Founder, Improv Actor
photo credit: Brandon Smith Photography
Current City: Los Angeles
Current Job and Entrepreneurial Focus: I am currently the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Cardboard Superheroes, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting creativity and education through the art of building pop-culture icons from cardboard. At Cardboard Superheroes, we harness the universal appeal of iconic figures from movies, comics, and television to engage communities in hands-on activities that foster creativity, teamwork, and STEAM learning.
Starting with simple cardboard models of beloved characters, I quickly realized the potential to turn these engaging activities into a structured curriculum that could be introduced in educational settings. This led to the expansion of our programs into schools, where we integrate our projects with educational standards to enhance students' learning. Through workshops and collaborative projects, students not only build their favorite characters but also learn about design principles, engineering challenges, and artistic creativity.
Our partnerships with schools and community centers across the region have allowed us to reach a broader audience of over 200,000, providing an inclusive and enriching environment for students of all backgrounds. By continuously developing our curriculum and exploring new models, Cardboard Superheroes remains at the forefront of educational innovation, using the power of creativity to inspire the next generation of makers and thinkers.
Notable Prior Jobs: Lead design engineer & educational consultant for the Comic-Con Museum where I focused on developing permanent workshops, contributing to the museum's expected 100,000+ annual visitors. Intern at Field AI where I created PR videos for investor engagement in financing rounds and developed initial drafts of the company website.
When I Started Performing: I started my improv journey at the age of 4 and eventually transitioned into teaching it at 14. Over the past three years, I've not only guided classes but also deepened my appreciation for the art, continuously learning and growing alongside my students.
Performing Arts Background: My involvement in performing arts, specifically improv, began as a strategy to overcome my inherent shyness. As a child, I struggled with public speaking, which led my parents to enroll me in improv classes. Initially, the prospect of performing without a script was daunting, but the supportive environment fostered by my instructors and peers was transformative.
Over several years, I progressed from miming actions silently to taking on speaking roles. This gradual exposure helped me develop confidence and a comfort with spontaneity that I previously lacked. By actively participating in improv, I learned to think on my feet, adapt to dynamic situations, and engage with an audience effectively.
Eventually, my growth in improv led me to take on a leadership role as a mentor and teacher for younger students. This experience has been instrumental in honing my leadership skills and has directly impacted my professional endeavors, including my work with Cardboard Superheroes, where I regularly conduct workshops and presentations.
Overall, my performing arts background has not only equipped me with critical interpersonal skills but also instilled a resilience and adaptability that are essential in both my personal and professional life.
How did your performing arts background supercharge your entrepreneurship?
My background in performing arts, particularly improv, has been instrumental in supercharging my entrepreneurial journey with Cardboard Superheroes. The core skills nurtured through improv—confidence, communication, and quick thinking—have each played a pivotal role in shaping my business acumen.
Firstly, improv dramatically boosted my confidence. Standing on a stage without a script and engaging an audience taught me to trust my instincts and embrace vulnerabilities—qualities that are indispensable in entrepreneurship. This confidence translated directly to the business world, enabling me to conduct meetings, network effectively, and present Cardboard Superheroes with assuredness.
Enhanced communication skills were another significant takeaway from my time in performing arts. Improv requires clear, concise communication, as well as the ability to listen and respond effectively. These skills proved invaluable in entrepreneurial settings, where expressing ideas clearly and persuasively can make a difference.
Additionally, the quick-thinking aspect of improv—having to respond to new, unexpected situations on the fly—has honed my problem-solving skills in business. My experience in improv prepared me to think on my feet, ensuring that I could adapt strategies and make decisive choices under pressure, keeping Cardboard Superheroes dynamic and responsive to the ever-changing business environment.
Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have had the experience to become who I am today.
Favorite Performer: Ryan Reynolds is my favorite performer—his Deadpool role is just perfect. His humor and charisma light up the screen and make every moment enjoyable!
Follow this Performer-Entrepreneur:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cardboardsuperheroes
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/bauerlee
X/Twitter - http://x.com/CardboardSuperH
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