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Inspired by a summer of no cable, watching dvd’s of SNL the complete second season, and improv exercises from Judd Apatow projects, Gbenga decided, " Hey I want to join an improv group!" Outside of his budding academic career in engineering, and his involvement in church, he has had some theater experience, some spoken word/rap peformance experience, and has been able to reach “Hit Artist” level on the karaoke video game SingStar. |
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As an escapee from way too many years of having her life, laughter and soul sucked away through Corporate America, Tami Haubner searched high and low for all means of creative diversion. Beginning with stained glass classes and continuing to professional cake decorating she found a creative outlet but yearned for a creative voice. Through acting lessons for a local theater group, her teacher suggested she try Improv as a way to communicate her comedic intention, and she's not looked back since she found the Zoo. |
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In February of 2008, Suzy jumped into the electromagnetic field of improv with no regard for the cataclysmic consequences that would follow. Through the tender guidance of her fellow improvisors, Suzy learned essential survival skills and is now able to deftly perform circumcisions, teeter breathtakingly atop the Empire State Building, and nonchalantly change her clothes in front of any audience. Suzy's improv hygiene has increased rapidly and she is now sure to put on a fresh pair of characters every morning. When she is not taking the stage with this gang of hoodlums, Suzy has been caught doing performance poetry at various venues around town. |
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i fell immediately in love with improv as a study in my own psyche, and as a study in humanity at large. improv is life and humanity naked on stage, in all its sexy beautiful ugliness. improv at its best is ego dissolving, category destroying, sometimes terrifying, sometimes hilarious, sometimes hideously beautiful, always intense. even better, it's tons of fun. |
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Brian Hagy has been studying/teaching/performing in the theater world for nearly 30 years. His introduction to improvisation came through the old theater techniques of commedia dell'arte and mask work. In 1995, he founded and has since been the director of a local theater company called the Prompting Theater, a troupe comprised of adult actors with developmental disabilities. He joined Zoo Improv in 2004. |
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Improv changed my life! I lost 50lbs and you can too with Zoo! Act now and for only $9.95 we will throw in a Zoo T-shirt. When I am not whoring myself for Zoo, you can find me in acting class, in a play, singing jazz standards, teaching music, or putting the smack down on my children. You got a problem with that? I didn't think so. |
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Aubrey has been honored to be performing with the esteemed members of Zoo Improv. Before this, she was wandering aimlessly through a harsh, cold land of normals. A world of jokes cracked but not caught, punch lines delivered, but never received. Just when she thought she might go postal on the next “free-spirit” comment, she met the motley Zoo Improv. Once she experienced the catharsis and mastered the secret hand-shake of improvisation she knew she would never leave the loving womb of improv or spend all that money on electro-shock therapy. |
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Champaign, IL 61821
www.zooimprov.com
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217.649.2983
Download the .pdf of this Resume here
About Zoo Improv is a not-for-profit organization comprised of a diverse group of actors who love improvisation. Our ensemble includes certified teachers in theatre and music, professionally trained performers, and improvisers. Each of our performances is versatile, unique, and tailored to the audience.
Mission Zoo Improv is organized for artistic and educational purposes, more specifically to explore and experiment with various forms of improvisational theater through study, rehearsal, workshop, and performance; to maintain an open environment of participation by all members; to encourage an active interest in the art form in the community at large; with a focus on maximizing growth and artistic merit.
Education Members of Zoo Improv have received training from the following institutions and centers: University of Illinois, University of Maryland, North Park University, Dell'Arte School for Physical Theater, Educator training at Illinois High School Theatre Festival, the American High School Theatre Festival and the International Thespian Festival. Additionally, the ensemble has received training from Nathan Jansen (iO Chicago), Jet Eveleth (iO Chicago, Chicago Improv Festival artist associate), Mark Sutton (CIF Artistic Director), Jonathon Pitts (CIF Producer), and Micah Philbrook and Sally Anderson (pH Productions).
Performance Background and Other Experience
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Regular performances
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Iron Post – Fall 2007 to present
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Verde Gallery – Fall 2005 to Spring 2007
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Indigo Artist Co op – June 2009 to present
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Cowboy Monkey – Bi-monthly, Summer 2009; returning in the Fall of 2009
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Festivals:
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Host and Organizers of the Champaign-Urbana Improv Festival, March 2009
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Chicago Improv Festival Apprentice Team, June 2008
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Performances at the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival, Mollypalooza, Boneyard Arts Festival, Urbana Street Theatre Festival, Taste of Champaign, and the Illinois State Fair
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Interactive events:
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Boltini Lounge Repeal Day Celebration – Provided ambient performers to interact with patrons to create a 1930’s speakeasy environment and provide surprise police “raid” on the bar
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K Kouch for Krannert Center for the Performing Arts – facilitating conversations with people about the arts
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Dance Breaks and Dance Parties – commissioned by KCPA, 40 North/88 West, and the Urbana Business Association to organize volunteers and participate in spontaneous 10-minute dance parties on multiple dates in various locations throughout the C-U area
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Marketing:
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The Fireswallow Project - provided “Guerilla Improv” performances as commissioned by Spinlight Studios and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
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40 North/88 West Marketing for the Boneyard Arts Festival - provided improvised events in public spaces
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Corporate Parties and Conferences: Carle Foundation Cardiac Rehabilitation Group holiday party; Champaign-Urbana Movie Makers Association Annual Mixer; Human Kinetics holiday party; Boltini Lounge Employee holiday party; Taylor Studios Employee Appreciation Party, Nurse Practitioners’ Conference, Schaumburg IL; Illinois Tourism Bureau
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Educational Workshops: provided introductory and intermediate improvisational theatre training to youth at Operation Snowball; Central High School Theatre Group; Zoo Improv Teen Improvisers Summer Camp
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Private Parties: provided entertainment at a wide range of private events including birthday, retirement, and engagement parties
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The Troupe
