Meet Darren Held of Held2gether in Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Held.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Darren. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was a New York actor, who, like many, moved to L.A. to pursue the film & TV path of my career. I landed an agent and the first words out of her mouth were “Take improv classes! They’ll help with your auditions.” I took her advice and signed up at the Groundlings on Melrose Avenue. I was hooked. Yes, it helped with my career, but so much more. As an actor, you have many jobs to support your craft. I did everything from waiting tables to event planning to political fundraising. I found myself becoming really good at all of these careers, because I was applying my improv comedy skills. My personal relationships were improving too. All because of this amazing communication skill.

My mission was transformed to sharing this craft with others – people from all backgrounds, not just performers. In 2009, I taught my first class with everyday people with 9 to 5s – ages 18 to 88. It took off.

It morphed into 2 classes, then 4, then a troupe and full school. Over the past 8 years, I’ve expanded into the corporate realm to assist businesses, large and small, become more productive and creative through the power of improv. I also have the pleasure of helping specialty groups including Alzheimer’s patients, prisoners, and at-risk youth lead more enriching lives through this amazing craft.

Each year we continue to grow creatively as a performance troupe and a company. I’m truly blessed.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s never smooth starting your own company. Anyone will tell you that. I was living off of Unemployment my first 2 years, while making a part-time salary. There’s always the fear that the bottom is going to fall through. There are periods that are slow. You begin to question if it’s a realistic dream to do what you love and make a living.

When you’re working with creative people, there’s a lot of sensitivity issues as well. Sometimes people are vulnerable and get hurt pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. My teachers and myself are very compassionate, but it’s important to remember the goal is not for them to “like you”, it’s to learn, and struggle is part of the journey. Most of the time it’s really fun, but not all.

Held2gether – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I teach the advanced improvisational classes, run corporate workshops and direct the Held2gether performance troupe. We’re known for catering to all types of backgrounds – who are taking improv for a variety of reasons. Many take classes to overcome a fear, others for something on their bucket list. Some are performers. But we specialize in “improv for life” – this is something you can take outside of the class and immediately apply to enhance your life. Aside from the amazing 12 talented performers I direct, I’m most proud of that.

Our award-winning troupe is amazingly talented, humble and generous as well. We work so well together and are truly an ensemble. I’m happy to have been able to plant the seed that created that.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me success is measured by personal growth. As a spiritual philosophy, I do my best to embrace challenges and opportunities. What did I learn from this? How can I transform this “poison” into “medicine.” So when I’ve had a hand introducing people who become friends with others they never would have approached, and have become confident in a way that’s new and has led to action, I feel successful. I suppose a lot of my personal success is defined by how I overcome adversity as well. I get bored if things are too status quo. My goals and expectations sometimes bring a lot of pain and disappointment along the way, but being bored scares me more.

Pricing:

• Beginning classes are $195 and run 6-8 weeks

Contact Info:

• Address: 4321 Atlantic Avenue,
  Long Beach, CA 90807
• Website: www.held2gether.com
• Phone: 5625378558
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: #held2gether
• Facebook: Held2gether
• Twitter: Held2gether
• Yelp: HELD2GETHER, Improv for Life

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.