Improviser, performer, teaching artist, improv coach, comedy sage.
I can give you the tools to be a better communicator, teammate or performer!
Jump start your creativity with improv.
V for Vendetta
"There is no certainty, only opportunity."
What is Mike about?
35 years of performing and teaching
I am a professional improviser with 35 years of experience performing and teaching improvisational comedy and theater at all levels.
I have been a teaching artist for Jet City Improv since 1994 when I began the Improv Dojo, a weekly improv drop-in work-out for all skill levels. Since that time I have led students through Improv 101, 102, 103, 201 and numerous specialty workshops. I have also taught at the corporate level, Middle School residencies, High Schools and for our Outreach Program for summer camps for kids.
Many have found me to be a great improv team coach and can quickly move your group to a higher level of cohesion, performance and fun no matter what the skill level of your performers.
I've been performing improv professionally since 1989, when I arrived in Seattle, MFA in hand, and started my improv journey.
After founding Jet City Improv in 1992 and focusing for years on short-form, we scored our own space and began creating eighty-minute fully improvised plays and shorter sixty-minute costumed and themed works we called "midform".
I have loads of directing experience with improvisational work, both short form improv and full length improvised plays.
I'm very interested in moving improv into the ranks of "real" theater by conceiving, producing and performing full-length improvised works that redefine "long form" improv and introduce it to the theater-going public.
I also have solid communication teaching background with experience on the collegiate and corporate level.
Improv is a powerful, flexible and fun teaching tool beyond the stage. I am focused on expanding the use of improv as a tool to smooth communication, spark creativity, bond teams and energize work flow. I have taught at corporations for over 20 years and teams find the work refreshing and resonating long after the session is over!
Improv paired with public speaking training is extremely useful and effective. I have used it with great success in easing or removing the fear of public speaking for college students and corporate presenters as well.
If you are interested in learning about taking a small improv group from $0.00 to half a million in 20 years, I have that experience as well.
Currently I'm the Associate Artistic Director of Jet City Improv as well as the Director of the long-running show Twisted Flicks.
I'm the Co-Founder of Jet City Improv.
I am a fun and effective master of ceremonies where a quick-witted engaging individual is needed to keep the atmosphere high-energy and interesting.
In addition to my years of improv experience I have a strong background in performing scripted acting. I also have some experience directing scripted work with short and full length plays.
Specialties: Direction of both long/short form improv and scripted work.
Teaching experience stretching over thirty years, focusing on improv at the college and corporate level, plus independent workshops for all skill levels; both groups and individuals.
I am currently the Adjunct Instructor of Improvisational Acting at Tacoma School of the Arts.
Improviser, actor and performer with over 35 years of onstage experience. Public Speaking Coach, Master of Ceremonies, Host.
Additional Skills: Stage Craft, Lighting, Make-up. Theater Management, Concessions and Bar Management.
Hobbies: Motorcycles, Magic: the Gathering, Gardening, B Movies, Photography
Available for Your Project - or Event!
Currently I am available to lead workshops for private groups large or small, colleges, high schools or corporations. ALSO AVAILABLE; a Personal Improv Experience for your small group - backyard, living room; NEARLY ANYWHERE! Contact me for pricing!
I can also coach your improv team or if your project needs guidance, direct your improvised show.
I am also available for voice over acting and hosting. Please see my resumé for the details of my experience and skills.
Current Projects
In 2023 I was hired as Adjunct Instructor of Improv Acting at Tacoma School of the Arts and in 2024 I'm continuing to teach there. It's an amazing school with some very talented students!
2024 has gotten off to a good start for corporate workshops! I have led four improv team building workshops this year for Microsoft, added three small Personal Improv Experience workshops (PIE) in April/May as well.
Twisted Flicks, our improvised "B" movie re-dubbing show is back live and in-person, in addition to appearing virtually on Twitch. The show has been running continuously since 1997 under my direction. See twistedflicks.com for more!
Past Projects
In 2023 I was hired as Adjunct Instructor of Improv Acting at Tacoma School of the Arts and in 2024/25 I'm continuing to teach there. It's an amazing school with some very talented students!
2023 was a very busy year for corporate workshops! I led improv team building workshops for Kongsberg Group, Deloitte, Amazon, Highspot, Capitol High School in Olympia, Google, Microsoft, Premera, Tahoma High School, T-Mobile, Butler Manufacturing and TechStars on the University of Washington campus. Many were multiple workshops on separate days or the same day!
This year, Twisted Flicks, our improvised "B" movie re-dubbing show is back live and in-person, in addition to appearing virtually on Twitch. The show has been running continuously since 1997 under my direction.