TheArtOfYes: Episode 14 – Interview With Jeff Michalski


JEFF MICHALSKI is an improv practitioner, teacher, and actor, he is featured in over thirty films, most recently The Laundromat playing opposite Meryl Streep. He has taught all forms of improvisation for around forty years, as well as developed his own long-form techniques. He has performed across the United States, Canada, and Ireland in theatres and nightclubs and has directed Second City companies in Chicago, Los Angeles, Kilkenny, and Toronto.As a producer, director and performer, he has worked with Dan Castellaneta, Chris Farley, Amy Sedaris, Mike Meyer, Steven Colbert, Ryan Stiles, David Pasquesi and many more. Jeff worked in comedy clubs across the country with the Original Comedy Rangers and was a member of the Groundling in Los Angeles before settling with the Chicago Second City in 1980.During his years with the Second City, Mr. Michalski studied with Paul Sills and his historic Story Theatre. While traveling the country with Second City’s National Touring Company he continued training with Second City founder Paul Sills, and artistic directors Del Close, Fred Kaz and Bernie Sahlins.In 1984 Michalski was a founder of the Second City ETC. His directorial debut, “Cows on Ice” made the ETC an instant hit and was followed by the even larger success of “Mirrors at the Border”. His achievements brought him to the Second City Toronto where he was nominated for a Dora Award for his direction of “Who’s Tory Now?” Michalski continued as director and Artistic Director of the ETC until 1988 when his success in Chicago led him to be chosen as director of the premiere production of the Second City in Santa Monica, also a critical success.While still in Chicago with the ETC, Michalski also helped found the Second City Training Center, a comprehensive training program from which the next generation of Second City players are chosen. He also helped create the Second City Training Program in Chicago and Los Angeles.Michalski was involved with opening the Upfront Comedy Showcase in 1990, and The Comedy Underground in Santa Monica in 1998. He currently teaching people from all walks of life to improvise at the fanaticSalon in Culver City. Michalski’s production credits include many Second City shows and Michael Moore’s “TV Nation”. Jeff has also written for comedians and television shows including “Exit 57” featuring Amy Sedaris Stephan Colbert and others. He directed the Second City at the Cats’ Laugh International Comedy Festival in Kilkenny, Ireland.

FIND JEFF ON Facebook.com/Michalskimethod

Jeff’s email is Improvjeff@gmail.com

jeffsworkshops.blogspot.com

fanaticsalon.com


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