. We both approach it from different angles, but at the end of the day, it’s all about building community and helping people feel empowered, creative, and connected.

ANDREA K. BAUM: Exactly. We’re not just teaching people to be funny on stage. We’re using comedy and improvisation to help people feel more confident, empathetic, and resilient—whether they’re in a boardroom, a classroom, or just navigating everyday life. And honestly, we’re having so much fun doing it.

And also Lindsay is an incredible Artistic Director and we haven’t even talked about the unique shows that are produced at Stomping Ground!

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: Ha! She’s flattering me today and I like it. When it comes to what we put on the stage, I believe in not only pushing ourselves to create new, innovative shows but in working hard to make quality comedy that people want to come see. We’re not competing with other comedy clubs- we’re competing with Netflix and snuggling on the couch. So we have to make shows special and funny enough that people will get off the couch and drive down to the Design District. So our goal will always be making shows so special that you feel like you have to be in the “room where it happens.” We want to give people their money’s worth of the ticket price. But we also make space for our student performers and those trying new, experimental comedy so that we can continue to grow as artists. I also believe strongly in making comedy accessible and offering something for everyone, so we have shows that are good for families with older children like The Improvised Hallmark Christmas Movie, The Improvised ‘90s Sitcom, and Broadway(ish); and we have shows for the entire family like Spaghetti Confetti: A Famili-Friendi Improvised Musical and our Youth House Team shows. And for those who like their comedy a bit more mature- we have that too. We also have powerful and funny shows like our We Can Laugh About it Now Storytelling show and shows that push the current boundaries of comedy like Whose Mind is it Anyway, an improv show that incorporates AI.

VISIT DALLAS: How does improv influence both personal development and community building at Stomping Ground?

ANDREA K. BAUM: In improv, every individual choice you make is correct and celebrated (as long as it isn’t hurtful, harmful, or hateful). When you’re in class or onstage you get to feel unconditional positive regard and you’re encouraged to share all of the strange and silly things in your brain. Because of that, people who take improv classes often become more attuned to who they are and find their authentic selves. Not only do they find themselves, but they’re confident sharing who they are. Studying improv completely transforms people. We’ve seen people completely gain the confidence to leave behind jobs that didn’t suit them and relationships they weren’t happy in. We’ve seen very shy, self-conscious people grow to be social butterflies. Not only that, but sharing who you are requires a certain amount of vulnerability so we’ve seen a lot of people become more vulnerable and therefore more in tune with their emotions. Being vulnerable and in tune with your emotions can lead to more friendships and deeper connections; it improves personal relationships and communication. So it’s this snowball effect that starts with unconditional positive regard for yourself that can lead to better relationships and more community. It’s really incredible.

VISIT DALLAS: How do you approach fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment within the comedy space?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: Because every individual choice you make onstage is celebrated and supported, improv is a naturally inclusive art form that makes people feel welcome. We live those principles onstage and our community also lives them offstage. But part of being inclusive is creating a space where anyone from any background or walk of life can walk in and see someone like themselves; Dallas is an incredibly diverse city and we have always strived to make our classrooms and stage a reflection of that. Fostering an inclusive, diverse community requires the small things like being welcoming to everyone who walks through the doors, but it also includes big things like a scholarship program and programming and shows for and by affinity groups. Inclusion is something that takes time and intention so we have always, and will continue to take, a thoughtful approach.

VISIT DALLAS: What is your approach to adapting improv techniques to different needs, such as youth programs or corporate workshops?

ANDREA K. BAUM: Once we know the goals and needs of a group we’re working with we are able to pick specific exercises and improv games that can achieve those goals. With our therapy, psychoeducation, communication, and improv backgrounds combined we collaborate really well and can tailor programming to meet any need or group…and make it fun!

VISIT DALLAS: How do you collaborate with local nonprofits and organizations to expand the reach and effectiveness of your programs?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: Collaboration with local nonprofits and organizations is such a huge part of what we do at Stomping Ground. From the start, we knew that to make our programs truly impactful, we had to meet people where they are—whether that's in schools, community centers, corporate environments, or specialized support groups.

We work closely with nonprofits and organizations that align with our mission of using improv to support mental health, personal growth, and connection. For example, we’ve partnered with organizations that serve individuals with autism, dementia, anxiety, and even caregivers who often feel isolated or overwhelmed. By tailoring our workshops to address their specific needs, we can make sure the experience is relevant, accessible, and genuinely helpful.

ANDREA K. BAUM: What we love about these partnerships is that they’re mutually beneficial. We bring our expertise in applied improv and therapeutic programming, while our partners bring deep insight into the communities they serve. It’s about listening, adapting, and collaborating to create something that has real value.

And honestly, I think our approach resonates because we don’t come in with a cookie-cutter model. We work alongside these organizations to co-create experiences that are fun, engaging, and meaningful. And that process of building something together is powerful—it builds trust, fosters creativity, and makes everything feel more authentic and impactful. Plus, it’s just so rewarding to see people from all walks of life connect and thrive through improv.

VISIT DALLAS: Can you share a story of transformation you’ve witnessed through your work at Stomping Ground?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: We have countless stories and have seen so many people and relationships transform through improv. Some of the biggest transformations that we have seen happen in our 7-week Improv for Anxiety class. We have had students with such crippling anxiety that they struggle to walk through the door on day one and by the end of the seven weeks they are fearlessly jumping onstage to perform in front of an audience. We also have folks who started in Improv for Anxiety class and have decided to complete our entire year-long Improv training program and now perform regularly on our stage; some even teach improv for us now!

ANDREA K. BAUM: Early on we also partnered with NonPareil Institute, which is a post-secondary school that serves adults with autism. We offered a weekly improv class there and the transformations that we saw over the semester were incredible. People on the autism spectrum can sometimes struggle with social skills and making connections but improv allows them to practice social and communication skills in a way that is fun and playful. These students made deep, lasting friendships with each other and we heard from so many parents that their confidence grew immensely during the class. These students got so confident and skilled that they performed a monthly show on our stage.

VISIT DALLAS: How do you address and challenge stereotypes about women in comedy, both on stage and in the broader industry?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: We think that diversity is our superpower and challenges the comedy status quo. Anyone can be funny no matter their gender, age, culture, ethnicity, upbringing, or what they look like and it’s our goal to give them opportunities to show that onstage. Every woman and gender non-confirming person can share their humor and funny perspective and when they do it shows the audience that “funny” doesn’t belong to just one group of people.

VISIT DALLAS: What are some barriers you've encountered as a woman in the comedy field, and how have you navigated them?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: When I started studying improv in 2001 it was predominantly men in my classes and on teams; that’s a barrier in and of itself because you’re coming from very different experiences with the people you’re collaborating with. But I’ve also had male instructors who simply didn’t think women could be funny and outright said so; it was incredibly discouraging. Things have improved since my early days but I think even now when a woman gets onstage she has to prove that she’s worthy. Men, on the other hand, get the benefit of the doubt and the audience assumes he will be funny.

ANDREA K. BAUM: I definitely dealt with some of that, too. When I started doing improv about 11 years ago, I’d constantly get labeled as these stereotypical or just flat-out offensive female characters by male scene partners. It was super uncomfortable and honestly, really frustrating—especially when you’re just trying to learn, have fun, and be creative. And it sucked because it felt like a reflection of the same biases, assumptions, and harassment that women face in everyday life.

One of the biggest things we wanted to tackle when we created Stomping Ground was making sure that kind of stuff didn’t happen here—or at least doing everything we could to prevent it. We put real thought into creating an environment where everyone feels respected and supported, regardless of gender or background. And what’s been amazing is seeing how that intentionality translates beyond the stage.

VISIT DALLAS: What advice do you have for women aspiring to lead in fields traditionally dominated by men, like comedy or therapy?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: It’s hard to be a woman; we’ve all seen the speech from the Barbie movie. And we are also both Moms, which adds more barriers. And we believe strongly in surrounding yourself with your own biggest cheerleaders. We both hype each other up constantly and have great support systems of people who believe in our vision and cheer us on. You’ll get plenty of people discouraging you so you have to find your cheerleaders.

ANDREA K. BAUM: I don’t think men are dominating the therapy world. They should though–all men should go to therapy and become therapists! Help other men. Go! Take our spots!

My advice to other women is to do what you love and do it in the way that works best for you– dominate your field the way you want with no apologies. You are unique and should do whatever you are insanely passionate about; make room for yourself. Find the people that are making room for you too and appreciate you on a grand level.

VISIT DALLAS: How does the Dallas creative scene influence your work and the programming at Stomping Ground Comedy Theater?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: People always talk about Austin and how cool it is but, honestly, Dallas has an incredibly underappreciated diverse creative community. I first moved to Dallas in 2005 and I’ve always been inspired by neighborhoods like Deep Ellum where you can hear live music coming from a venue while walking by an amazing mural by a local artist; and Oak Lawn where you can walk along a rainbow crosswalk and learn to line dance at Round Up. When we moved into the Design District in 2018 we were inspired by the arts culture there and by Fabrication Yard and Art Walk West; we even got local artists to paint murals and graffiti in our building. We both love our city so much and let ourselves be inspired by it.

ANDREA K. BAUM: Yes! What Lindsay said! We are inspired by the diverse creative community around us and it has shaped who we are as a theater. Our incredibly diverse community creates everything you see at Stomping Ground. No matter what we’re creating, we stay present and inspired by the creativity of everyone around us.

You’d think that by running a comedy theater, Lindsay and I would be entertained enough, but we frequently go all over Dallas together to be a part of all the fun and we are constantly inspired by this city. Everyone is creative, but those who embrace and share their creativity inspire all of us to be more authentic, joyful, funny, and connected.

VISIT DALLAS: How has being based in Dallas influenced your career or the opportunities available to you?

ANDREA K. BAUM: Dallas is not only an incredibly creative and diverse city; it’s also a very philanthropic city and is known as one of the most generous cities in the United States. As a non-profit, we’re so lucky to have received the support of philanthropic individuals and organizations like The Dallas Foundation & AWARE Dallas, City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture, and Big Thought. We know there are more people and organizations out there in the community that share our passion for mental health and the benefits of improv and we’re excited to find them!

VISIT DALLAS: When you’re not working, where in Dallas do you find inspiration and relaxation?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: I love living in the city and wouldn’t have it any other way, but I do love to get into nature to relax and decompress; so I love to hit the parks and hiking trails and frequent Cedar Ridge Preserve, White Rock Lake, and Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. I also really like to be a tourist in my city and try to find places I’ve never been before.

ANDREA K. BAUM: I agree with Lindsay that all of those trails and lakes are beautiful, especially on a cool sunny day with a bike! I love going to Black Swan Yoga too when I need to find some zen. And when I am feeling like spoiling myself, I go to The Joule Spa for the best spa experience in Dallas hands down.

VISIT DALLAS: What are your top three must-visit places for a first-time visitor looking to experience the city’s unique culture?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: I think you have to dig into the neighborhoods and walk around in Oak Lawn, Deep Ellum, or Jefferson Blvd to get a sense of who we are as a city. If you walk around in neighborhoods you’ll discover the Dallas gems. I also find myself often recommending the Sunday Thai Market at the Buddhist Temple of North Dallas, Double D’s, Lee Harvey’s, and Texas Theater.

ANDREA K. BAUM: Of course the Dallas Design District where all things art are and where our theater, Stomping Ground Comedy is! This is where all the art galleries are and the Dallas Contemporary is as well, there is always a unique art exhibit that makes me happy there. If you want to have a chill and cozy Jazz evening with good drinks and vibes, check out Triumphs. And if you want to dance go to Double D’s please or the Round Up Saloon down the street.

Bishop Arts is a cool area to walk around, you’ll always find an interesting shop there and a good restaurant no matter what. Check out Wild Detectives there for good coffee or a good book, and usually there is some sort of stimulating and interesting event happening there that feels magical.

Downtown Dallas- Klyde Warren Park, and the Dallas Farmers Market- are fun for families. The Dallas Museum of Art and The Nasher Museum never disappoint. And check out The Wyly Theater–always a great theater show playing in a small intimate setting.

VISIT DALLAS: Dallas is known for its culinary diversity. Which local spots do you recommend for someone seeking to explore the authentic flavors of the city?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: Andrea is the foodie and, honestly, she’s the person I go to anytime I need a restaurant recommendation.

ANDREA K. BAUM: That is a lot of pressure. Dallas food scene is very exciting. Some of my favorite spots are right by Stomping Ground, like El Carlos Elegante, Zaguan Latin Cafe & Bakery, and Si Tapas. Asian Mint is a family favorite we order every week! Cenzo’s for pizza in Oak Cliff is a must!

VISIT DALLAS: How did your experience at Chicago’s Second City Improv Conservatory shape your approach to teaching and performing improv?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: I have had so many wonderful teachers, coaches, and directors over the course of 25 years and they are honestly all equally valuable in terms of what they’ve taught me about teaching and performing. I think that being in Chicago and being at Second City taught me a lot about the business of comedy and how to create a professional, marketable product that audiences want to come see. The intersection of business and art can be a little bit oogey sometimes; I think being in Chicago helped me learn to balance the need for the joy of the art while also making enough money to keep your doors open.

VISIT DALLAS: How has your former experience as a theater teacher influenced your current role at the theater?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: I learned so much when I was in formal education. Teaching is one of those things that you can go to school for, train, and prepare for but you don’t really know what it’s like until you’re thrown in the lion’s den. I think I learned a lot in those years about being adaptable and learning to meet each individual student where they are. I also got to practice classroom management and making each kid feel safe and supported. Improv is such a wild, unpredictable art form so I think learning to keep the wheels on and keep people safe early on was very valuable.

VISIT DALLAS: What are some key differences between teaching youth and adult improv classes?

LINDSAY GOLDAPP: There is one stark difference between teaching kids and adults. It’s that kids are so fearless and they don’t hesitate to jump in and be silly. They haven’t developed that little voice that tells them they might embarrass themselves or look stupid.Most adults, on the other hand, have multiple social filters running simultaneously; so they take a long time before they will open up and show their silly side.

VISIT DALLAS: How does your background in psychotherapy inform your approach to developing Improv for Life programs?

ANDREA K. BAUM: My experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor has been instrumental in shaping the Improv for Life programs. While practicing psychotherapy, I noticed that many of the skills my clients needed—such as mindfulness, effective communication, emotional regulation, and self-awareness—were naturally embedded in improv exercises. This realization led me to develop programming that blends improv comedy games with therapeutic techniques to support populations with unique needs. We work with specific groups of people like those with anxiety, autism, caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s/dementia, couples, and even physicians. Through these workshops, participants learn together through laughter, building real-world skills that help them address the specific challenges they face each day.

VISIT DALLAS: What are some innovative ways you’ve used improv to address workplace dynamics in the Improv for Work programs?

ANDREA K. BAUM: In the Improv for Work programs, we use fun, engaging, and interactive improvisational techniques to enhance workplace dynamics by building essential skills like active listening, adaptability, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Our workshops are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone—even those who may feel hesitant or resistant at first. Through laughter, playful exercises, and shared experiences, participants naturally break down communication barriers, build trust, and strengthen team cohesion. By creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere, we help teams navigate change, improve interpersonal relationships, and cultivate a vibrant, innovative workplace culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute and collaborate.

VISIT DALLAS: How has your experience with Positive Discipline Parenting influenced your work in improv?

ANDREA K. BAUM: I’ve drawn heavily from the core tenets of Positive Discipline in shaping both our parenting programs and youth programming. Positive Discipline emphasizes mutual respect, encouragement, and fostering a sense of belonging and significance—all of which are foundational to the improv experience. For the kids and parents we support, these principles help create an environment where creativity and curiosity can thrive. We encourage them to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, fostering resilience and a genuine growth mindset.

And what’s really exciting is seeing how these same principles positively impact the adults we work with. When we use positive, accepting language and emphasize growth over perfection, it creates a psychologically safe space where participants feel capable and empowered to take creative risks. It’s about building confidence and encouraging people to show up as their authentic selves—whether that’s in a family setting, the workplace, or any other environment. It’s amazing to see how much creativity and innovation can emerge when people feel safe, supported, and encouraged.