Ru Halwala

Ru (she/her/they) is a comedian, actor, producer, podcast host, teacher and cat devotee. She is one half of comedy duo Scary Strangers, who have produced star-studded sell-out shows across Australia including The STEAM Room ft. Doctor Karl, Big Cat Club, Are You Havin’ a Laugh and Grrl Squad.

Ru is part of legendary improv teams ASMR (ITS Smackdown Champions 2021) and Tetronimo (Cagefight Champions 2021). She has improvised on some of Australia’s biggest stages including Celebrity Theatresports™ at Enmore Theatre, Queensland Museum, Splendour in the Grass, Commbank Stadium, and The Factory Theatre.

Ru launched an improvised comedy podcast called Ru’s Chit-Chat-Cadillac in 2024 which is available to listen on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Improv loves: Improv is my happy place. I love creating and collaborating with funny people in a safe, judgement-free environment.

Improv hero: Edan Lacey

Favourite improv advice: Have fun and be silly!

Offstage: I enjoy painting, sewing, gardening. Pretty much anything crafty/DIY!

Testimonials

“Ru, I’m so grateful you’re my improv teacher. The way you encouraged me, cheered me on, and made room for my pace of learning – I felt so safe to simply be. Be scared. Be unsure. Be not good enough. Be brave. Be patient. Be willing to keep trying. I learnt to be kinder and more encouraging towards myself from the warm encouragement of a good-natured coach. Ru, thank you for choosing to be who you are — that has made all the difference. PS I’ve also learnt not all strangers are scary.”

– Eli (former student)