In a world where live comedy and community spaces can sometimes feel unwelcoming to those with sensory sensitivities, one St. Augustine improv studio is rewriting the script. Third Space Improv, founded in 2023, has earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), signaling a serious commitment to inclusion that goes far beyond a simple welcome mat.
The certification process required at least 80% of Third Space Improv’s front-facing staff to complete autism and sensory training, equipping them with practical strategies to better understand and support autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. The studio, which already offers live comedy shows, adult improv classes, workshops, special events, private immersive experiences, and kids’ summer camps, now has a structured framework to ensure those programs are genuinely accessible.
“At Third Space Improv, inclusion isn’t just something we say—it’s something we have to actively practice,” says owner Amy Angelilli. “Becoming a Certified Autism Center™ gives us the knowledge and tools to better understand, welcome, and support neurodivergent people in our classes, shows, and community. Improv is built on listening, acceptance, flexibility, and making space for one another, and this certification helps us live those values more fully. Everyone deserves a place where they can feel comfortable being themselves, connecting with others, and experiencing the joy of play.”
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The training provided by IBCCES goes beyond simple awareness. It focuses on strengthening staff confidence, improving communication, and proactively reducing barriers to participation. For a creative community space like Third Space Improv, that means rethinking everything from how shows are announced to how classes are conducted, ensuring that more individuals and families feel comfortable attending programs, events, and activities.
“Creative spaces can provide meaningful opportunities for people to connect, express themselves and build confidence, and ensuring these experiences are welcoming to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals can make a meaningful difference,” says Myron Pincomb, CEO and Board Chairman of IBCCES. “Third Space Improv’s commitment to autism and sensory training demonstrates the value of preparing staff to better understand different needs and create an environment where more people can participate, connect and enjoy the experience.”
Accessibility at the studio isn’t limited to training. The venue at 200 Malaga Street #7 in downtown St. Augustine features a designated accessible parking space in front, a street-level entrance, an accessible restroom, and a stage equipped with a ramp and handrail. These physical accommodations complement the staff’s newfound expertise, making the space more navigable for individuals participating in performances, classes, workshops, and other activities.
By completing the CAC process, Third Space Improv becomes part of a larger movement spearheaded by the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. The goal is to help St. Johns County, Florida, achieve the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) designation, which ensures that visitors have multiple trained and certified options—from entertainment and recreation to lodging—throughout their experience in the area.
For 25 years, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory, and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, covering sectors from healthcare and education to public safety, travel, and corporate environments. The organization’s programs include training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure lasting impact.
Third Space Improv is now featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App™, a free tool that provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-inclusive spaces, and tailored recommendations. The app connects users to accessible locations worldwide, helping ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences. IBCCES also offers AutismTravel.com and AccessibilityCertified.com as free online resources for families seeking certified locations and professionals.
Why it matters: This certification isn’t just a badge for Third Space Improv—it’s a model for how creative spaces can actively dismantle barriers to participation. When a comedy studio trains its entire front-facing staff to understand neurodivergent needs, it sends a clear signal that laughter and connection belong to everyone. As St. Johns County pushes toward becoming a Certified Autism Destination, this move shows that true inclusion requires more than good intentions; it demands deliberate, structured action.
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About Third Space Improv
Third Space Improv is a creative community space offering an improv school, comedy shows every weekend, as well as team building, corporate workshops and leadership training. Located at 200 Malaga Street #7 in downtown St. Augustine, the studio features an ADA-accessible stage. Learn more at www.3rdspaceimprov.com and follow along on social media @3rdspaceimprov.
About IBCCES
Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility – IBCCES provides a series of certification programs that empower professionals to be industry leaders and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. For 25 years, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training. IBCCES works in over 125 countries and provides training in 8 languages, and its programs have been recognized around the world as the leading benchmark in training and certification.
In addition to individual certification programs, IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) and Autism Certified City™ (ACC), ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors feel welcomed and safe. Destinations that achieve the CAD designation have completed a specialized program that ensures a multitude of recreation, hospitality, and entertainment organizations have completed an autism and sensory-sensitivity training, certification, and IBCCES facilities review process. The ACC designation expands on that program and includes IBCCES training and certification for the public safety, education, healthcare, and workplace sectors.
IBCCES also created the Accessibility App™, AutismTravel.com, and AccessibilityCertified.com – free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other.
Media Contacts
Amy Angelilli, Owner/Ringleader
Third Space Improv
Phone: (904) 342-7299 studio, (215) 833-5220
Email: amy@3rdspaceimprov.com
Meredith Tekin
IBCCES
+1 904-508-0135
marketing@ibcces.org
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