Diane Barnes
After surviving the catastrophe inspiring her show, My Stroke of Luck, Diane Barnes discovered improvisation. “Yes, and,” the mantra of improv, opened an alternate universe for this “Hmm, show me the evidence,” skeptic scientist. Barnes’ first solo performance shared her experience negotiating the hurdles to single parent adoption. Audience response galvanized her with the power of storytelling and launched her new career. She left the practice of medicine in 2010. Now a Meisner-trained actor, Barnes also completed the American Conservatory Theater’s Summer Training Congress, and studied with Anna Deavere Smith, Ann Randolph, Keith Johnstone, and the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre. She has appeared at Ross Valley Players, College of Marin, Studio One, BATS Improv, and Pan Theater. Barnes, a NYC transplant, and third generation physician, is a graduate of Stanford University and Yale University School of Medicine, and is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology.
