Chanel Geter is the most recent Merlin Works student to be awarded the Diversity Scholarship. The Merlin Works Diversity Scholarship was created to foster diversity both onstage and off. It primarily aims to further open the world of Austin Improv to people of color, though individuals who identify with any minority background, culture, or community are welcome to apply.

Chanel has already taken 101 and 201 with Merlin Works, and says she’s interested in improv because “it’s a really effective outlet for my energy, I believe I have a knack for it, and I really enjoy the opportunity to improv with others and explore our ability to grow on stage!”

Her diverse cultural sensibilities and blended sense of humor include an appreciation for mostly-white ’80s action movies, Black sitcoms from the ’90s, alternative rock from the 2000s, and hip-hop. She says she also feels comfortable in front of a diverse audience.

“I am also still looking to discover my authentic voice through the process of studying improv,” she said.