ABOUT MIKE:
Hometown: Flossmoor, IL. South Suburbs! What what!
When/why did you start improvising?
In college, I was introduced to improv by a man named Jeff Wirth. The idea that I could make stuff up just blew me away.
Improvising background
I did my training at the BNW and since 2003 have performed in billions of after show improv sets. I've also gained invaluable experience working with Ferrari McSpeedy and Fingergun, two local improv groups. As a member of the BNW or my other projects, I have performed at TCIF, the Chicago Improv Festival, and at the Toronto Tournament Of Wonders. In fall of 2009, I became the Co-Director of the Brave New Institute.
What is your favorite improv structure?
I enjoy the Armando and any structure that involves large group scenes or structures that involve pizza and yelling.
What is your favorite class to teach ?
My favorite class is the Performance level 1 or Everyday Level 1. Seeing the light bulb go off
for people while they're learning is the most satisfying thing in the world apart from a slice of Giordano's pizza.
Favorite teacher or improv book?
Jenni Lilledahl was my favorite improv teacher. She made class so much fun that you forgot you were learning.
The Inner Game Of Tennis. Not an improv book per se, but an interesting look into our brains and how they get in the way.
What do you want written on your tombstone?
At Some Point, He Managed To Stop Caring About Stuff That Didn't Matter.
If you could be any animal what would you be?
A Noble Beast Of Any Kind.