Improviser, performer, teaching artist, 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?
Over 35 years of performing
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 our cornerstone productions Jet City Improv and 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.
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 Projects
Currently I am available to lead workshops for private groups, colleges, high schools or corporations. Contact me for pricing!
I can 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
Since the pandemic began, I have been producing and directing Twisted Flicks, our improvised "B" movie re-dubbing show virtually on Twitch. The show has been running continuously since 1997 under my direction.
I am also back leading live improv classes every week for the Sanctuary Arts Visual Storytelling Program in Seattle.
My improvised Vietnam War comedy Bunker 13 enjoyed a successful virtual run during the pandemic, and the squad is looking forward to returning to the stage soon!
Resume
Mike_Resume-b (doc)
DownloadProduction Stills
Improvised Play Festival - Austin Texas
Bunker 13 at the Hawai'i Festival of Improv
Sarge (Mike Christensen) opens the show
Mike in Election Show 2008 - San Francisco Improv Festival, The Purple Onion
Mike gives Mandy a lift.
Improv Life
A snapshot of what's happening in my improv life
Reviews
Contact Me
Do you have more questions? Are you interested in collaborating on a project? Send me a message, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Mike Christensen
Copyright © 2022 Mike Christensen - All Rights Reserved.
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