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MILWAUKEE
IMPROV
OPENING

The Milwaukee Improv project was a career-defining opening where I led cross-functional teams, managed design communication, and oversaw all pre-launch coordination through the uniquely challenging conditions of the COVID pandemic.

PROJECT
OBJECTIVES

Deliver a fully operational, uniquely designed Improv venue during the height of the pandemic while maintaining timeline integrity, guest-experience quality, and strong cross-department alignment across Operations, Marketing, IT/AV, HR, Legal, Training, and external vendors.

PROJECT
SCOPE

Oversee all pre-opening preparation for the Milwaukee Improv following construction completion during COVID. This included coordinating cross-functional teams, managing vendor installs (AV, furniture, fixtures), integrating design elements, facilitating remote collaboration, and supporting the development of the venue’s signature lounge and guest-experience features.

BEFORE PHOTOS

  • Led virtual coordination across all internal departments including Operations, Marketing, IT/AV, Training, HR, Legal, and the Special Events team
     

  • Managed all vendor relationships for FF&E, AV, lighting, signage, and custom fabrication
     

  • Directed architectural plan reviews and communicated design decisions for layout, guest flow, and on-site revisions
     

  • Oversaw the concept development and design integration of the venue’s signature lounge
     

  • Sourced, contracted, and managed local artists to create custom design elements and branded visual features
     

  • Coordinated city permitting, health department requirements, fire inspections, and all compliance-related approvals
     

  • Managed budget tracking, timelines, and pre-opening project schedules to ensure alignment with executive leadership
     

  • Supported the Operations and HR departments in employee hiring, training, onboarding, and operational setup.
     

  • Oversaw POS programming, menu setup, IT network installation, and all technology readiness
     

  • Delivered a fully operational, on-brand comedy venue resulting in the successful opening of the Milwaukee Improv

Challenge

Opening a venue during the height of COVID, with shifting regulations, restricted in-person access, and rapidly changing timelines.

Solution

I built strong virtual communication structures, weekly cross-department meetings, shared digital trackers, and real-time updates, to keep all teams aligned despite working remotely.

Challenge

Needing to navigate architectural and design changes without being on-site.

Solution

I taught myself 2D AutoCAD to read plans accurately, communicate layout and design adjustments clearly, and troubleshoot issues directly with contractors and designers. This removed a lot of communication barriers and helped accelerate decision making.

Challenge

Bringing the unique design vision to life with limited local access and supply chain delays.

Solution

I sourced local artists and small business vendors, including a muralist and a custom woodworker. I partnered closely with all vendors while managing flexible timelines to ensure every element was delivered and installed on schedule.

AFTER PHOTOS

SUMMARY

The Milwaukee Improv Opening project challenged me to manage a complex, design-driven venue opening entirely through remote coordination during unprecedented circumstances. It strengthened my technical skills (AutoCAD), sharpened my ability to lead cross-functional teams virtually, and deepened my vendor-management expertise. The result was a smooth, on-time opening and a venue that remains one of the most successful in the Improv portfolio, celebrated for its unique design and guest-experience standout lounge.
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