Rob and his Improvaneers are opening hearts one laugh at a time
When Rob and Ellen Snow’s son Henry was born with Down syndrome, they wanted to do all they could to give him— and others like him— the best life possible. So Rob created a unique comedy troupe that showcases the talents of people with special needs and spreads awareness through laughter and joy!
“He’s beautiful!” Ellen and Rob Snow smiled joyfully as they gazed at their newborn son, Henry. But a few hours later, there was a knock on Ellen’s hospital room door. “I’m Dr. Stacey,” a pediatrician said warmly. “There’s something I need to tell you. We’re waiting for blood test results to confirm, but after some preliminary tests, there is an 80% chance that Henry has Down syndrome.”
Ellen and Rob felt like they’d been punched in the stomach. How could this be true? their minds reeled. What will this mean for Henry? The Medina, Ohio, couple already had a 4-year-old son, Charlie, and knew a special needs baby would completely transform their family.
Seeing the sadness and worry in their eyes, Dr. Stacey assured, “Henry is going to be awesome!” And opening her laptop, she showed them pictures of her own happy daughter, who has Down syndrome (DS). For an hour, she sat with the couple, answering questions and offering hope.
Still, when Henry’s diagnosis was confirmed, the Snows couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed. But after bringing their baby boy home, the love for their son quickly filled their hearts with joy.
He is our little boy and he is beautiful just the way he is, they agreed.
The power of humor Determined to give Henry a happy, full life, Ellen dove into learning everything she could about Down syndrome. She was impressed to discover there were many people within the DS community doing amazing things to raise awareness and enhance the lives of their children. But there was still so much more to be done. “What can we do to help?” Ellen asked Rob, who immediately got the spark of a unique idea.
Before becoming a sales executive and having a family, Rob had been a standup comedian. He knew the incredible power of humor and decided he’d use it to educate people about Down syndrome and raise money for programs.
In 2013, he and Ellen launched Stand Up for Downs and began hosting comedy events, with Rob performing a routine based on his experience raising a child with special needs. Over the next four years, they raised more than $ 450,000 for various organizations that support the DS community.
Though proud, Rob longed to do more. And one day while talking to a friend, she shared her dream to start an improvisation program, and another idea hit Rob like a lightning bolt. He knew improv—where comedians make up routines on the spot— teaches problem solving, teamwork and communication skills, as well as builds confidence… skills that could help young people with DS expand their work and social opportunities. Inspired, Rob began holding improv classes for anyone with DS over age 15…and the results were even better than he’d imagined. After just a few classes, he saw his students blossoming, and the wheels began turning in his head. “What if we formed an actual
“Henry introduced us to a world we never knew existed, and it’s wonderful!”
comedy troupe so people can see just how talented these young people are?” he posed to Ellen.
Changing lives
After holding auditions, Rob formed The Improvaneers, a group of nine advanced students, with his son Henry, now 10, as a special cast member. “Henry was my inspiration,” Rob smiles. “I couldn’t leave him out. Plus, he’s a ham!”
After months of practice, The Improvaneers put on their debut show last July and brought the audience of 300 to their feet! Seeing the pride and joy on his cast’s faces, tears filled Rob’s eyes. But it’s how comedy has impacted their lives offstage that brings him the most joy. All the cast members have become more engaged with their families and lives, and six have even gotten jobs! “Henry introduced us to a world we never knew existed, and it’s pretty wonderful!” says Rob. “When I look at him today, I think, Imagine all the possibilities!”
— Michelle Abrams