The Made Man Improv Show is celebrating a remarkable milestone—40 shows of bringing laughter, creativity, and community connection to Indianapolis. Created and hosted by the talented Justin Bland, this dynamic show has become a cornerstone of the local comedy scene, blending quick wit, relatable humor, and unforgettable performances. Over the course of 40 shows, Made Man Improv has not only entertained diverse audiences but also provided a platform for rising talent to shine. This celebration marks a testament to the power of live comedy to unite and uplift, with each performance showcasing the unique ability of improv to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. As it celebrates this achievement, the Made Man Improv Show looks forward to continuing its legacy of laughter and innovation in Indianapolis and beyond.

• What inspired you to create the Made Man Improv Show, and how did the concept come together?

It was originally created in 2013 but relaunched and reformed in 2018. I remember coming out of a 5 year slump where I felt super stagnant and useless. I would always question my purpose and wonder what it was that I could do within my craft and passion to help not only myself, but others who felt like I did. I wanted to be around likeminded people that just needed a push and a positive environment. I quickly realized it was my job to create that space. Just 3 short months after this new group was selected, I knew we had talent that needed to be showcased to our city. The laughs that we shared in our sessions were too contagious to keep to ourselves. When it came to the concept of what the showcase would look like — I basically took my love for theater/plays, improv, comedy, game shows, and music to curate this variety show that we would introduce to the city as the Made Man Improv Show.

• How would you describe the unique style or vibe of the Made Man Improv Show?

First off, I absolutely love when people experience the show for the first time and attempt to explain the vibe and what they felt to me. It’s hilarious but so dope because a lot of the time it’s indescribable. I always tell people that you can fake a lot of things but a genuine vibe ain’t one of them. It’s just a room full of love, laughs and light. I’m a faith baby that was born and raised in church. If people paid close attention, a lot of the structure and style of the show comes directly from my religious upbringing. The beginning of the show we always do a welcome, especially to our visitors. We set the atmosphere with music. If we’re transition from one game to the next and the crowd is feeling the song that’s played, we let them have that moment. Our social media break feels like offering time without the money lol. I always try to leave the audience with some substance or a small simple message of hope. It so many correlations but it’s all organic. A good balance of righteousness and ratchetness! lol

• What challenges have you faced as both the creator and host, and how have you overcome them?

Being both creator and host is a beautiful thing because it’s easy to fly the plane that you’ve designed and built. The flip side to that is me knowing the plan, having the vision, and not always properly communicating that to my passengers (cast/staff/ volunteers). Sometimes I just flat out suck at explaining instead of telling everyone what’s going on so we’re all on the same page. Thank God for a winning record, compassion, grace, and mercy. I’m actively getting better by slowing down, putting things on paper to properly manage, and assigning tasks to people.

• How do you balance humor with meaningful storytelling in your performances?

Sometimes that balance comes in the form of metaphors, layers, and “Easter eggs” within the performances. With it being a comedy show, it’s always important to keep the main thing the main thing. Majority of the time it feels like nothing more than a laughing matter but every so often, things will happen in our community and culture where I feel it necessary and relevant to drive a point home. The smiles come off and we have those heart to hearts. I think it’s important to show people it’s cool to laugh but it’s always dope to be transparent and have those teachable / lovable moments too.

• How did your journey in comedy and improv begin, and who were your biggest influences?

I have legit been freestyle acting and creating comedic content since a kid. My siblings would set up the camera and just let me do my thing. Pure raw entertainment at its finest. It just came so naturally, and their hysterical laughter and reactions were fuel to the fire. Fast forward to my freshman year of high school where my theater teacher Ms. Lewis taught me what improv acting was. I had witnessed it via television growing up but now she actually gave me the opportunity to experience it in a structured way for myself. It was like giving candy to a baby. So, I would say she is one, if not my biggest influence as far as improv acting. As it pertains to my comedy influences, that list is long but some of my earliest memories of thinking “I can do that. I want to do that” was being a little kid watching Sinbad stand ups and listening to Rickey Smiley tapes. They both showed me that I can do this comedy thing, MY WAY.

• As a creator, how do you stay inspired and continue to innovate with your content?

I literally can pull inspiration from anywhere. I’m easily inspired and most of the time it has nothing to do with my craft. I’ll listen to a new project from Maxie or Woogie and be inspired to create for the show. I’ll see my friend Chef J that I went to high school with do a setup for one of her events and start working on my presentation for the show. I’ll watch my friend Leronica build her lash business from the ground up and be inspired to take my business more seriously. I’ll have a misunderstanding with a stranger at a store and laugh about it on the way home thinking of all the comical ways the encounter could have went and make a whole sketch about it at the show. I get every drop of inspiration and creativity out of my days.

• What are your goals for the Made Man Improv Show in the next few years?

It’s my hope, responsibility and commitment to see to it that we get a theater. That is definitely one of my biggest priorities. I don’t want it just to say it’s mine but it’s necessary in our community for so many reasons. For Made Man to really be a staple in the city, we need a landmark for outsiders to put on their to-do list and pull up to when they visit Nap. Also, the college tour has been in the works for some time now. That’s definitely happening. Most likely a teen program as well. So yeah, we have a lot of work to do.

• If you could have any celebrity guest join the Made Man Improv Show, who would it be and why?

Ehhh… I actually don’t have an answer for that. I feel like I’d just picking someone just because. I want the undiscovered celebrities. The people who have been counted out that will maximize the opportunity and use this platform to build their careers. While it would be made good for click bait by picking a random celeb, I’d much rather find the hidden gems right here in the city.

• What has hosting this show taught you about yourself as a performer and a leader?

This has shown me that I am loved, supported, respected, valued, cherished, appreciated, and needed — the list goes on. Every time a piece of doubt tried to creep in, someone randomly, yet boldly came and poured into me and reassured me of my purpose in doing this. It has shown me my true strength in connecting people, being a light, a beacon of hope, and sometimes the only positive thing in some people’s life. Some of these things I was aware of, others I had no idea, but this show has genuinely taught me that God has me here for a specific reason and every show, every laugh, every new cast member, every supporter and laugh gives me more understanding and clarity of that purpose.