the laughing academy FACULTY

Comedian, author, actor, and trainer Jimmy Carrane began his career at The Second City and iO, is an original member of The Annoyance, and was a member of 'Jazz Freddy,' 'Carl and the Passions,' and iO's legendary troupe, 'Armando.' He co-created Naked, and wrote and performed the solo shows I Am 27, I Still Live at Home and Sell Office Supplies, and Living in Dwarf’s House. I addition to numerous TV shows and film credits, Jimmy hosted NPR's Studio 312, and currently hosts the Improv Nerd podcast. His books include Improv Therapy and Improvising Better: A Guide for the Working Improviser with co-author Liz Allen.

With improv and stand-up training from  The Second City and iO, Tyler Fowler is a nationally touring comedian whose debut album Friends With 401(k) Benefits premiered at #1 on iTunes, and in the Top 10 on the Billboard Comedy Charts. He recently completed the 30 minute special Little Spoon with Drybar Comedy, and is .

 a regular at The Laugh Factory, and Zanies Comedy Clubs. 

A graduate of the Second City Conservatory, Laura Hugg also studied theater at Columbia College, and is now a nationally-touring stand up comedian, improviser, storyteller, and sketch comic writer and performer. She has featured for Vince Maranto and Rocky LaPorte, and produces and hosts the Lincoln Lodge Theater comedy variety showcase, Keep Coming Back and hosts the weekly open mic at Ten Ninety Brewing Co in Glenview.

Monica Matsakis is a writer and live storyteller who has shared her work at The Moth, Truth Be Told, Story Lab, This Much is True, The Laughing Academy and more. She is also a professionally trained actor, most recently appearing as Kate Jerome in Brighton Beach Memoirs at The Citadel Theater. Along with being entertaining, Monica believes in the transformative and healing power of live storytelling, not only for the teller but the audience as well. Connecting and feeling less alone is at our fingertips when we share our journey with one another.

A screenwriter, script consultant, and television writer since 1998 and former adjunct professor at Northwestern University's Department of Radio, Television, and Film, Dee Ryan has also performed, written, and taught at The Second City, and currently produces, hosts and writes for the storytelling show Louder Than a Mom, is a contributing editor for The Chicago Muse and a consultant and keynote creative director for ASUG-Americas' SAP Users' Group. 

She has performed her play "DeeConstruction" across the United States,on stages inclouding iO, UCB, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Merrimack Repertory Theater, and Center Stage.

 Tim Soszko has made a living performing, teaching, writing, directing and producing for over 15 years all over the US, Canada and Europe. In addition to teaching classes at The Actors Training Center, The Revival, Booth, and Quinlan, he performs with the musical improv group The Deltones, and wrote and starred in the pilot for his own sketch comedy TV show. For fun, Tim works as an emcee, an auctioneer, and a wood worker. Tim hopes to make millions as a voiceover artist. 

He has yet to reach his goal.

Darren Stephens is a veteran performer, comedian and improviser whose work includes the Second City House Improv Musical Ensemble, 'Baby Wants Candy,' and Musical, The Musical. In addition to numerous stage, film and tv appearances, his voiceover work has been featured in thousands of regional and national radio and television commercials, and is regarded as one of Chicago’s leading Voice and Presentation Coaches. Darren is skilled at helping people overcome the stress and anxiety associated with public speaking and teaches them how to effectively use humor and incorporate storytelling to create compelling messaging.